Maruti Suzuki initiates new showroom safety SOPs

As part of its new COVID-19 standard operating procedures, Maruti Suzuki India has introduced stringent safety and sanitation norms across its dealerships.

The carmaker has said that all its staff has been trained to maintain proper social distancing and the use of face masks is mandatory. Sanitisers will be provided at all showrooms, at every touchpoint. Furthermore, the health of the staff will be monitored daily via an app and only those with a record of good health for 14 days will be allowed to report for work. There will be a daily thermal scanning, with lunch hours also being staggered to optimise social distancing.

Test drive cars will be sterilised prior to a drive; only one customer and relationship manager will be allowed in the vehicle during testing.

Additionally, Maruti Suzuki has also employed new digital measures to ease the car-buying process. Aside from being able to accessorise and book a car on the website, customers can submit the required documentation to the dealers via digital means. A doorstep delivery option has also been introduced, with each car undergoing a disinfection process before they reach the customer.

Speaking about the new norms, Kenichi Ayukawa, MD and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India said, “Customers satisfaction and safety is our top priority. All our dealerships have put in place steps to ensure complete safety, hygiene and sanitisation of all touchpoints. I would like to assure our customers that your car buying experience with Maruti Suzuki is completely safe.”

Ayukawa added that the company's new safety and sanitation norms at its production and service facilities are in line with the safety norms prescribed by the government.

Prior to the lockdown in March, Maruti had a few big launches like the Dzire facelift, the updated Vitara Brezza petrol and the Ignis facelift. The carmaker was preparing to roll out a petrol S-cross with the same 1.5-litre petrol unit seen on the updated Brezza and Ciaz.

Maruti is all set to bring the iconic Jimny to India next year. It will be the larger 5-door model and not the 3-door option that's on sale in international markets.