Snapping out of lockdown

Vehicle dealerships, including those selling EVs, are unlikely to fully open under alert level three when the level four lockdown ends.

Prime minster Jacinda Ardern has announced details of what businesses can open under level three restrictions – with retail showrooms and yards unlikely to return under the plan.

But some businesses like Snap Rentals, which includes Teslas and LDV EV80 vans in its vehicle rental stable, have reinvented themselves during the lockdown.

Snap Rentals chief executive Jaime Bennett got an idea while looking over about a 1000 returned rentals after the tourist trade dried up.

He began working on Snap App, a phone app he aims to have for short-trip deliveries that can be tracked in real time by customers, similar to Uber Eats, Stuff reports.

He hopes to have the app running soon and aims to use it during any COVID-19 alert levels and after the pandemic is over when more features and services can be added.

Meanwhile, alert level three will see many significant restrictions on New Zealanders’ movements retained but will permit aspects of the economy to reopen in a safe way that will allow the economic recovery to begin, Ardern says.

“By design, level three is a progression, not a rush to normality. It carries forward many of the restrictions in place at level four, including the requirement to mainly be at home in your bubble and to limit contact with others.

“Protecting the health of New Zealanders is our primary focus but we also need to position the economy for recovery. Importantly the test for a business opening at level three moves to it being safe, rather than being essential.”

What does this mean for dealerships? Specific details are a little vague, but it appears contactless sales and delivery of vehicles are likely to be allowed.

Most staff will still be expected to work from home.

The government announcement for level three “if and when introduced” says:

People must work from home if they can. Where that is not possible businesses may re-open but must comply with health and safety requirements around physical distancing and contactless engagement with customers.

Businesses only accessed by the staff, and without a customer facing function, such as building and construction or forestry can open under strict health and safety and physical distancing rules.

Businesses that are accessed by the public or customers such as retail, hardware stores and restaurants can open but only for online or phone purchases and contactless delivery or click and collect.

More details are likely to be industry driven rather than from the government, with VIA leading a cross-industry panel to work out what a reopening of the trade will look like for used car yards and the supply chain.

A further announcement on the alert level situation is expected on April 20.