INTEREST in buying a new car is holding up despite the Coronavirus lockdown which has closed showrooms.
Dealerweb has reported that its dealers across the UK have received over 20,000 inquiries since lockdown on 24 March.
The lead management business said dealers to ensure they act promptly to nurture inquiries to help their businesses recover when lockdown ends.
In the week commencing 13 April dealers have seen over 5,700 inquiries and sold over 500 vehicles.
Dealerweb Chief Executive Martin Hill said: “Dealers must act now to ensure they are nurturing fresh inquiries, which are vital to post-lockdown sales. We should consider that 20,000 new inquiries represent 5,000 vehicle sales, at a 25 per cent conversion rate.
“While many of the cars sold over recent weeks won’t be delivered until after lockdown it is clear that there is an underlying consumer demand that needs to be served.
“If the UK follows the buying trends we are seeing in Wuhan, China, we can expect a strong bounce when lockdown ends. Dealers in the region are seeing pent up demand and new buyers as people buy additional vehicles to avoid having to use public transport.”
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has issued guidance to its members on online sales in the Covid-19 lockdown. It says that while showroom activity is not permitted under the government rules, online activity is and that deliveries necessary for online sales can still take place.
Dealerweb reports that since March 24 it has seen orders taken for over 600 vehicles.
Hill said: “Now is the time to start putting in place the building blocks for a successful return to trading and hitting the ground running!
“Clearly, we need to do it safely with a focus on our teams, customers and communities, but the customers are there for the dealers that are responsive and proactive.”
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