The pick-up options that the government will probably want to make possible again for non-essential stores are of little use to car companies. That says car branch association Bovag. According to Bovag, “a lot of art and flying work” is now involved in the sale, and collecting products alone is not a good solution.
The BOVAG wants the cabinet to allow both test drives and the sale of cars by appointment and on the seller’s premises, a spokesman for the BOVAG said. “Buying a car is a bigger investment than a piece of clothing. Ordering and collecting online is not done with a car.” According to him, a contract must also be drawn up and negotiated. “It is difficult to have all of this take place digitally or by telephone. You want to have been in that car. We want consumers to be able to call and go to a showroom by appointment.”
Car companies are now only allowed to be open for repairs and maintenance. Petrol stations and car washes are open, showrooms are closed. In addition, cars cannot be picked up, but they can be delivered at home. Test drives are allowed at home or from a public place. And this only with a maximum of two people and in accordance with the distance and hygiene measures. “This creates major logistical challenges. Car sellers cannot just show an alternative to the customer and it takes a lot of time.”