NFDA welcomes What Car?’s findings: consumers confident to visit showrooms after lockdown

“It is extremely encouraging that the vast majority of car buyers feel comfortable about visiting a showroom when the lockdown ends; the fact that most respondents are confident that dealerships can be run in a covid-safe way pays testament to the efforts dealers have been making over the past months to follow covid-secure guidelines and protect the health of staff and customers”, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) commenting on the latest findings from What Car?.

What Car?’s research of 2,823 in-market buyers has found that 95% of in-market buyers are comfortable with the prospect of visiting a showroom when the lockdown restrictions lift. Additionally, 95% believe retailers can be run in a Covid-19 safe way – up from 89% in October 2020, when What Car? asked the same question.

Positively, 92% of in-market buyers feel “franchised and branded retailers” will take the most precautions.

Sue Robinson added: “Our members have repeatedly implemented the required, robust safety precautions and it is positive that consumers recognise their efforts. Although we are disappointed that showrooms in England will need to remain shut during the March plate-change, dealers will continue to offer click and collect services while they look forward to safely welcoming customers back as soon as it is allowed”.