Car showrooms in Singapore are now open. Here are 4 things to take note of
The likes of Audi, BMW, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz and other luxury marques have reopened their showrooms. Here’s what to take note of if you intend to pay a visit.
Following Singapore's exit from the circuit breaker period, car brands are now shifting back into gear. Since June 19, the first day of Phase 2, luxury marques such as Audi, Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Lamborghini and Land Rover have opened the doors to their showrooms once again.
CNA Luxury reached out to these marques to find out what measures have been put in place. If you’d like to head down, here’s what you’ll need to know.
OPENING HOURS REMAIN THE SAME
All the marques that we reached out to – Audi, Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen – reported no change in opening hours. Press releases sent by BMW, Ferrari and Maserati also reported no change in showroom opening hours.
To keep guests’ worries at bay, car showrooms will be thoroughly disinfected and sanitised. “Our showroom will be cleaned regularly, with frequent sanitisation, after each use, of high touch points such as door handles, seat of the car, steering wheel, gear knobs and common surfaces. Our cars will be ventilated before and after each test drive. Items such as pens, keys, credit cards and driver’s license will be disinfected before returning to the customer,” Bentley said.
“The display cars and all high-touch areas are sanitised throughout the work day. Bottled sanitisers are conveniently located for everyone to use,” Audi said.
Measures at the Lexus showroom include “increase cleaning frequency at common areas using hospital-grade sanitisers, disinfecting of showroom display and test drive units before every customer test drive”.
APPOINTMENTS NOT NECESSARY, BUT ENCOURAGED
Although car showrooms are accepting walk-ins, making an appointment is highly encouraged. “Customers are encouraged to make an appointment prior to visiting the showroom. Walk-ins are acceptable, however as part of COVID-19 regulations, there are occupancy limitations which Mercedes-Benz will adhere to,” Mercedes-Benz said.
“All customers, whether by appointment or walk-in, will be advised to adhere to the safe distancing guidelines and safe management measures throughout their visit.”
“In order to maintain safe distancing and manage the volume of visitors to our showroom, we strongly encourage customers to book an appointment online before visiting,” Volkswagen said.
“Walk-ins are acceptable subject to safe distancing measures but test drives are by appointment. We strongly encourage customers to book test drives online to secure their preferred slots to minimise waiting time in the showroom,” Jaguar Land Rover informed CNA Luxury.
READ> What will luxury shopping look like when Singapore stores reopen in Phase 2?
TEST DRIVES TO CARRY ON
Visitors to the showrooms will be subjected to standard safety protocols, including temperature checks and checking in and out via SafeEntry. Within the showrooms, safe distancing will be adhered to.
Taking the cars for a test drive is allowed, but with measures in place, the brands said. “Test drivers have to sanitise their hands before and after the test drive. Our sales people will also be wearing gloves and safety goggles/face shields in addition to masks,” Lamborghini said.
Adopting the same protocol, Bentley said, “All visitors must always put on a facial mask and sanitise their hands before and after each test drive. Sales consultants will wear masks and face shields during the test drive,” Bentley said.
In addition, vehicles will also be disinfected before and after every test drive. “All test drive vehicles will be fully wiped down and sanitised before and after use,” Lexus said.
“We will conduct sanitisation of test drive vehicles before and after every test drive with 3M disinfectant,” shared Volkswagen. This includes exterior and interior door handles, steering wheels and gear knobs.
For Jaguar Land Rover, test drives are limited to a maximum number of two pax per household. Test drives will also be limited to 15 minutes per drive. After each drive, the test unit will be quarantined for 15 minutes to allow for disinfection, clean air flow and preparation for the next customer.
CONTACTLESS TEST DRIVES ARE AVAILABLE
For those who prefer to be more cautious, contactless test drives have also been rolled out by some brands. Mercedes-Benz is offering unaccompanied test drives, where clients can take a car for a spin without a sales consultant. Instead, sales consultants will stay in touch with customers via telecommunication.
BMW has launched the BMW Doorstep Test Drive programme, which delivers the car directly to the customer’s residence or venue of choice, such as the customer’s home or office. This way, the customer will not have to make travel arrangements to the showroom. The test unit will be sanitised before it is delivered and after the test drive is complete.
To adhere to safe distancing measures as much as possible, the customer will also connect his or her phone with the car’s infotainment system via Bluetooth in order to stay connected with a sales consultant.
“The health and safety of our customers is paramount. Whether customers are ready to visit us in our showrooms or prefer to stay home, we’re here for them at every step of the way,” said Arnt Bayer, Managing Director of Performance Motors Limited.
