More than half of UK garages closed, similar figures across Europe
Research conducted by aftermarket analysts GiPA during the week commencing 30 March 2020 found that 53 per cent of workshops were closed.
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‘More than 60%’ of garages closed in pandemic lockdown, survey shows
A survey of 510 suppliers, motor factors and garages has shown that more than 60 per cent of garages in the UK have closed their doors during the coronavirus pandemic. While these UK closures seem a high estimate at first glance, many that said they have temporarily closed are still offering emergency work to customers and key workers. The survey, which was conducted to highlight the current state of the automotive aftermarket as it responds to unprecedented challenges, was carried out by automotive aftermarket PR and marketing agency Impression.
Which tyre garages are open during lockdown?
The word unprecedented has been used a lot recently. However, it is true to say that the UK tyre industry has never experienced a set of circumstances like this and hasn’t witnessed national action on this scale since the second world war. So, which tyre garages are open during lockdown?
Aftermarket suppliers can remain open in Covid-19 lockdown
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation has gained clarification from government that businesses in the automotive aftermarket supplying garages, namely motor factors and suppliers, can remain open during the Covid-19 lockdown. Garages are exempt from the enforced closure of retailers, but motor factors can stay open in order to supply workshops who continue to support logistics providers, local councils, blue light services and key workers.
Lockdown stops tyre production in India
The lockdown now in place across India is one of the most radical measures seen to date during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, tyre production has come to a standstill at plants across the country. While India’s government exempts the manufacture of “ essential commodities” from the three-week lockdown it hasn’t provided clarity as to what products it considers essential. Therefore it is unclear when tyre manufacture will recommence within the country.
Garages to remain open despite lockdown
(Photo: Malte luk; Pexels)Yesterday Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined strict stay-at-home measures for the whole of the UK. These effectively amount to a country-wide lockdown and will be enforced by the police. As a result, gatherings outside of households are effectively banned and shops have to close. However, reading the small print reveals that automotive garages are within the limited number of retailers that will be allowed to remain open. And therefore tyre centres will be allowed to keep going as well. Motorists looking for information on garages in the Covid-19 lockdown can find more on Tyrepress’s sister site, WhatTyre.
Will tyre dealers stay open in a lockdown?
While the government has introduced significant social distancing measures including closing schools, and while tyre businesses are offering innovative contactless solutions, garages are still open for business. However, in Italy the country has been on lockdown for a month. We know that truck tyre technicians should be categorised as “key workers”, but what about car tyre retailers and what if movements become more restricted?
