EV dealers don’t expect red light to slow them

The New Zealand-wide Omicron red traffic light system isn’t expected to make much difference to dealerships already operating under COVID restrictions.

“For the industry as a whole and us not a lot changes,” Genuine Vehicle Group managing director Hayden Johnston says.

The group – which includes GVI Electric – already operates under tight COVID protocols such as running “click and collect” and “mouse to house” services, sanitisation, social distancing, mask wearing and more.

“With Omicron we just have to be extra vigilant on COVID protocols and for our people to be more conscious of what they do outside work hours,” Johnston explains.

If any staff member gets Omicron they will have to self-isolate, Johnston adding that some staff already work from home and others may be encouraged to do so as well by the end of this week.

Customers can continue calling at dealerships so long as they follow COVID rules.

Johnston points out that the red traffic light system is “technically” less restrictive than level three – “and we still traded strongly under level three conditions”.

While December can be a quieter trading month in the automotive industry, Johnston says December was “massive for us” and that strong EV trading and interest has continued in January.

However, limited good secondhand EV stock from the United Kingdom and high prices in Japan are still issues EV dealerships have to contend with.

Little has changed for Autolink EV (previously known as Autolink Cars) in Auckland under the red traffic light system either.

“We’re still open and operating under COVID protocols,” managing director Henry Schmidt says. He adds they’re unsure how many customers will front at their Beach Road showroom though.

“Often under the previous level 3 people didn’t want to come out so I don’t know how many could come this time.”

Volt Vehicles director David Lees says he believes it will be “business as usual” under the red traffic light level.

“We are familiar with this level and people are comfortable to call and view vehicles with the precautions we are used to now,” he explains.

“Sales and enquiries have been steady since we went to the traffic light system and I expect this to continue.”