Europe's Scrappage Scheme Works Wonders — Malaysia Should Follow Suit

The latest Mk6 Volkswagen Golf has held on to pole position of Europe's sales chart for the month of September, according to industry analyst firm JATO Dynamics. 59,552 units of Golf were sold, followed by 51,291 units of Ford Fiesta, and Vauxhall/Opel Corsa in third with 38,947 units. The impressive numbers are down to scrappage schemes introduced in various European countries, similar to U.S.'s cash-for-clunkers scheme that worked wonders.

Two points to take note of here: First of all, it is great that Volkswagen Malaysia is finally bringing in Golf GTI, but for whatever reason, the normal Golf is not on the menu. And what about Fiesta? Given the worldwide acclaim it is receiving, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion really should consider importing, if not locally assembling, the car.

Second, and more importantly, why has the government not introduced a cash-for-clunkers type scheme? Yes, Proton tried to entice buyers by rebating RM 5000 for the trade-in of cars more than 15 years old. But that is hardly effective and restricted to one company—far from the industry-wide measures that should be in place. Malaysia should be paying attention to and emulating what advanced countries are doing, but we are either slow to react or happy to stay stagnant.

AboutSeow Yaohan

Seow Yao Han strives to bring you the latest and the most comprehensive information on cars available in Malaysia. But it's never easy for him to talk and write cars in this part of the world because what you lust after is often not what you drive home. When the euphoria of test-driving that branded, super-expensive sports car dies down, he just goes home in his less-than-glamorous ride.