DTI thumbs down opening of car dealerships

MANILA, Philippines — Car dealerships will remain closed during the remaining days of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) maintained only those engaged in production of food and essential products would be allowed to operate despite a request from automotive dealers to be allowed to render after-sales service.

In a letter dated April 22 to Philippine Automotive Dealers Association president Willy Tee Ten, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said directives issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and the DTI have limited establishments permitted to operate during the Luzon-wide lockdown to those manufacturing basic food and essential products and its related value chain.

“Unfortunately, the list does not include the automotive sector. This is mainly due to the urgent need to limit the movement of people to stop the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is the essence of having the enhanced community quarantine. Thus, if ever there would be exemptions, it must be limited to these very essential products that the people cannot live without,” Lopez said.

He said he is hopeful of the automotive firms’ understanding as the end of the enhanced community quarantine is near.

The enhanced community quarantine in Luzon initially set to be in place until April 12, has been further extended until May 15.

“The national government is doing everything it can to facilitate the most reasonable arrangements to fulfill the smooth delivery of basic essential goods and services to the people even as we adhere to the enhanced community quarantine. We look forward to your continued cooperation and urge for even greater collaboration as we ensure the health and safety of our countrymen,” Lopez said.

In a letter dated April 16 addressed to Lopez, Ten appealed for government to allow dealerships to open for after-sales service on or before April 20.

Ten said car dealerships were receiving several calls for emergency repairs on vehicles being used by customers for grocery runs and for work even with the enhanced community quarantine in place.

He said auto dealerships are essential in addressing repairs of vehicles since workers of firms allowed to operate can no longer rely on public transportation.

If allowed to operate, he said automotive dealerships would operate on skeleton workforce and on a by-appointment basis.

Car dealerships would also observe physical distancing and strict sanitation, and require all customers to wear masks and to have their temperature screened before being allowed to enter.

Ten said the appeal was meant to ensure private transport is maintained and readily available for use in emergency situations and when purchasing essential needs.

The Philippine Automotive Dealers Association groups more than 200 car dealerships in the country.