Governor Phil Murphy has declared new car and truck dealerships as “essential,” particularly with regard to the vehicle maintenance, warranty and recall service they provide. This work is critical during a crisis, so medical professionals, first-responders, retail workers, truck drivers and others on the front lines have access to safe and reliable transportation. Many New Jersey dealerships have chosen to offer at least minimal access to vehicle service.
Governor Murphy’s modified Executive Order 117 also gave New Jersey dealerships the option to offer online sales and “contactless” delivery if they choose to do so, but the million-dollar question is “how does a dealership operate safely during such an unusual time.”
NADA has just issued a Dealer Guide on Safely Operating Your Dealership During a Pandemic. The new Guide aims to assist dealers in maintaining their essential operations while minimizing unnecessary risks. It provides information from a variety of trusted sources on keeping employees and customers safe during the pandemic including tips on cleaning and disinfecting dealership facilities and vehicles and safely handling service and sales operations.