It is an unprecedented time in BC, across Canada and around the world, as we all grapple with the COVID-19 health crisis. Concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus have mounted and we as a society have had to come to terms with the severity of the situation and establish our new normal, at least for the time being.
As we go through this critical period, we must listen and act on the best advice that our health experts can provide, and we must be responsible and thoughtful in our actions. It is a challenge that impacts each of us individually and extends to businesses, corporations and organizations: each of who have a responsibility to take appropriate preventative action to protect staff and customers.
The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA), and our member dealers, take the situation very seriously. Several initiatives have been put into place to protect staff and customers, as we continue to work to provide an important service to British Columbians.
During this time, people still need their cars and mobility continues to be critically important – especially those working in essential services such as health care – along with caretakers, grocery store clerks, and pharmacists. But this also extends to those needing to deliver supplies to people who cannot leave their homes, those who need to get to medical appointments and make other essential trips. It is important that dealer members are able to work on any potential recalls, make necessary repairs, and service vehicles during a time when people may need their cars the most. Many communities in BC do not allow for walking to stores for essential items and vehicles are necessary to get grocery and filling prescriptions.
Dealerships have adjusted their business practices to comply with the BC Public Health directives and ensure the health safety of all customers and staff. This means enforcing social distancing, adhering to a strict limit of people in a dealership at any one-time, enhanced sanitation plans for surfaces, sanitation stations in dealerships, and limiting operations to essential staff.
In-store community safety information is also available, in the form of posters and digital screens, outlining proper hand washing techniques, prevention, and best practices. There is a sanitation plan which includes increased sanitizing on all high-traffic touch points within all dealerships – multiple times a day.
In terms of service work preparation – guest vehicles that are being serviced are outfitted with steering wheel covers and seat protectors prior to maintenance or repair work. Technicians are also required to wear disposable gloves and other protective equipment as they work on vehicles. All dealers continue to work to provide the safest methods of service during this challenging time.
Though our paramount concern is the health and safety of patrons and employees alike, there is a secondary matter: consumers are still looking to purchase vehicles. With this, dealers have had to adapt and create new procedures for transactions. Some dealers have launched a “Buy From Home” program which allows purchasers to browse vehicles online, and email a dealer with their vehicle of interest. From there, the dealer will deliver a fully sterilized vehicle for a 24-hour test drive. If it’s the one for you, all documentation can then be prepared online and over the phone – all from the comfort of your own home!
Though this time can seem anxiety-inducing and overwhelming, it is by taking these steps as part of a larger community that we can get through it together.
Stay safe everyone, and remember to wash your hands.
Take care.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
