Old car scrappage vouchers are on the market, but sales are not moving

The impact of this year's "Rabla" (old car scrappage scheme) programme has not yet been felt by car importers as most clients are waiting until they get three vouchers, according to Catalin Manta, sales and marketing manager of Chevrolet Romania, a unit of General Motors Southeast Europe. "Rabla vouchers are on the market. We're now waiting for them to return. There are sealed contracts. Deliveries are not moving because all clients want to buy using three vouchers. They come up with one and they want another two. Thus, clients first sign up for cars and then seek vouchers," Catalin Manta also said. With car sales down 50% in the first month of this year, Chevrolet plans to boost its market share this year amid the "Rabla" programme and the launch of the new Chevrolet Spark. "For 2010, we target a 2.96% market share. Last year we had 2.55%. Through the car scrappage scheme we expect Aveo and Spark to be the best-selling cars, just like last year," Manta said.