Hyundai has created its own solution to the imminent end of the Government scrappage scheme by creating scrappage and vehicle update deals in an attempt to keep customers flowing through the doors of its dealerships.

The first of the new schemes, 'Trade and Upgrade', is aimed at allowing customers to benefit from the £2,000 part exchange allowance that the Government has been offering to new car buyers. As the official scheme comes to an end, Hyundai wants to extend this part exchange deal into the future.

Hyundai will allow the car buyer to spend their part exchange money on any car in the range, not just the more expensive models. Such a ploy opens up the Hyundai range to the 6.4 million car owners whose current models are 7-10 years old.

The second Hyundai scheme, 'Happy Returns', allows existing scrappage customers to upgrade to a 2010 Hyundai for as little as £499. Whilst Happy Returns prices increase depending on the model the customer bought (£749 to upgrade an i30 for example) those who do invest in upgrading will see specification improvements and save on the cost of the first service and tax disc renewal. These improvements and savings, however, are only valid up until the end of the cars' first year.

Aside from these two schemes, Hyundai has also tried to tempt car buyers into its showrooms by releasing a 'Family and Friends' voucher. All existing Hyundai customers who made good of the scrappage scheme will be sent the voucher that can be used by other family members to reduce the cost of buying a new Hyundai by £250.

Tony Whitehorn, the Managing Director of Hyundai UK said: "What we are offering post-scrappage will build on this experience [the government scrappage scheme] and will change the way cars are bought in the UK forever". Whatever the outcome of Hyundai's post-scrappage plan, the manufacturer is looking to extend the success of the scheme beyond next month when the official offer comes to an end.

Kieran Fitzpatrick - 25 Jan 2010