Following the UK Government’s latest announcement on Saturday and the introduction of additional lockdown measures across England from Thursday, we would like to provide the following update.
Our Board met first thing this morning to discuss the implications of these new measures on our operations. We are also working with trade industry bodies to understand more detail behind these proposed changes. While many customers have already been impacted by the local and regional lockdown restrictions, this new lockdown period will potentially impact the majority of customers, in addition to our own operations.
We are sure you can appreciate that the situation is very fluid, and things are moving fast. We are acting now based on what we know, but our plans will flex this week as the guidance evolves. We will provide further updates as necessary.
As of this morning, we can confirm the following updates for our respective business areas. Any changes will take effect from Thursday 5th November.
It hopefully goes without saying that the safety of our team members, customers and communities remains our utmost priority. We have robust COVID-secure compliant working practices in place, we want to reassure you that Cox Automotive remains entirely supportive of you and your customers.
Manheim Auction Services – Our Simulcast online auction programme will continue as is. Buyers will still be able to collect vehicles by appointment and we will continue to collect and deliver vehicles in a safe and appropriate manner for those customers requiring that service. Our Accelerate customer support programme will remain in place. However, our programme to allow buyers access to preview vehicles physically will cease, along with vendors accessing the sites.
Manheim Vehicle Services – Our MVS business will continue to operate as normal using the COVID-secure working practices that have been in place since our return from the previous national lockdown. We are maintaining a watching brief over the coming days as more detail and clarity for our sector emerges and will adapt as necessary. We are specifically seeking clarity on the ‘click and collect’ area for automotive to determine if handover activity can continue as now.
Manheim Inspection Services – We have established robust COVID-secure processes for our inspect and collect services, and our intention is to maintain operations as now. We are seeking further clarity from the Government on this and working closely with our customers to ensure any of their consumer requests are escalated and actioned accordingly.
Movex - Movex has been helping customers move their vehicles throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so. Active transport providers are operating within government guidelines in respect of social distancing, sanitisation and safeguarding.
Dealer Auction, Modix, eVA Valuations & Appraisals and NextGear Capital– all currently continue to operate as now and support customers as their own operating models evolve.
If you have any specific comments or questions in the meantime, please contact your usual account support. We are here to support you as we continue to navigate these challenging times.
Please stay safe.
James Leese
Chief Customer Officer, Cox Automotive