"Scrappage scheme" nonsense strikes again

In the style of scaremongering papers like the Daily Fail, weekly car magazine Auto Express has revealed the latest "blow" to the scrappage scheme. According to the magazine, they have discovered that...

"Vehicle recylers have been selling powerplants from models ditched under the Scrappage Scheme via salvage outlets - effectively putting the polluting units back on the road"

Unfortunately, the writer has somehow managed to miss the blindingly obvious point that engines with no car around them aren't going to do much damage to the evironment at all. In fact, a salvaged engine will do no more damage to the environment sitting on a shelf than a salvage gearknob will. Even if or when the unit is eventually fitted into a car, it will likely be replacing a unit that was in an even poorer state of health and that unit will then be scrapped. Net increase of engines actually on the road: Naught.

Friends of the Earth have also inevitably stuck their nose into another matter they don't understand:

"The initiative should encourage drivers to replace older models with cleaner cars. This is keeping polluting vehicles on the road" (FotE's Richard Dyer)

Even aside from the fact that these salvaged engines will likely be used to replace engines in worse condition, Mr Dyer clearly believes that the production of a whole new car, rather than gaining further use from an existing one, is better for the environment too, and he also appears to be making the mistake of assuming that it's easier to afford a whole new car than it is to replace a few defective engine parts.

Tarmac admittedly isn't a great fan of the scrappage scheme, though we will admit that there are benefits in terms of keeping the industry afloat and keeping people's jobs, but it's clear that a well rounded view on the scheme is clearly beyond the reach of magazines looking for a quick controversy.