- This topic has 22 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 11 months ago by
.
- Topic
Car dealerships in England can reopen for ‘click-and-collect’ style sales according to a new government update – but showrooms will not be allowed to reopen until at least 1 June.
Click-and-collect handovers would typically involve a car being placed outside and sanitised prior to a customer collecting it at a specified time, with the key being left in a sanitised package, and with no human contact of closer than two metres.
The move partially unlocks car sales, as it will allow customers whose car is in stock to collect it so long as strict guidelines are followed to ensure social distancing.
Because the coronavirus lockdown began in mid-March – the busiest month of the year for new car sales – many vehicles were impounded prior to delivery to their owners.
Additionally, during lockdown, dealerships have been allowed to sell new and used cars online or on the phone. Most retailers had moved to a model of taking deposits for them pending delivery – so a click-and-collect style of system would allow them to complete the transactions.
The government guidelines state: “All retail, other than those exempt, must close their premises to members of the public. However, staff may be present to make deliveries or provide services in response to orders such as those through telephone, online, or mail.
“Click-and-collect services can also operate, though customers must not enter premises.”
Retailers had hoped to be allowed to reopen this month following talks with the government, but the infection rate from coronavirus was deemed too high for restrictions to be lifted. The government says that retail stores in England will be cleared to open ‘in phases’ from 1 June at the earliest. All shops, including showrooms, will be required to complete an online risk assessment from the Health and Safety Executive to ensure they have health and safety measures in place.
The only person who got all his work done by Friday was Robinson Crusoe.
Anything i post over three lines long please assume it is an article lol.
- Replies
Well
this should include Motsbility orders too ??
Well this should include Motsbility orders too ??
The problem is that Motability and their specific customer base are not all ideally suited for a ‘click and collect’ type service.
Even moreso where aids and/or adaptions also need fitting to vehicles prior to delivery. Also WAVs where such as chair restraints etc need to be properly fitting with wheelchair etc. Also the chair itself may need adapting for such as a boot hoist to enable the balance bar etc are able to lift the chair level.
Where a charitable grant is made, the customer may need to check a range of vehicles within the level of the grant to ensure suitability.
I am sure that in the medium and longer term, work-rounds will be found which places neither the customer and/or dealer/adaptor at risk. However under the current restrictions I doubt that Motability and dealers/adaptors could provide the sort of comprehensive service Motability customers currently receive.
That is a fair comment BigDave. Only time will tell.
Joss
Current car: BMW X2 sDrive 20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto In metallic Portimão Blue. 04:10:2025
Previous car:Peugeot 308 GT Premium 1.2 Pure tech Petrol.Dave it might happen that those who can use “click and collect“ do so and others procedures are put in place for those who can’t. It unlikely that there will be be one type of service that will suit everyone. I think the key is to get the system up and running again before the country goes bankrupt.
i think it would be hard because most if not all motability customers, we need to sit in the vehicle to see if it is suitable.
just before this started i was looking at the Peugeot 2008 electric , i watch lots of video ect i thought this is the car i went to the dealer had all my paperwork so i could order it , i sat in the and it was to tight and the the drivers seat was too enclosed i didn’t like it didn’t feel comfortable suitable for my needs ,, i just left it,, so still have my 65 xc60.
point is if i had ordered it as a click n collect with out trying it i would be stuck with an unsuitable car so i dont think it would work
Dave it might happen that those who can use “click and collect“ do so and others procedures are put in place for those who can’t. It unlikely that there will be be one type of service that will suit everyone. I think the key is to get the system up and running again before the country goes bankrupt.
Whilst I agree the country (UK PLC) needs to get economically functioning again, I don’t somehow think that when someone can order/collect their vehicle on the scheme will be a major factor in the bankruptcy of the UK!
What you seem to be advocating is a two-speed (or more) service for Motability customers. Fine for those whom a ‘click and collect’ system may just work within the parameters of the scheme requirements. However, for many other customers who may for example need adaptions, WAV’s or be simply vulnerable, why should they receive a lower/slower service?
