Suzuki PHL readies ‘SMART’ reopening of dealership network

SUZUKI PHILIPPINES, INC. (SPH) has readied dealership reopening guidelines to ensure safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As of May 4, 17 out of 79 SPH dealerships around the country have reopened: Bohol, Cagayan De Oro, Calbayog, Dumaguete, General Santos, SM General Santos, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Kalibo, La Union, Naga, Ormoc, Ozamiz, Palawan, Roxas, and Tacloban.

SPH rolls out its SMART guidelines for dealerships to follow amid the “new normal.” The acronym stands for: “Sanitize thoroughly,” “Maintain safe distancing,” “Adhere strictly,” “Reach people online,” and “Think positive.”

Sanitizing thoroughly requires employees to clean/disinfect areas in the store at least every two hours, particularly workplaces and customer lounges. Sanitation stations will be made available, and vehicles will be sanitized in the shops upon arrival from their designated distributor, before and after release for test drives, and to customers who will purchase them.

Maintaining safe distancing entails fewer vehicles on display on the showroom floor. Meeting attendees will be reduced to keep negotiation tables uncrowded. Employees and guests will be required to wear masks, and have their body temperature checked upon entry.

For customers, home delivery of their fully sanitized vehicles will be encouraged. If opting for pickup, they are encouraged to come alone for the handover. To lessen face-to-face interaction, useful and adequate information, appointment bookings, test-drive requests and applications, and other transactions will be available digitally.

Finally, SPH said it understands that importance of positive thinking. “Suzuki Philippines urges the community to distance ourselves from negativity, stay healthy and exercise regularly, and foster positive energy amid these challenging times.”