Covid-19: what it means for motorists and the automobile industry

England is gradually coming out of its third national Covid-19 lockdown, with a phased lifting of restrictions having begun on 8 March and due to be completed on 21 June if all goes to plan. Wales, Scotland and northern Ireland have their own similar measures in place.
As such, there are firm restrictions on what people can do and who they can meet with, but how does this impact drivers and the automobile industry as a whole?
Car dealers reopening on 12 April
Having been allowed to briefly reopen following the second national lockdown in November 2020, automobile dealerships across England – and indeed the rest of the UK – gradually had to close again as Tier 3 and Tier 4 local lockdown restrictions were rolled out in stages across the country.
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Having been forced to keep their doors shut under the third national lockdown, the government has now confirmed dealers can reopen on 12 April. This means automobiles can once again be bought in person at showrooms, rather than just online via click and collect.

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Mike Hawes, chief executive of the society of motor manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “The past year has been the toughest in modern history and the automotive sector has, like many others, been hit hard. However, with showrooms opening in less than a week, there is optimism that consumer confidence – and hence the market – will return.”