LEASING brokers could be facing vehicle supply disruptions to new customers thanks to local lockdowns.
The warning comes from Auto Retail Agenda, which said it had been told of several retailers closing due to COVID-19 outbreaks. This included several major retail groups among those affected.
Editor Tristan Young said the magazine had picked up stories from Wakefield, which had seen the Evans Halshaw dealership affected by a COVID-19 outbreak, and the Cardiff Renault dealer.
Subsequently, Wales will go into a ‘firebreak’ lockdown from the evening of 23 October. While the firebreak means businesses must close, it appears dealerships can stay open for service and repair plus MOT work.
During the last lockdown the BVRLA successfully argued that car deliveries were part of the logistics chain and therefore could operate.
According to the rules issued by the Welsh government, click and collect will not be allowed for car retailers; however, delivery to customers still seems open.
The BVRLA said it was waiting for further clarity before issuing guidance.
The image of the Shelbourne Renault car retailer is for illustration purposes only.
Ralph Morton is the leading journalist in the leasing broker sector and editor of Broker News, the website which provides information and news for BVRLA-registered leasing brokers. He also writes extensively on the fleet and leasing market in both the UK and Europe.
