Honda Dealerships Re-open. New-gen City Could Be Merely Days From its Launch

Honda Cars India Ltd. has announced that the brand has resumed its sales and service operations at 155 facilities across the country. Back when the nation-wide lockout was first imposed, Honda had closed all its dealerships and workshop to adhere to the government orders. However, now, with the approval from local authorities, Honda has re-opened 118 showroom and 155 service centres across the nation. It was done after a substantial easing of restrictions on economic activities was announced by the government last week. With the Honda showrooms coming back into life, the new-gen Honda City's arrival could be just around the corner. The fifth-gen City was earlier due for a debut in March but that couldn't happen due to the entire country going under a lockout. 

Other than the new-gen City, Honda will also launch the BS-6-compliant Jazz, which was teased a few weeks ago

“At HCIL, ensuring safety for everyone is paramount to us, for which we and our dealer partners are taking all measures of sanitization, safety and distancing at both showroom and workshops. We would like to assure our customers that our dealerships are geared up to welcome them and providing a safe, secure and contactless environment during their visit. With the gradual opening of dealerships in coming days, our objective is to reignite the joy of buying for our customers at a time when personal mobility will gain extreme significance. The dealerships will increasingly be able to focus on servicing vehicles being used by essential service staff like doctors as also for breakdown vehicles.”

Mr. Rajesh Goel, Senior Vice President and Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Cars India Ltd.

With no intentions to delay the launch even further, HCIL will work in close conjunction with all of its dealerships and workshops. The carmaker has also asked the facilities to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by governent on sanitization and social distancing. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for operating the dealerships will include a set of new preparations before restarting the operations in full swing. It will include the equipment fitness check, availability of personal protective equipment, sanitization, and manpower readiness.

Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) will be soon launching the 7th-gen Honda City in the country and it will be sold alongside the outgoing car.

Honda’s current focus to maintain the social distancing protocol will be accomplished by enhancing Contactless Customer experience. The manufacturer will make use of digital means for product explanation and communication. Also, a set of specific protocols will be followed while the customer enters the dealership. Special provisions will be made to ensure hygiene during customer test drives, road tests, and shop floor handling. Also, special attention will be given to the social distancing and sanitization process while receiving cars for service and also while delivering them back to the customers.