Impact of COVID-19 on motor industry?

joujoujou

sc86 wrote: »

Because of the lack of notice given last friday some familys have no car at all.
Some cars were stripped last friday and awaiting parts , parts not due till monday etc , mechanics were not allowed open monday.

They should have gave a little notice to prepare
I know some mechanics went in saturday / monday to finish off jobs , but technically there were not allowed.

Im not again the lockdown at all , we need to fight this , but i think its a area needs looked at

Correct me if I'm wrong, but garages (I think) are not allowed to be open for public. If they decide to finish a repair behind closed doors, that will do no harm. Grey area though.

Hellrazer

joujoujou wrote: »

Correct me if I'm wrong, but garages (I think) are not allowed to be open for public. If they decide to finish a repair behind closed doors, that will do no harm. Grey area though.

We were told that we couldn't work at all even behind closed doors.
Wouldn't have been much use anyway as most of my technicians would have to travel outside of their 2 km limit to come into work and since the motor industry isn't classed as essential they wouldn't be allowed to travel for work purposes.

Leonard Hofstadter

Hellrazer wrote: »

We were told that we couldn't work at all even behind closed doors.
Wouldn't have been much use anyway as most of my technicians would have to travel outside of their 2 km limit to come into work.

The 2 km limit only applies to when you're going walking. You're allowed exceed it for travelling to work (where the work is strictly necessary and cannot be done at home of course) and even to go to the shops.

joujoujou

Hellrazer wrote: »

We were told that we couldn't work at all even behind closed doors.
[...]

Fair enough, thanks for clarification.

Hellrazer

Leonard Hofstadter wrote: »

The 2 km limit only applies to when you're going walking. You're allowed exceed it for travelling to work (where the work is strictly necessary and cannot be done at home of course) and even to go to the shops.

The 2km is for all activity outside your home not just exercising or walking.

You can travel beyond that for work but only if your work is one of the industries that is deemed "essential" and unfortunately the motor industry is not.

Hellrazer

Hellrazer wrote: »

The 2km is for all activity outside your home not just exercising or walking.
.........

It's for shopping for essentials also.

Hellrazer

Augeo wrote: »

It's for shopping for essentials also.

But were discussing the motor trade here.Heres the relevant legislation.

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cf9b0d-new-public-health-measures-effective-now-to-prevent-further-spread-o/#community-health

Transport and Travel


Travel restrictions will be implemented as follows:


• there will be a nationwide restriction on travel outside of 2 kilometres from your home, except for the restrictions listed above
• public transport and passenger travel will be restricted to those who are buying food or medicines, carers, going to medical appointments and essential workers
• travel to Ireland's offshore islands is limited only to residents of those islands
• local authorities will relax on-street parking laws to meet the travel needs of essential workers
• the arrival of personal non-national maritime leisure vessels is banned (except to exceptions as 'port in a storm')

O.A.P

Plenty of families around here 4 km or more from the nearest shop.

Got my car serviced over 2 weeks ago- it needed a service and also some minor work- got both done at same time- I had anticipated this might happen as I had just started working from home myself the previous week so was lucky to get it in- even back then, I brought a load of wipes with me - in fairness the mechanic had gloves and mask when handing back the car- I probably wouldn’t have put it in for a service knowing what I know now about how the virus remains active on surfaces etc for a long time.

Leonard Hofstadter

Leonard Hofstadter wrote: »

The 2 km limit only applies to when you're going walking. You're allowed exceed it for travelling to work (where the work is strictly necessary and cannot be done at home of course) and even to go to the shops.

Hellrazer wrote: »

The 2km is for all activity outside your home not just exercising or walking.
...........

Hellrazer wrote: »

But were discussing the motor trade here.Heres the relevant legislation.......

I know all about the legislation.
The bolded pieces are what I commented on.

O.A.P

O.A.P wrote: »

Plenty of families around here 4 km or more from the nearest shop.

He doesn't mean all activities you see

Toyotafanboi

It seems to be something a lot of people seem to be struggling with. The motor industry is closed. All sales departments are closed. All parts and service departments are closed.

There are two exceptions with service departments. Those with blue light contracts and if a workshop gets a request for help from frontline worker with an emergency (car wont start/ breakdown/ accident etc).