The scheme (and car dealerships and adaptors for that matter) needs to be able to cater for all its customers. For that to happen, systems and processes need to be put in place to protect both customer and dealership/adaption companies etc. These processes will take time to work through, to avoid a ‘one size fits all’ which may not work for many scheme customers due to the differing requirements of the customer base.
As I said in my post above, I am sure in the medium and longer term, such processes and ‘work arounds’ will be implemented. However, they do not need to be rushed in. Far better to get them right before lifting the current scheme restrictions.
Yes, I can appreciate the frustration of customers whose new vehicles are currently sat at various dealerships awaiting delivery. However, until practices and processes are agreed and implemented to ensure the safety of all involved, the scheme can take a hit for a few more weeks.
However, Motability have apparently intimated that even when they re-open, their priority will be collecting cars handed back either before or during lockdown and getting them sold on at a sustainable level. Then prioritising applications submitted upto 24th March (info from Motability themselves).
Only then would we as customers possibly start to see whatever the new ‘normal’ is going to be in using the scheme.
Dave I’m not advocating anything I’m just looking at options that could be workable.
The safety of the vulnerable is paramount and many on motability fall into this category, but because someone less at risk than you, or anyone else, gets their car before you doesn’t mean you are getting a lower service, just a different service.
For motability to function properly it will need to come up with alternative procedures for those in your situation and similar.
So over the next few weeks expect to see guidance from motability on a clear path going forward.
I had a call from the dealer that supplied the current car, it’s now booked in for an MOT in 15th June
Since Motability Operations gave the rainy day 400 million to the charity, it would seem for orders to resume they will concentrate on getting the back log changed over first and the sale of vehicles back on track before allowing New orders to proceed.
Well they won’t get me to pick up my new vehicle until I see what’s coming to the scheme next.
Either that or I will revert back to leasing privately.
Click and collect won’t work as we have to be there in person to give the PIN number after they have checked suitably etc plus i can’t see any rush to change this as they are still in receipt of all of our lease payments so unlikely to be in any financial pressure to do so.
Phil have you ever paid at Mcd`s all they will do is stick the key pad out the window for you to type in your number, after you have inspected it of course.
They do indeed Brydo Big Mac medium please with Diet Coke mmmmm
A message from Robert Forrester, CEO of Vertu Motors plc
Updated: 15th May, 2020 @10:38
Following the recent Government advice, I am delighted to say customers are now able to collect a car which has been purchased either online or via the telephone directly from our dealerships in England. Home delivery options are also available.
Safety remains at the forefront of our thoughts and this service will be offered on an appointment only basis. All handovers will take place from a designated exterior handover area and full social distancing practices in place to ensure both colleague and customer safety. Our showrooms and forecourts remain legally closed for sales.Until we can fully re-open our showrooms,, our colleagues will remain on hand to assist with your sales and aftersales enquiries via telephone, email or live chat and our websites are fully functional with online car retailing capability.
We are also welcoming customers back into our service departments for servicing, MOT & repairs. We have produced a video which covers the details, but to give an overview – we have introduced social distancing measures, an appointment-only system, protective screens at our service desks as well as cashless payments.
Thank you for your patience, and for working with us to ensure our dealerships are a safe place to visit and work.Come on Motability catch up!
Motability’s update on ‘re-opening’ is here:
Pathetic that they won’t publish what is coming on.
Not interested in the prices but at least I want to know if better models are in the pipeline.
I agree
So until the boomers feel 100% safe in that they can enjoy their ill gotten wealth & the market recovers in 2 years time from their profligacy in closing everyone else down, we have to keep having extensions to our leases. They can’t sell our existing cars so it’s our fault…. lovely.
Oh well, perhaps it’s time to look at alternatives to Motability
So it seems once deliverys start rolling they will invite those with 6month extensions to order , with those that should of changed earliest first. I think this is when the list will reappear ,depending on the second hand car market .
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.