Volkswagen PH to impose safety measures upon dealership reopening

MANILA: As the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) has been lifted in parts of the country, Volkswagen Philippines is initiating specific policies and practices for its dealership network to assure protection among its business partners, workers, and customers.

Once the ECQ is lifted and parts shifts to the general community quarantine (GCQ), the different dealerships of Volkswagen will reopen. Customers are promised again to be greeted and treated professionally to a lineup of German brand vehicles and a quality of service that embodies the automobile lifestyle experience that Volkswagen delivers for several years. Moreover, the safety and protection of customers will be given priority.

Volkswagen Philippines president Felipe Estrella stated in his message to dealer executives and owners that every step will be done to follow the safety guidelines, regulations and protocols that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has imposed.

Before a customer enters the premises of any Volkswagen dealership, they are required to wear face masks, spray alcohol on their hands, and undergo body temperature screening. Customers having body temperature higher than 37°Celsius will be denied entry. They will also be given recommendations to consult with a medical doctor regarding their health condition.

To comply with physical distancing measure (at least one meter apart from another person), the shaking of hands will not be allowed. For the vehicle service areas and showroom, attendants and customers should also comply with the physical distancing measure, even if they are inside the vehicles.

For the transaction areas, service and sales staff as well as customers should not be seated beside each other, but instead, they need to sit across a table. A maximum of two individuals only are allowed on each table. Transaction tables will also have a hand sanitizer or alcohol. Cashless transactions, online payments, and the use of credit cards are highly encouraged.

All facilities where customers enter will undergo frequent disinfection. All vehicles will also be completely disinfected and ensured to be safe, especially for test drives and before and after servicing. The tools and devices used for servicing vehicles must also be well-sanitized.

In terms of aftersales operations, customers need to schedule service appointments to maintain physical distancing. Service personnel and advisors should also wear personal protective equipment.

All Volkswagen dealership employees are also recommended to comply and practice safety and health measures for business operations as stated in the Dealership Sales and Aftersales Operations Guide and Recommendations of Volkswagen Philippines and the regulations of the government-imposed GCQ. This is to ensure safety every time a customer visits a Volkswagen dealership as well as guarantee smooth transition to the “new normal.”

Estrella explained that the present situation has generally modified and transformed the behavior and status of the population, consumers, auto industry, and businesses. The confidence and sense of assurance of people when it comes to visits to dealerships and establishments, crowds, social interaction, gatherings, and events may not be the same in the future due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Volkswagen Philippines president also pointed out the importance of establishing an environment wherein the well-being, health, and safety of customers are the top priority once operations resume. Thus, it is highly recommended that everyone follow the procedures, protocols, and guidelines to guarantee safety and readiness.

As of May 4, the Volkswagen dealership in Cagayan de Oro City, which is under GCQ, is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo from Volkswagen

Also read: Volkswagen to resume limited vehicle production