In the past two weeks, British Columbia and other jurisdictions have begun the process of re-opening various sectors of the economy – and in a responsible and cautious manner, implementing various health and safety protocols.
BC’s New Car Dealers were identified early on as providing essential services that were important to maintain during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, dealerships have been operating in a safe environment throughout – for vehicle owners requiring maintenance, servicing, and warranty recalls, especially servicing for our amazing front line and emergency support workers. And while not top of mind for many, dealers have also been open and available for consumers looking to purchase vehicles or renew expiring lease agreements.
Given the current environment, it’s only natural that consumers continue to experience some level of anxiety and concern upon entering any business establishment. As a result, when customers enter a BC New Car Dealer, they are greeted with posters or digital screens that outline the COVID-19 safety plans being administered by that particular dealership.
The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) also created a health and safety toolkit for dealer members to ensure all are provided the latest health guidelines protocols laid out by Public Health Officers and WorkSafeBC, intended to protect customers and staff – some of which include:
- disinfection of all frequently used areas such as the showroom, service and parts reception areas, washroom and waiting area – multiples times each day;
- physical distancing at all times, as identified through additional signage on flooring, partitions;
- limiting the number of customers inside at any one time; and,
- conducting meetings with customers, where possible, through video conference or telephone.
Furthermore, recommendations have been provided that all vehicles dropped off for service are disinfected on the driver touch points at the time of drop off and again before pick-up, including keys. Many dealers are also only allowing only one customer per shuttle vehicle, which is then disinfected after each trip, with additional hand sanitizer and gloves made available where possible.
BC’s New Car Dealers welcome the release of the initial set of WorkSafeBC guidelines to assist businesses and organizations develop their plans to operate and re-open safely, as this will help us further strengthen safety plans dealers already have in place.
As we begin to enter what many have coined the “new normal”, BC’s New Car Dealers will continue to adapt and create new procedures to provide the greatest level of confidence and safety to their employees and customers as possible. As an example, on the car-buying front, some dealers have launched a “buy from home” program which allows purchasers to browse vehicles online, email a dealer with their vehicle of interest, who then delivers a sanitized vehicle for a 24-hour test drive. All documentation can then be prepared online and over the phone – all from the comfort of your own home.
One final note – with more warm, sunny weather now upon us, please observe the precautions of BC’s Public Health Officer and resist the temptation to embark on non-essential travel – stay close to home! Our united efforts have had such a positive impact – let’s continue to work together to flatten the curve. Stay safe!
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
