British motorists have bought more than 150,000 new cars under a vehicle scrappage scheme, reaching the half-way mark in an initiative to boost the troubled auto sector, the government said yesterday.

Orders under the scheme reached 154,927 new vehicles in the period running from April 23 to August 2, according to a statement from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The scheme - which gives buyers a £2,000 (€2,300) discount when they trade in a car over 10 years old - was launched back in April.

"I'm pleased that we have already achieved over 150,000 new car orders," added business secretary Peter Mandelson.

"This is a great deal for manufacturers and dealers, not to mention the customers."

Britain has been hoping that the scheme, which is costing £300 million (€345 million), proves as popular as one launched in Germany, where the government has stumped up around five billion euros.

Some 38 car manufacturers have signed up to take part in the British scheme which applies to cars and light commercial vans.

The global automaking sector remains in crisis as many consumers steer clear of buying vehicles amid the worst economic downturn since the 1930s.