The majority of motor factors and parts suppliers will remain fully open through the second lockdown.
Buoyed by DVSA’s confirmation that MOT testing will remain in force, most garages are happy to stay open and work their way through the backlog caused from the six month test extension announced in March.
READ: MOT TESTS TO CONTINUE THROUGH ENGLAND LOCKDOWN CONFIRM DVSA
One supplier that has remained open is NGK in Hemel Hempstead. Mark Hallam, Marketing Manager, said: “We are continuing to work closely with our supply chains and logistics partners to deliver orders to in effect maintain ‘business as usual’ during the latest lockdown. Our customers can rest assured that we will be working hard to provide the best possible service over the coming weeks.”
Factors will also remain open, with the three national networks signalling their intention to maintain operations. A letter to account customers by Euro Car Parts’ boss Andy Hamilton seen by CAT said: “We know our trade customers can remain open and operational throughout the next four weeks, and as per the last lockdown, our branch network will continue to open as usual, to support you”. He added that the ‘tams have been working hard’ to ensure stock levels remain high.
READ: OMNIHUB GOES LIVE AT EURO CAR PARTS
However, an uncertainty is whether customers will turn up to pre-booked appointments. Technician’s forums have been awash with people already saying there were a lot of no-shows on Thursday morning. One poster on the Facebook Automotive Support Group forum said: “And the no-shows start. Just three hours in and two MOTs haven’t turned up. Here we go…”
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