SsangYong sales showrooms across England have reopened this week following the government’s easing of restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Special safety measures have been introduced across the network to help dealers do everything possible to protect customers and employees from the virus. Dealerships are asked to clean showrooms and vehicles thoroughly, vigorously and regularly.
New social distancing measures, such as intermittent showroom entry, designated parking, 2m floor markings and signage, accessible alcohol gel and wipes for regular sanitation, safe working zones for employees, removal of reading materials, closure of refreshment /children’s play areas and rest rooms have been introduced.
Perhaps most surprisingly, dealers have reported this week that a “visit by appointment only” system is working better than expected and has led to sales already. In fact, SsangYong Motors UK has confirmed that some dealers, although closed in May, took 50% of normal order take in a market that was down by 88%. June is showing a further improvement in this trend, with higher showroom traffic and leads than normal.
Nick Laird, managing director at SsangYong Motors UK, said; “It’s been a strange and uncertain time, so we hope that with our dealers reopening this week, is a positive step for the industry. That said, the safety and wellbeing of our customers, our employees and of our dealer colleagues is of paramount importance, so we have to ensure that with showrooms opening that all safety measures have been implemented to protect people.”
SsangYong reports that much of the increased activity is key workers, who have remained mobile throughout the crisis.
Nick continued; “We are seeing a higher level of orders and enquiries than expected, and our dealers are finding that an appointment only system is working particularly well. General footfall – at a distance – is higher than anticipated. A lot of this traffic is those important key workers who appreciate SsangYong’s value for money proposition. Moving forwards this sector will be strong, so SsangYong is perfectly positioned.”
Customers are encouraged to contact their local dealer to book an appointment.
