The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Brakes put on business for motor dealerships
Work being restricted to helping key workers stay mobile during virus lockdown
Car dealerships across Tayside and Fife have closed for the duration of the coronavirus lockdown.
With the government ordering nonessential businesses to shut their doors, only those offering essential servicing and repairs remain open.
These are open only in a very limited capacity, with priority given to NHS staff and other key workers.
Gordon Close is the managing director of Dalkeith Ford, which operates in Cupar, Dalkeith and Peebles.
“We’ll keep them closed for as long as the restrictions are in place,” he said.
“The safety of our staff and customers is the most important thing and in any case.
“Our focus is keeping people safe and helping out where we can.
“We have been giving out disposable seat covers to health workers to help keep them safe.
“We are also prioritising key workers, particularly NHS staff, whether that be fixing their cars or offering them a courtesy vehicle free of charge.
“Many NHS vehicles such as ambulances are Fords and we are happy to help with any work that needs carried out to keep the health service running smoothly.
“We’re also here for our customers and for any member of the public who has a question about their cars.
“MoTs and services can wait until this is over so we are happy to reassure people on that count.
“Of course, if there’s an emergency we will be there to help but apart from an occasional trip to the supermarket people really shouldn’t be using their cars much right now.”
Dalkeith Ford employs more than 70 people across its three sites.
“A few of us such as myself, the senior management team and our accountants are working from home but we’re not an industry where many staff can work from home, so the vast majority of our workers are furloughed at the moment,” Mr Close added.
“There is government help in place
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We are also prioritising key workers, particularly NHS staff, whether that be fixing their cars or offering them a courtesy vehicle. GORDON CLOSE, DALKEITH FORD
and we’re in the fortunate position that our business is in good enough shape to withstand being shut for the duration of this crisis.
“When we do reopen our doors we want our staff to be healthy enough to return to work, so keeping them home and safe right now is the priority.”
Most dealerships did not wish to comment on when they might reopen or on the long-term prospects for their business. Some garages remain open but are focusing on emergencies and making sure key workers have access to transport.
Craig Miller is the manager at Pilot Garage on Miln Street in Dundee.
He said: “We’ve had a lot of cars from doctors, nurses, care workers, firefighters and other key staff and we’ve been prioritising those.
“A lot of our regular customers have cancelled due to the six-month extension to MoTs.
“For people who do need work done we are offering to come out and pick their car up without any contact.”