Car buyers urged to book a slot amid rush to showrooms
CAR showrooms are expected to be so busy on reopening today 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 What Car? 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 in a statement last week: “Although appointments aren’t mandatory for sales visits, I would recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.”
He added: “Thank you for your patience, and for working with us to ensure our dealerships are a safe place to visit and work.” Peter Allibon, of Mazda Motors, told Car Dealer, a specialist publication: “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.
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 contact with the interiors and only opened on request. They will be cleaned after each viewing, while test drives will be unaccompanied.
Last month the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported a decline of 97 per cent for new car registrations in April, the worst month on record since 1946.