NFDA and SMMT publish updated safe restart guidance

With car showrooms opening today (12 April), The UK automotive retail sector signalled its readiness to get showrooms up and running with the publication of new, updated sector-specific guidance by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) and Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) to ensure all premises are safe spaces for employees, customers and other visitors.

The best-practice guidance covers the entire customer experience, from booking appointments to showroom interactions, test drives, “click and collect”, part exchanges and aftersales, and includes advice on staff training, signage, sanitation and protective personal equipment (PPE).

Developed in partnership with dealers and manufacturers, it is designed to complement government guidance for the UK retail sector, to help dealers of all shapes and sizes implement legal requirements as part of individual risk assessments in line with their unique business and customer needs.

Sue Robinson, NFDA Chief Executive,said, “Opening showrooms will allow the economy to get moving again. With confidence in public transport safety at a 20-year low, private transportation will play an essential role in enabling people to return to their daily lives.

“It is positive that the automotive industry is proactively working together to resume business as soon as possible in line with the government’s guidelines. The guidance will ensure over 4,500 franchised dealerships provide the best possible service in sales and aftersales, while protecting staff and guests. Automotive retailers will be working hard to overcome any challenges to safely welcome customers back to the showrooms.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “It’s been a long wait but automotive retailers are ready, willing and able to welcome customers back into showrooms. While “click and collect” has helped the sector survive, it cannot replace the experience of choosing and test driving a new car in person. Reopening these premises will also boost UK car manufacturing, as the reduced demand caused by their closure has led to months of lower production.

“Consumers returning to showrooms will notice some changes, not just in the updated Covid safety measures, but also in the increasing choice of new car technologies and there are now more “green” choices than ever before. With 150 models of battery electric, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell and hybrid electric vehicles on sale, that’s one in three models capable of zero emission motoring”.