With the end of the car scrappage scheme, the car industry could be forgiven for being nervous about the prospects. However, a survey by Sainsbury’s Finance indicates that the number of consumers considering making a car purchase in the next six months has increased.

Furthermore, the number of people looking to purchase a new model has also risen. Vehicle finance is thought to be more available, whether in the form of a personal loan or dealer finance, than at the heart of the recession.

Sainsbury’s Finance revealed that as many as 7.65 million people may either buy a new or a used car in the period running from March-August this year. This reflects well against figures from September to February this year and last, when just 5.14 million people planned to purchase a vehicle .

What the implications are for the motor finance industry remains to be seen, but the news is likely to cheer car dealers .