Fiat Professional scrappage scheme offers savings of up to £13,500 on a new van

 ANOTHER day, another scrappage scheme. With the Fiat Professional scrappage scheme being announced that’s certainly how it feels at the moment.

Having already joined a host of manufacturers when they announced a scrappage scheme for the Fiat, Abarth, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo ranges a few days ago, Fiat has now extended the scheme to their commercial vehicle range.

In fairness to Fiat though, the number of schemes hitting the headlines isn’t really their fault. There may be a few cynics among you who think this whole scrappage thing is just an excuse for manufacturers to drive sales of new vehicles. You’re probably right in some respects, but that doesn’t mean manufacturers are wrong to do so.

As far as scrappage schemes are concerned Fiat is definitely amongst the most generous when you add in ‘customer savings’. Between now and 30 September trade in your old van and you could be looking at a total saving of up to £13,500 off a new one.

Obviously there are guidelines for qualifying vehicles but they aren’t exactly restrictive. The Fiat Professional scrappage scheme will accept any petrol or diesel car or van registered prior to 31 December 2009. The incentive applies to the entire range of Fiat Professional vehicles, and the dealer will arrange to scrap the old one so all you need to do is choose which model you would like to drive away in.

If you choose to take up this offer you can benefit from some significant savings. Up to £5,500 off a Fullback, up to £6,500 off a Fiorino, up to £8,500 against a Doblo, up to £10,500 off a Talento and up to £13,500 against a Ducato. That’s not all trade-in discount – Fiat has also included retail offers in the equation – but regardless of how it balances out it’s a large chunk of money that stays in your bank account.

As Richard Chamberlain, country manager for Fiat Professional, said: “I am delighted to announce that Fiat Professional is launching its own scrappage scheme, making new cars and vans even more affordable. And with a possible £13,500 to gain, and no restriction on the trade-in vehicle, I am sure many customers will find this initiative exciting and useful.”

Quite frankly it shouldn’t matter what the motivations of the manufacturer may be when it comes to scrappage schemes. The end result is the same either way. Take up the new Fiat Professional scrappage scheme and our roads get a little bit cleaner and you get to save a lot of money. Everybody wins.