After several weeks of no action at all, carmakers in India are slowing getting back into their grove. The latest to join the bandwagon is Renault. The French brand has not only opened its office but also select dealerships across the country. The count for the latter is over 190 at present. The remaining will come into action in a phased manner. Operations across India Alliance entities will also commence bit by bit. As for the product dispatches, Renault India has started those meant for North India and Tamil Nadu, its home turf. And as for other markets, facilities in Chennai and Pune have started exporting “critical parts”.

What about customer safety? All dealerships will get disinfected before anyone enters. Renault will also ensure that all employees get screened for any health issues, especially those concerning COVID-19. Both of these actions will get implemented daily. Common areas, such as discussion tables and display cars, will be sanitised after every round of customer interaction. Renault will also check the temperature for all non-workers and customers before they enter any dealership premises. The company will also give masks and hand sanitisers to all customers entering the showroom or the service facility.

To practice social distancing, the dealership employees will make use of digital platforms for sharing product details and further discussions. Renault appreciates that there will be those who would want to avoid visiting a dealership altogether. They can opt for test drives at home or, for existing customers, book service online and complete the paperwork digitally. In either of the cases, the cars will get disinfected thoroughly before and after interactions with customers. New car buyers can even complete the purchase process online.

Is that it? No. Renault has also introduced a scheme called ‘Buy Now Pay Later’. As the name suggests, it allows customers to purchase a car in May 2020 and start paying EMIs after three months. Apart from that, car buyers can opt for other benefits such as cash and exchange offers, and financing at 8.99 per cent. And those who already own a Renault can expect to bag loyalty offers as well.

The company also understands that these are testing times for everyone. And many, whether salaried or self-employed, must have faced financial issues during the national lockdown. For those who have lost their jobs due to layoffs, accidental death, permanent disability or hospitalisation due to COVID-19, Renault will cover for a single EMI premium ranging between Rs 650-1,600. Renault will honour those who fall in the second category (self-employed) by covering a single EMI premium of Rs 999.

Efforts that all carmakers are putting into keeping everyone safe are terrific. That’s what the doctor ordered to kickstart activities after a global shutdown. But are the efforts to attract new car buyers enough? Will they make a difference?