From Wednesday, car dealerships were allowed to reopen and resume sales after the regulations for the motor industry under Level 4 was changed.
On Tuesday evening the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition gazetted the following regulations applicable to the motor industry:
- The sale of new and used vehicles may resume
- Original equipment manufacturers and importers will be allowed to resume their wholesale operations
- The importing and exporting of cars through port are permitted, but must follow strict guidelines
- Trade-in purchases and car-lease schemes may also resume
Dealerships will also be taking a phased approach towards operating at their full capacity.
In the first phase, 13 May to 23 May, dealerships will operate with 30% of its employees with a maximum of one employee or customer per 9m3 of floor space. Personal contact will be avoided as most sales will be done online or telephonically. Test drives will be done by appointment only and all car auctions will have to be done online.
The second phase which starts on 25 May, will allow dealerships to operate with 60% of its employees and continue doing most of their sales online.
June 8 sees the start of the third phase, where 100% of employees will be able to work. Limited physical contact should still be emphasised and the option for home delivery should be available.
All dealerships have to ensure that they implement hygienic measures and employees will be required to wear a face mask.