Word is though basically every fred in the shed is still open just working behind closed doors, as are most motor factors. Distribution for a lot dealers is severely limited but main dealers would already be carrying a lot more stock than independent workshops.

knifey_spoonie

You can travel outside a 2km radius for shopping, The 2km limit is specific to outdoor exercise.

Vehicle repairs can operate on an emergency breakdown service, And staff carrying out such activities are allowed to travel, I've come across check points with no issue and so has one of my colleagues. You are required to carry a letter from your employer and photo ID, but once you explain what you are doing there is no issue.

What i am seeing is an increase in cars not starting, Car are being left for extended periods and any weaker batteries are being shown up. Ive done 2 batteries today and might not see 2 a fortnight normally.

For want to a better word i am nearly Triaging calls, By finding out 1) Nature of the issue, 2) Drivers Employment 3) Location of the vehicle, then dealing with them as appropriate, Which could mean anything from organising a mechanic and recovery to just suggesting they get into us once this is all over.

We have even had call form someone looking for an oil filter because he had nothing else to do and wanted to change his oil. Safe to say he was told that we wouldn't be in a position to help.

sc86

it makes no sense that a off licence is essential but getting your car fixed when broke is not

911s

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

It seems to be something a lot of people seem to be struggling with. The motor industry is closed. All sales departments are closed. All parts and service departments are closed.

There are two exceptions with service departments. Those with blue light contracts and if a workshop gets a request for help from frontline worker with an emergency (car wont start/ breakdown/ accident etc).

Word is though basically every fred in the shed is still open just working behind closed doors, as are most motor factors. Distribution for a lot dealers is severely limited but main dealers would already be carrying a lot more stock than independent workshops.

You can also disregard the stay at home guidelines if you have a garage on Malahide Road Industrial Park , Malah***de Mo***s. Doors wide open, customers and staff in close contact, stock for sale moved onto footpath daily. Complete disregard for any rules or anyone’s health & safety.

greasepalm

911s wrote: »

You can also disregard the stay at home guidelines if you have a garage on Malahide Road Industrial Park , Malah***de Mo***s. Doors wide open, customers and staff in close contact, stock for sale moved onto footpath daily. Complete disregard for any rules or anyone’s health & safety.

So car battery died and possible transfer of virus to customer:eek::eek::eek:

911s

greasepalm wrote: »

So car battery died and possible transfer of virus to customer:eek::eek::eek:

We could all say that very little chance of passing on virus in our respective trades but we are all in this together and supposed to abide by the same rules. Some don’t.

saabsaab

BarryD2 wrote: »

People will still need to get around when all this blows over. Think a substantial ‘carbon tax’ on petrol & diesel might be ushered in on back of this though. Especially with current drop in oil prices. Convenient timing to get over the backlash and passed off as dealing with virus issues.

That would be a good idea. It could be combined with an abolition of our crazy dual tax systems as a sweetener and put the tax loss on fossil fuels. Simpler, fairer, greener and easier to administer.

enumbers

We are operating a emergency repair operation only to make sure any customers who are front line staff can keep there cars going. Only had a very small number of requests this week most people have taking the advice and are staying at home unless necessary.

snoopboggybog

I would think some of the smaller operations in small towns etc would answer if people gave them a call to be honest. A car can be pretty essential for people living in the countryside 20miles away from a house or more from their nearest town for supplies.

I'm only thinking absolute emergencies now where a car broke down etc , not getting your car serviced etc.

I'm not advising it whatsoever.

saabsaab

enumbers wrote: »

We are operating a emergency repair operation only to make sure any customers who are front line staff can keep there cars going. Only had a very small number of requests this week most people have taking the advice and are staying at home unless necessary.

Most cars are off the road for now. Fuel costs will be down for most and car sales are down for March.

carzony

When will we see the effect on motor sale prices? Prices seem fairly steady so far. Many people out there still looking for a second hand bargain I'd imagine.

Rows Grower

saabsaab wrote: »

Most cars are off the road for now. Fuel costs will be down for most and car sales are down for March.

Would you have a link for these amazing revelations?

turbostan

Rows Grower wrote: »

Would you have a link for these amazing revelations?

A link is hardly required to confirm what we all already know to be fact.

We are on a lockdown
Most of us are not working and therefore staying at home

So yes, most cars ARE off the road now and fuel costs will obviously be down for most of us as a consequence

Of course car sales are down for March, the dealers are all closed!!!

