Because of the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the country early this year, the government has decided to lockdown major parts of the country in what it referred to as an “Enhanced Community Quarantine” or ECQ. The reason being was to prevent the further spreading of the virus. As a result, many business establishments, including car dealerships, had to temporarily stop operations.
It’s been two months since the implementation of the ECQ, more than enough time to reflect a decline in the general economy. This compelled the government to lift the ECQ to a target date of May 15. In its place will be a General Community Quarantine of GCQ, a slightly-less restricted version of the ECQ. Under GCQ, many establishments which have shut down will be allowed to open again, and this includes car dealerships.
The catch is that all are required to practice certain safety precautions when interacting with clients and with co-workers.
AC Automotive, the automotive business unit of the Ayala Corporation which is the official distributor of Volkswagen in the country, has heeded the government’s call. As regard, it will gradually reopen its car dealerships and service centers nationwide, but with some noticeable changes to how customer service and work practices are tendered. AC Automotive refers to these changes as “new normal”, and will be exercised across all car brand dealerships it handles, including Maxus and Kia, among others.
“It will be very vital that we collectively create an environment wherein our customers’ safety, health and well-being are our utmost priority by the time we are allowed to operate and our customers are allowed to visit our dealerships once again. With this, we recommend certain guidelines, procedures and system in order to ensure our readiness and guarantee the safety of everyone,” shared Volkswagen Philippine President Felipe Estrella.
