06 January 2021/Categories: CILT, Industry News, Logistics & Supply Chain, Operations Management, Coronavirus
The bulk of the lost sales occurred during the first lockdown in the Spring, when showrooms were forced to close, and factories shut down. "We lost half a million units from March, April, May - and we never recovered them," said the SMMT's chief executive, Mike Hawes. The restrictions introduced later in the year were less damaging, largely because dealers were able to sell cars remotely, using 'click and collect' services. That remains the case during the new lockdown, announced on Monday. "We can still do click and collect, which is important, because that's the very minimum we need," said Mr Hawes. "Not just to keep retail going, but also to keep manufacturing going." Overall, the SMMT said the Covid crisis has cost the car industry some £20bn - and cost the exchequer nearly £2bn in lost VAT.
Source: BBC
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