Governor Phil Murphy today unveiled a multi-stage approach to execute a responsible and strategic economic restart, but failed to give any specific dates about when auto dealership showrooms would be permitted to reopen for by appointment only sales.
The Governor’s detailed multi-stage blueprint, calls for a bit-by-bit reopening of businesses and activities based on level of disease transmission risk and essential classification.
NJ CAR has furnished the Governor’s Office with a detailed plan and protocol for reopening new car dealership showrooms by appoint and with proper CDC social distancing and OSHA safety guidelines in place. That proposal is under consideration, although there is no indication about when the Governor will allow customers back in the showroom.
NJ CAR continues to make the case that:
1.) dealerships are the ultimate social distancing environment;
2.) that dealership service areas are already safely operating and extending operations to the showroom can be done without increasing risk to consumers or employees; and
3.) hundreds, soon thousands of customers every week are heading to neighboring states to buy cars and this cross- border commerce increases health risks for all New Jersey residents.
NJ CAR will update you if and when we hear anything further from the Governor’s Office.