Yahoo Finance Car dealers tell buyers to book ahead as they prepare to reopen
Car showrooms are expected to be so busy on reopening tomorrow that shoppers have been told to book a slot to “avoid disappointment”.
Dealerships have reopened after the Government gave them the green light to start trading on-site again.
Demand is expected to be high with research from specialist magazine WhatCar? suggesting that one-in-five buyers intended to make a purchase as soon as restrictions were lifted.
Some dealerships have also reported strong online sales during lockdown with those who made a purchase likely to pick up the keys in the next few days.
Robert Forrester, the chief executive of Vertu Motors, the parent company of Bristol Street Motors and other dealers, said that visitors should book ahead to avoid disappointment.
“Although appointments aren’t mandatory for sales visits, I would recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment,” he said in a statement last week.
He added: “Thank you for your patience, and for working with us to ensure our dealerships are a safe place to visit and work. From next week, our business will get a lot closer to normal.”
Peter Allibon, of Mazda Motors, told specialist publication Car Dealer: “As we come out of the lockdown I anticipate high demand for our products so I would encourage customers to contact their local dealer to book a showroom appointment to avoid disappointment.”
Some retailers have made bookings compulsory, particularly for test drives, the publication reported, while others have promoted online options.
Jaguar Land Rover managing director Rawdon Glover said: “While the Jaguar and Land Rover retail environment is very well suited to achieve this with fully trained staff, we also have a range of other ways our customers can interact with us, whether virtually or using ‘at home’ services.”
Dealers will be enforcing strict social distancing measures when they reopen and limiting the number of people allowed inside. A spokesman for Bristol Street Motors said this meant it was possible that those without an appointment could be turned away.
Bristol Street will be temperature testing its staff on arrival and providing face masks to the public should they request one. Cars will be locked to reduce customer contact with the interiors and only opened on request.
They will be thoroughly cleaned after each viewing, while test drives will be unaccompanied.
Last month the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported a decline of 97 per cent for new car registrations in April, the worst month on record since 1946.
