The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has assured customers that vehicle and motorcycle dealerships remain open across Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With many customers still requiring regular maintenance of their personal vehicles, dealerships from all brands have made the decision to remain open to provide essential maintenance and sales services. All dealers are adhering to strict hygiene regulations during this process to ensure customer and worker safety.

The FCAI has been informed that despite COVID-19 restricting the travel of citizens to essential movement, one member, European Automotive Imports Pty Ltd, a Maserati importer and distributor in Melbourne has never been busier.

Maserati Australia chief operating officer Glen Sealey told the FCAI that despite interruptions to the sales division, the service department remains open and busy.

To ensure the safety of customers, Maserati is running a concierge service which collects vehicles from a location decided by the customer and drives it to the service centre for servicing, before driving the vehicle back, eliminating the need for personal contact. This precaution is also being adopted by many other dealerships around the country.

Many dealerships have also opted to keep sales showrooms open and provide sales support. To facilitate safe hygiene practice during this time, many dealers have moved to shorter evaluation and test drivers for customers looking to purchase vehicles for essential commuting purposes.

To safeguard customers visiting dealerships during this time, dealers have increased safety and hygiene precautions, introducing measures including virtual sales, contact-free vehicle pick-up and delivery and enhance detailing and disinfecting practice.

Source: Autotalk | FCAI: Dealerships are open for business

22 April 2020