UNDER STARTER’ S ORDERS
As the first new cars roll off British production lines again, thousands of locked- down dealers are preparing to re-open their showroom doors to customers.
With ministers urging people to avoid public transport and pent up demand for new and used cars, many returning to work after the Bank holiday will be looking to buy a cheap commuter runaround.
In the past few weeks, ‘click and collect’ services have been allowed, whereby, though showroom doors remain shut, customers who have placed orders online or by phone, can still drive away vehicles.
subject to Government approval, from June 1 showroom doors will reopen with social distancing and sanitising measures.
the changes can’t come soon enough. Car sales have tanked during lockdown, though resear research by What Car? suggests nearly one-in-five buyers will be looking to make a purchase in June.
Volvo chief executive hakan samuelsson has even spoken of ‘revenge buying’: ‘People are tired of sitting at home locked in and want to go out and buy.’
Guidelines for reopening dealerships recommend an appointments system. there must be social distancing signs, sanitiser stations, and a one-way walking system. Coffee and children’s play areas are out, too. test drives are allowed, but must be unaccompanied.
Meanwhile, those seeking something more than a runaround have a treat in store.
In August, Porsche begins delivery of its eighth-generation 911 targa. Powered by a 3-litre flat-six twin turbocharger engine, the targa 4 (385hp) is priced from £98,170, and goes from rest to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a 180 mph top speed. the beefier 911 targa 4s ( 450 hp), from £ 109,725, accelerates from rest to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, up to a top speed of 189 mph.