Can't really see what's so hard to understand about that.

carzony

carzony wrote: »

When will we see the effect on motor sale prices? Prices seem fairly steady so far............

Prices are as they were prior to Covid19.
Prices won't move until the market resumes to some extent, even at that loads of places will keep their prices high and only the folk purchasing will know how much was knocked off.

There's likely to be more visible discounts on some new stuff rather then second hand stuff IMO.

SachaJ

Rows Grower wrote: »

Would you have a link for these amazing revelations?

Article in the Irish Times earlier in the week. New car sales down 63% from March 2019. Car imports down 48% I think. Can't remember the exact numbers.

Rows Grower

turbostan wrote: »

A link is hardly required to confirm what we all already know to be fact.

We are on a lockdown
Most of us are not working and therefore staying at home

So yes, most cars ARE off the road now and fuel costs will obviously be down for most of us as a consequence

Of course car sales are down for March, the dealers are all closed!!!

Can't really see what's so hard to understand about that.

Whoooooosh.....

carsfan2

Renault first out of the traps.


https://www.completecar.ie/car-news/article/10023/Renault-Ireland-prepares-for-market-reopening

carsfan2

carsfan2 wrote: »

Renault first out of the traps.


https://www.completecar.ie/car-news/article/10023/Renault-Ireland-prepares-for-market-reopening

Payment deferrals, plus a proposal for a VRT break.
Renault / the distributor aren't going to dig deep as yet so.

Do the fandango

I think most brands will do some form of payment deferral. If anything I’d say 3 months will be the minimum.

It would be good to get them open again presuming the social distancing can be adhered to.

Rows Grower

There was some main dealers had to open by appointment to take back cars last month, I heard of one place alone in county Cork that had nine 2020 reg cars handed back because people could not afford them.

There'll be a lot more too.

saabsaab

Rows Grower wrote: »

There was some main dealers had to open by appointment to take back cars last month, I heard of one place alone in county Cork that had nine 2020 reg cars handed back because people could not afford them.

There'll be a lot more too.

True, it will be more than Cork doing it.

Whocare

Front line work getting there car repaired what about essential workers like I have two tyres all most down to wire due tracking so will need to get that done as well was hoping get it done next week but it looks like lockdown is going to get extended

Whocare

Whocare wrote: »

Front line work getting there car repaired what about essential workers like I have two tyres all most down to wire due tracking so will need to get that done as well was hoping get it done next week but it looks like lockdown is going to get extended

You shouldn't struggle to find somewhere to sell you tyres........... there must be one of these near you ? https://bestdrive.ie/

Do the fandango

Augeo wrote: »

It would be good to get them open again presuming the social distancing can be adhered to.

We’re expecting that servicing will be first to be allowed back. Then, perhaps a week or two later, sales will be allowed open to the public.

Most dealerships are large enough to facilitate social distancing, and sales-free test drives will be the new norm. They were an generally an awkward pain in the hole for everyone involved anyway so there won't be too many complaints there!

Whocare

Augeo wrote: »

You shouldn't struggle to find somewhere to sell you tyres........... there must be one of these near you ? https://bestdrive.ie/

Yeah but it call out sevice. Will need to get tracking done too .( bushings was changed in the car)

Whocare

Whocare wrote: »

Front line work getting there car repaired what about essential workers like I have two tyres all most down to wire due tracking so will need to get that done as well was hoping get it done next week but it looks like lockdown is going to get extended

Whocare wrote: »

Yeah but it call out sevice. Will need to get tracking done too .( bushings was changed in the car)

You didn't mention a service initially.

Whocare

After reading ads better .some of bestdrive " branches are open behind closed doors "

sc86

Rows Grower wrote: »

There was some main dealers had to open by appointment to take back cars last month, I heard of one place alone in county Cork that had nine 2020 reg cars handed back because people could not afford them.

There'll be a lot more too.

Not to doubt you but why would the garage need to open to take your car back?

Say if your finance is with vw bank on your 2020 , you dont drop it to your local vw dealer after 2 months of not paying back your loan?

Toyotafanboi

sc86 wrote: »

Not to doubt you but why would the garage need to open to take your car back?

Say if your finance is with vw bank on your 2020 , you dont drop it to your local vw dealer after 2 months of not paying back your loan?

Yeah, seems a bit of a tall tale to me.

CIP4

Do the fandango wrote: »

I think most brands will do some form of payment deferral. If anything I’d say 3 months will be the minimum.

