Kerala-based Indus Motors Maruti Suzuki has opened its outlets adhering to the government’s COVID-19 safety guidelines
Beyond its effect on the health of mankind, COVID-19 has brought several businesses to a standstill. Data shows that tourism, aviation, entertainment and automotive industries witnessed the worst damage during the pandemic. India is currently in the third phase of lockdown (extends till May 17). Unless the current state of affairs is controlled, the country may go through another phase of lockdown.
Across the nation, most automotive dealerships remain closed. In fact, several dealerships were on the verge of going out of business permanently but their parent OEMs have lent adequate support to prevent such a scenario. Furthermore, automakers have started concentrating on online sales platforms to continue their business with minimal losses. To encourage potential customers to make a shift to online, attractive discounts and introductory benefits have been announced as well.
Amid India’s ‘COVID-19 lockdown 3.0’, a few businesses have resumed operations adhering to strict guidelines issued by parent companies and concerned authorities. Indus Motors — the largest Maruti Suzuki dealer in Kerala — has opened its outlets following proper safety protocols. Indus Motors has also commenced doorstep deliveries, starting with a Maruti Suzuki S-Presso. Both ARENA and NEXA outlets under Indus Motors have been opened.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) had recently opened its manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana with the district administration’s permission. Until the state attains normalcy, Maruti Suzuki will be working in single shifts. Apparently, the entire facility is allowed to work with 4,696 people and 50 vehicles.
Reports state that MSIL has also received approval to open its Gurugram plant. Under a new set of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, private industries or large establishments operating in rural areas or far away from municipal corporations and other urban areas were allowed to restart operations from April 20.
Experts predict that the entire scenario of buying a new vehicle will change (and remain so) even after the days of COVID-19. Online platforms will flourish while dealership visits witness a sharp fall. To maintain social distancing, important paperwork, test drives and vehicle delivery will be undertaken at the customer’s residence in a safe environment — read more details.
Meanwhile, R. C. Bhargava, Chairman of MSIL, believes that automotive sales would be boosted after the lockdown. He stated that there will be a significant demand for single-passenger private vehicles (be it a two-wheeler or four-wheeler) over public transportation. A similar theory was observed in real-life in the Chinese market.
