Bajaj Auto has announced the reopening of a large number of its dealerships and workshops across India. Following the COVID-19 lockdown relaxations post May 4, Bajaj has issued strict health and safety protocols before allowing dealerships to resume activities.
Rakesh Sharma, executive director, Bajaj Auto, said that India is gearing up for a new normal and so is the company. The opening of the dealerships and workshops is a step taken towards a fresh start. To ensure adequate social distancing, Bajaj has also put a new workflow process in place.
Some of the safety protocols at Bajaj showrooms and workshops include thermal scanning of people entering the premises, sanitisation and regular monitoring of employee health.
The resumption of dealership operations will also help reignite demand that has been stagnant for all of April 2020. Several automakers, including Bajaj Auto reported zero domestic sales during that period.
As dealerships begin to reopen and other non-essential services recommence, India is gradually easing itself from what was one of the most stringent COVID-19 lockdowns anywhere in the world. While health and safety are of primary importance, it is equally necessary to resume economic activity to ensure flow of income. This is especially true in the case of automobile dealers who were facing tough times even before the lockdown was announced in March. As the days progress, we expect more dealerships and workshops to resume operations, with India adjusting to the new normal.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
