The second half of 2024 revealed some fascinating trends in the UK’s vehicle scrappage landscape. Based on the data we’ve collected, here’s an overview of the most commonly scrapped makes and models, showcasing how the automotive market continues to evolve.
Top 10 Most Scrapped Car Models (July – December 2024)
| Rank | Car Model | Percentage of Vehicles Scrapped |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Fiesta | 6.0% |
| 2 | Vauxhall Corsa | 5.8% |
| 3 | Ford Focus | 5.4% |
| 4 | Vauxhall Astra | 4.9% |
| 5 | Volkswagen Polo | 3.0% |
| 6 | Renault Clio | 2.8% |
| 7 | Mini Hatch (Cooper/One) | 2.6% |
| 8 | Peugeot 206 | 2.3% |
| 9 | Volkswagen Golf | 2.1% |
| 10 | Nissan Micra | 1.9% |
Analysis of the Top Scrapped Models
- Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa: The Ford Fiesta tops the list this period, accounting for 6.0% of all scrapped vehicles. This small yet iconic car, popular for decades, is gradually retiring as newer models take its place. Similarly, the Vauxhall Corsa, another small car favoured by urban drivers, represents 5.8% of vehicles scrapped.
- Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra: These long-standing family cars continue to dominate scrappage data, representing a combined total of 10.3%. Their widespread use over the years means they frequently reach the end of their lifecycle.
- Volkswagen Models: The Polo (3.0%) and Golf (2.1%) highlight the German automaker’s consistent presence in scrappage figures. These compact cars have been highly popular in the UK for decades.
- Nissan Micra: At 1.9%, the Micra represents one of the smaller contributors to this list but still reflects the gradual retirement of older Japanese models in the UK.
Top 10 Most Scrapped Car Makes (July – December 2024)
| Rank | Car Make | Percentage of Vehicles Scrapped |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vauxhall | 18.3% |
| 2 | Ford | 17.9% |
| 3 | Volkswagen | 8.1% |
| 4 | Renault | 6.7% |
| 5 | Peugeot | 6.2% |
| 6 | Nissan | 5.5% |
| 7 | BMW | 4.2% |
| 8 | Citroen | 3.9% |
| 9 | Audi | 3.5% |
| 10 | Toyota | 3.0% |
Analysis of the Top Scrapped Makes
- Vauxhall and Ford: Unsurprisingly, Vauxhall and Ford continue to lead the way, with a combined share of over 36% of all scrapped vehicles. These brands have dominated UK roads for decades, so their vehicles naturally appear more frequently in scrappage statistics.
- Volkswagen and Renault: Volkswagen (8.1%) remains a strong contender due to its reputation for reliability and the sheer volume of vehicles sold in the UK. Renault’s presence (6.7%) highlights the continued phasing out of older Clio and Megane models.
- Nissan and Toyota: Japanese manufacturers like Nissan and Toyota have steadily grown in popularity, but their older models, such as the Micra and Yaris, are now reaching retirement age.
- Luxury and Premium Brands: BMW (4.2%) and Audi (3.5%) continue to feature on this list, demonstrating that even premium vehicles are not immune to scrappage as their age and maintenance costs rise.
Key Observations
- Average Vehicle Age: On average, vehicles scrapped during this period were 16 years old, with most registered between 2006 and 2008.
- Mileage at Scrappage: Many vehicles had covered over 120,000 miles before being scrapped, indicating that they had provided extensive service over their lifetimes.
- Diesel vs Petrol: Diesel vehicles made up 55% of the scrappage figures, reflecting the decline in diesel’s popularity following the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Conclusion
The data from July to December 2024 provides clear evidence of how vehicle trends are shifting in the UK. As more electric vehicles hit the roads, we can expect to see even more petrol and diesel cars heading to the scrap yard. The figures also highlight the natural lifecycle of vehicles and how economic considerations drive owners to retire older models.