I am not against anyone buying a car on HP/PCP whatever. But I am failing to see the logic in 3 months payment deferral. If you can't afford to pay the repayments when you get the car I really can't see any reason you could think buying a brand new car is the right move.

Toyotafanboi

I suppose if you do lose your job, are cutback to €350 a week and your cashflow has taken a bit of a knock it's nice to be offered the relief.

Let's not act like everybody who goes PCP or HP has the value of the car in savings.

Between mortgage, car, groceries, ESB, bins, phone yada yada anyone who was earning a few bob and has lost their job is probably in a spot of turmoil.

I suppose it gives you time to catch your breath and get back working or communicate with the bank if you cant make full payments going forward. It gives them breathing space too, I'd say the last thing they want is to have to start heckling people and repossesing cars.

Rows Grower

CIP4 wrote: »

I am not against anyone buying a car on HP/PCP whatever. But I am failing to see the logic in 3 months payment deferral. If you can't afford to pay the repayments when you get the car I really can't see any reason you could think buying a brand new car is the right move.

It's not aimed at logical thinkers, it's greedy franchise operators trying desperately to make numbers and dam the consequences for the customer.

There will be a lot more 2020's handed back to the dealers in the coming months on top of what was dropped back to the forecourts in the last month and well they know it.

It will further undermine the market for new sales with bigger than normal discounts becoming available for almost brand new stock under warranty in a dog eat dog business that thrives in a booming economy.

Toyotafanboi

Do you know, I'd say if someone drove a car back to a dealer anywhere I've worked, I'd say nobody would know what to do. They are our of the loop. The dealer has been paid for the car, they dont give a toss, it's not their issue.

If you finance a car and sign on the dotted line, if you wanted to hand the car back, it'd be as much use dropping it off in your local BOI or AIB branch as the dealer you bought it from, it's the banks own the car not the dealer.

It's not really as simple as drop the keys back into the dealer and walk away.

Rows Grower

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

Do you know, I'd say if someone drove a car back to a dealer anywhere I've worked, I'd say nobody would know what to do. They are our of the loop. The dealer has been paid for the car, they dont give a toss, it's not their issue.

If you finance a car and sign on the dotted line, if you wanted to hand the car back, it'd be as much use dropping it off in your local BOI or AIB branch as the dealer you bought it from, it's the banks own the car not the dealer.

It's not really as simple as drop the keys back into the dealer and walk away.

Yeah, I get your point.

sc86

theres no point at all dropping a car back to the dealers , its nothing to do with them.
and giving the car back means your credit rating is ruined , so forget about getting loans again anytime soon.
if after 6 weeks on the 350 a week you cant afford to pay a car loan , then you should never have got the car in the first place.

Eric Cartman

carsfan2 wrote: »

Renault first out of the traps.


https://www.completecar.ie/car-news/article/10023/Renault-Ireland-prepares-for-market-reopening

is there any Renault with a VRT amount much above 3k, something tells me they picked that one very strategically so they can have a "VRT free" car event where they absorb 500 quid and let you have a kajar or something VRT free.

Rows Grower

sc86 wrote: »

theres no point at all dropping a car back to the dealers , its nothing to do with them.
and giving the car back means your credit rating is ruined , so forget about getting loans again anytime soon.
if after 6 weeks on the 350 a week you cant afford to pay a car loan , then you should never have got the car in the first place.

Wow, when you miss a point you do it in style sc86.

Go you, would you like go faster stripes with that?

CIP4

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

I suppose if you do lose your job, are cutback to €350 a week and your cashflow has taken a bit of a knock it's nice to be offered the relief.

Let's not act like everybody who goes PCP or HP has the value of the car in savings.

Between mortgage, car, groceries, ESB, bins, phone yada yada anyone who was earning a few bob and has lost their job is probably in a spot of turmoil.

I suppose it gives you time to catch your breath and get back working or communicate with the bank if you cant make full payments going forward. It gives them breathing space too, I'd say the last thing they want is to have to start heckling people and repossesing cars.

I see your point there TFB but that’s more for people already with a car on finance which would make sense to have the relief if in that position.

But that article seemed to be very much buy a 202 brand new car and get 3 months deferred payments. In other words it means you are entering into a new agreement and getting a brand new car which seems mad if you are on €350 a week and can’t afford to pay the mortgage or whatever.