Car dealerships whose protection of staff and customers comply with the strict guidelines of the Covid-19 protocol should be able to sell cars starting Monday, it is now understood.
There has been a lot of confusion here for distributors and potential buyers when showrooms can open their sales.
The government’s ‘road map’ is clear that dealerships can open for repairs and services starting Monday.
But the motor industry has failed to get clear answers on when they can open to sell vehicles.
However, Independent.ie understands that the decision to open for sales may be based on how well an individual business meets the HSA-mandated guidelines for staff, customers, and facilities.
It is left to the individual points of sale to decide whether their measurements comply with all the details of the protocol.
In summary, the roadmap establishes a framework that allows companies, including car dealers, to determine how compatible they are with the guidelines.
The basic message from the government has been that companies must decide for themselves.
So when HSA protocols are fully met, dealers should be able to open to sell cars starting next Monday.
But if they are found to be below what is required, they face severe penalties.
Industry sources say auto showrooms are relatively easy to manage as they are spacious and customer visits / appointments can be managed.
The following score when announcing the roadmap last Friday caused confusion in the motor industry: “Stores that were previously open at Level 2 (for example: household goods, opticians, motors, bicycles and repairs, office supplies , electricity, computing, telephone sales). and repair) can be opened. “
As you can see, there is no mention of dealers being allowed to return to the business of selling and accepting swaps.
Many within the industry assumed that they would have to wait until June 8 at the earliest for that to happen.
In general, some of the measures implemented for many dealers include: protective screens, hand sanitizers on all desks, disinfection stations at all entrances, 2-meter distance markers, PPE for personnel and customers wearing masks and gloves, Complete disinfection for all contact points in cars, disposable seat covers, steering wheel and gear lever, non-contact delivery and pickup. Many will offer unaccompanied test drives.
