Most EV dealerships still operating

Hyundai dealerships will continue operating under Auckland’s alert level 3, and during level 2 around  the rest of country.

Its Auckland dealer network is offering contactless servicing and test drive options, with the ability for customers to pick-up and drop-off at their convenience.

“We are committed to the health and wellbeing of our customers, our dealerships and staff and all Ministry of Health’s requirements are in place to ensure everyone stays safe and supported across alert levels,” Hyundai NZ says.

While its dealerships outside of Auckland are open for customers to visit, Hyundai is still offering contactless servicing and test drive options, and customer pick-up and drop-off.

For those browsing the Hyundai range from home, appointments can be booked for the Hyundai Online Showroom.

Many other Auckland EV dealerships continue to take enquiries and operate a contactless system while also adhering to level 3 requirements.

However, some say operating under level 3 restrictions is difficult and they hope the COVID-19 pandemic level doesn’t continue after midnight on February 17.

EV charging infrastructure company ABB says it is also following applicable New Zealand health services regulations and World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance to contain COVID’s spread.

ABB in New Zealand is, however, asking anyone for health and safety reasons not to enter any ABB premises if they have been in one of the current COVID-19 hotspots in the last 14 days, have been in contact with someone who may have been exposed to the coronavirus or have a fever and/or flu-like symptoms.

“This applies to ABB employees, customers, suppliers, and partners,” it adds.

“For employees in the Auckland region (from Wellsford to Pukekohe), we have ceased all non-business critical travel, and only those employees supporting essential services are continuing to travel.”

Appropriate work arrangements have been made for employees to work from home where possible. “In addition, we have closed all sites to customers and visitors. Where we are continuing to operate to support essential services, we have stringent mitigation practices in place.”

Hygiene practices have been stepped up and ABB is also promoting social distancing.

ABB says it’s adapting its operations to the “challenges of the current situation to continue to meet our customers’ needs and are endeavouring to maintain supply of our products and services”.

“At the same time, we are also striving to help our customers to maintain business continuity and our lines of communications are open. Whenever possible, we are using virtual technologies and methods to ensure that we can stay in touch and support our customers without the need for travel or in-person meetings.”