Closed since March 16, car dealerships are ready to reopen from Monday. A challenge that is both economic, in a sector that has been shutdown for almost two months, but also health. "The tests will be done with the customer alone in the vehicle, the vehicle having already automatically disinfected, systematically," says Ivan Segal, France's commercial director for Renault.
>> LIVE - Coronavirus: follow the developments on Sunday
"A checklist of the different contact points"
In this network of more than 600 dealerships and more than 3,000 agents, protocols have been developed in recent weeks. "This involves marking on the ground for all operations upon arrival at the dealership. And obviously, very strict protocols as soon as a person has been in contact with the vehicle, whether it be a mechanic or a preparer We have a checklist of the various contact points to disinfect, the doors inside the car, "explains Ivan Segal. Dealers will even ask customers to bring their own pen, if they need to sign, or offer them a new one.
CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS
> Partial unemployment: the parents' situation clarified
> A new inflammatory disease affecting children linked to the coronavirus?
> What will shopping be like after May 11?
> The French will have to go on vacation near their home
> Why going to the hairdresser will cost more after confinement
The builders know it, the resumption of the activity will be very progressive. To speed it up, they hope for a quick gesture from the state. "We have a market which today is around - 45% ... Any aid from the government will help us to reduce this effect." At Renault, the incentive will first pass through a payment postponed to September for any purchase of new or used vehicle.