The government will impose scrappage scheme quotas on car manufacturers, as funding remains for fewer than 82,000 new vehicles.
The quotas will be allocated to manufacturers by the government, based on "brand popularity". However, it is not yet clear whether this means brand popularity under scrappage, or brand popularity under overall car sales.
Business secretary Lord Mandelson said: "I am pleased to see that the scheme has been taken up by so many people, supporting our automotive manufacturers through a very difficult time.
"With limited orders as we near the close of scrappage there is a risk of disappointment for car buyers. I would urge people who are still keen on taking part to put their orders in as soon as possible as time is running out."
Lord Mandelson added that he expects the 'impact' of the scheme to continue into 2010 after the incentive closes.
Scrappage ends on 28 February.
