Ford PH reopens showrooms in GCQ areas, announces safety measures

MANILA: As the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was lifted in selected parts of the country, replaced by a more relaxed general community quarantine (GCQ), Ford Philippines reported that it has opened selected dealerships in areas and locations already on the latter quarantine state starting May 1. These locations, with sales and service reopening schedules, are listed below:

Dealer Location	Opening Date – Sales	Opening Date – Service
Ormoc	May 1	April 13
Negros	May 1	May 4
Butuan	May 1	May 4
Dumaguete	May 1	May 4
Roxas	May 1	May 4
Surigao	May 1	May 4
Naga	May 1*	May 4
Isabela	May 2	May 2
Bohol	May 4	May 4
General Santos	May 4	May 4
Palawan	May 4	May 4
Dipolog	May 4	May 4
Ilocos Norte	TBD	May 5
Cagayan de Oro	May 5	May 5

* On limited capacity

Meanwhile, Ford Tacloban opened its doors last April 15 “while observing strict safety standards to protect its employees and customers.” Including this dealership, all Ford dealerships that opened from May 1 to 4 are operating on normal business hours.

Ford insisted that it puts in place “new and enhanced tools, processes, and policies” across its dealer network to be assure safety and mitigate potential risks in the age of COVID-19.

“We’re keen to have things start returning to the ‘new normal’ across our dealer network, while continuing to keep the health and safety of our Ford customers and entire dealership team as our highest priority,” said PK Umashankar, managing director of Ford Philippines. “Customers visiting any Ford dealership will see very clearly the safeguards that are in place — with all customers required to comply with these protocols — while having all sales and service personnel and functions available to serve them,” added Umashankar.

Ford Philippines will initiate the following safeguards and measures amid the coronavirus:

1. Temperature checks using infrared thermometers for anyone entering a Ford dealership;

2. Dealership floor plans will be modified to ensure physical distancing;

3. Dealership personnel will be required to wear face masks and gloves at all times. A hazardous waste container will be available on site for disposal of appropriate materials.

 4. Customer interactions will take physical distancing into consideration;

5. Facilities will be disinfected three times a day;

6. Hand sanitizer dispensers will be readily available, particularly in high-visibility and high-traffic areas;

7. If an employee experiences flu-like symptoms, he or she will be asked to promptly seek medical advice and return only when/if free of symptoms;

8. Vehicles will be thoroughly sanitized after a service visit to ensure that they “are clean and safe when returned to customers.”

9. Remote sales support with a Ford sales professional will be initiated to ensure a quality shopping experience without them having to leave home.

10. Ford dealers will continue working with lenders to extend credit terms and defer some monthly payments. Approvals of extensions or deferral support will be at the finance partner’s discretion.

11. All Ford customers whose warranty coverage has expired during the quarantine period are advised to visit their respective Ford dealers to resolve their concerns related to expired warranties.

“While opening our Ford dealerships to provide in-person service is a welcome move forward, our aim is to work very closely with each of our dealers to ensure we are providing the most safe and sanitary environment possible,” maintained Umashankar.

Ford dealerships within ECQ areas are poised to open once the quarantine ends and upon clearance by LGU units. For updates, visit the Ford Philippines Facebook page (@FordPhilippines).

Photo from Ford Philippines

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