Motorists who have traded in their old vehicles for new cars under the Government?s scrappage scheme visited Downing Street this morning as it was revealed more than 35,000 cars have been ordered through the scheme.

Figures released today showed that one in every five cars sold since it was announced have benefited from the scheme.

It allows drivers to scrap cars and small vans more than 10 years old and get ?2,000 off the price of a new vehicle.

The Prime Minister and Business Secretary Peter Mandelson welcomed car owners and representatives of some of the manufacturers taking part to Number 10.

The PM said:

?I am delighted that over 30,000 people have already taken up the Government?s offer of help to buy a new car when they scrap their old one. This scheme not only helps hard-pressed consumers, it also helps protect British jobs by stimulating demand for new cars.?

It is hoped the scheme will provide an immediate boost to the UK car industry and take older vehicles off the road in favour of newer, safer and potentially greener cars.

Thirty-eight manufacturers are taking part, and provide half of the subsidy, while Government provides the other ?1,000 in each transaction from a ?300 million funding pot announced in the Budget last month.

Lord Mandelson urged motorists to act quickly if they wanted to take advantage of the discount.

He said:

?It is time-limited, it is first come first served, so if people want to take advantage of the scheme, they need to get in as soon as possible.?