Motability Operations, which leases cars to disabled people, is trialling a new trade-in option allowing motorists to use the value of their privately-owned car towards the advance payment of a new car through the Motability scheme.

Motability Operations currently manages a live fleet of over 500,000 cars.

Over 800 dealers are taking part in the trial.

Motability Operations expects to roll out the trade-in option across more dealerships during early 2009 and is currently recruiting more dealerships to offer the service.

Customers lease a new car for three years, paying an advance payment (if applicable) for their choice of over 4,000 makes and models from 40 different manufacturers.

Anyone who receives the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance or the war pensioners’ mobility supplement can exchange their allowance for a new car.

Dealers selling cars through the scheme receive a management payment from Motability per customer throughout the duration of three-year lease.