Car showrooms can reopen from today in England if they meet the COVID-19 guidelines to protect staff and customers.
Franchised dealers have been working hard to prepare their premises in line with the Government and industry guidelines to ensure the safety of staff and customers when reopening.
NFDA and SMMT have produced industry guidelines covering the entire customer experience from retail to aftersales. Cars will be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly, dealerships will see one-way systems, multiple sanitising stations and protective screens.
NFDA has been lobbying the UK Government, as well as the devolved Governments of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland to outline franchised retailers’ priorities.
In Northern Ireland, car showrooms will be allowed to reopen next Monday, 8 June, while in Scotland and Wales there is no certainty yet.
Sue Robinson, Director of the NFDA, said, “Franchised retailers have taken extensive steps adhering to both the Government and NFDA / SMMT industry guidelines. Businesses have been working hard to put all necessary measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and guests, which is the number one priority.
“Many of us need cars to get back to work, especially as more people try to avoid public transport. Cars play a key role in our society and it is positive that the automotive retail sector can now reopen.
“Automotive retailers are ready and look forward to safely welcoming customers back into showrooms”.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
Download the NFDA - SMMT Industry Guidance and Best Practice for Automotive Retail
Gabriele Severini, NFDA Communications Manager
Tel: 0207 307 3423
Mob: 07880 039 897
Press Office direct line: 020 7307 3422
Web: www.nfda-uk.co.uk Email: gabriele.severini@rmif.co.uk
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) is the trade association representing franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK. The automotive retail sector is one of the pillars of the UK economy, it has a turnover of around £200 billion and employs 590,000 people. There are about 4,500 automotive franchised retailer outlets in the UK.
