Dealership Operations Update
Dear WANADA Members,
We at WANADA are working diligently to compile as much relevant information as we can regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it will continue to have on your businesses.
We are continuously updating our
COVID-19 information page for dealers with the latest developments, but I wanted to provide you with the latest news on some key matters pertinent to dealership operations.
State DMV Operations
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators has created
a helpful chart of all state DMVs' operating statuses. We have pulled out the information for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, and will be
updating this page on our website whenever necessary.
Currently, the three DMV systems operating in our region remain operative, though on significantly modified schedules.
"Non-Essential" Business Closures and Restrictions
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to progress, states and localities are getting more and more aggressive about closing business and "non-essential" communal spaces.
We support the great work that our partners at VADA and MADA are doing in trying to ensure that dealerships, in particular auto service centers, are classified as "essential" services in the event that even more stringent closures are implemented in the coming days.
Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland announced this morning that the state will be closing all enclosed shopping malls and entertainment venues, effective at 5 p.m. tonight, while prohibiting gatherings of over 10 people. As of now we do not believe there is any impact on current dealership operations, but we will certainly update you if anything changes. In addition, please be mindful that in Maryland in particular, home-rule charter counties have a wide level of latitude to impose their own restrictions above and beyond the state's mandates.
The Council of State Governments has compiled
a list of executive orders from governors across the country, and is also
updating a list of statewide business closure mandates, crowd control measures, and more.
OEM Communications to Dealership Franchisees
We have created a
page on the WANADA website where we will post all the communications from OEMs to their franchise dealers that relate to COVID-19 and the ways that manufacturers will be modifying their dealer agreements as a result. If you receive a communication like that, please let us know so that we can share it with the rest of our membership.
Unemployment Data
This morning, the U.S. Department of Labor
released initial data on unemployment claims through this past Saturday. According to the DOL, unemployment claims jumped almost 33 percent compared to the week prior. Given the lag in mandated closures of bars and restaurants, many of which went into effect just in the past couple of days, we anticipate these numbers to rise significantly in the coming weeks.
We do not yet have state and local data from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia as of yet, but various news reports indicate that the jurisdictions are seeing a significant increase in website traffic from people applying for benefits.
Summary
We are working tirelessly to do everything we can to advocate for our member dealers and their suppliers, and we know acutely how difficult of a time this is for all of you. If you have any questions, please contact me or Joe Koch (
[email protected]) at any time. We will be here for you every step of the way as this crisis continues.
Sincerely,
