Tough times show true character, and dealers have really stepped up and showed their community leadership.
The wake of the COVID-19 crisis has had a devastating effect all over Canada and around the world on both public health and the economy. The automotive sector is certainly no exception.
As we continue to go through this unprecedented period in history, it is imperative that we continue listening to the expert advice from our public health authorities so we can keep our loved ones, businesses, communities and hospital systems safe.
Car dealerships offer services that people need in order to ensure their cars are running and properly maintained — especially for our healthcare heroes and others who are working in essential services protecting us and keeping our provinces and country going.
In the wake of our new reality, dealerships have gone to great lengths to modify their operations — as have all businesses — to ensure the health and safety of their staff and patrons.
This means enforcing strict social distancing measures, limiting the number of customers inside a dealership at once, and enhanced sanitation precautions. This has also led to many dealerships adjusting hours and staffing, while moving many business activities online such as and sales transactions and booking appointments through web and phone platforms only.
The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) recently conducted a national survey regarding the impact of the COVID-19 health pandemic on automotive dealers.
This survey highlighted the devastating toll the pandemic has taken on our industry. Most dealerships across the country have seen revenue declines of more than 40 per cent while others have even had to temporarily close. But most dealerships have been able to continue minimal operations to provide essential repair and maintenance work — which is so important at this time.
However, despite all of these challenges, there are some silver linings. Dealerships across the country continue to be key members of their communities in this time of need and many are coming together to support one another. Dealerships are stepping up and doing their part.
Dealerships are providing donations to local food banks and other family services, which need our support now more than ever. They are organizing blood donations for Canadian Blood Services and also providing delivery services for the folks that are unable to get around during this time — for things like groceries, prescriptions, and any other necessary supplies. They are also organizing meals for those less fortunate and taking meals to them directly.
As this is a financially trying time for so many, dealerships are also helping people refinance or downsize their automobiles to better accommodate customers’ ever evolving financial situations.
Dealerships have also found ways to support first responders and food chain employees, giving them priority service, as well as discounts on many services. Some dealerships are also providing free car washes and oil changes to those that are on the front lines.
So, though this continues to be a challenging and devastating time, I am so happy to see so many do so much good to help communities — the “better angels of our nature” as BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says. And I am immensely proud of Canadian dealerships for going above and beyond for their communities at this time.
Take care, stay healthy and remember, we’re all in this together!
