With the current quarantine status eased up in Metro Manila and other parts of the Philippines, Mercedes-Benz has resumed the operations of three out of its four dealerships in the country.
Auto Nation Group, the exclusive distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the country, has announced that showrooms and service centers in Greenhills EDSA and BGC reopened last May 16 while its Alabang dealership resumed on May 18. The Mercedes-Benz showroom in Cebu City remains closed at this time in line with the recent announcement that the city is still under ECQ, as opposed to the previous MECQ status announcement. It is expected to open on June 1.
In line with this, Mercedes-Benz implements the A.I. program that ensures both pandemic-proof environment in Mercedes dealerships, as well as solutions to ensure minimal contact on sales and aftersales transactions.
Mercedes-Benz’s A.I. program stands for Adapt and Innovate, which can be broken down as follows:
Adapt Plan
The Adapt plan ensures that every Mercedes-Benz dealership and its workforce are safe and protected from COVID-19 by implementing the following:
- Mandatory
rapid-testing on workforce
- Mandatory
wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Adherence
to physical distancing
- Hand
sanitation areas
- Temperature
screening
- Dedicated
safety officers
- Regular sanitation of cars
Mercedes-Benz ensures its customers that dealerships that resume operation are pandemic-free, and in compliance with the government’s directive, only 50 percent of the workforce will be onsite. Most importantly, all vehicles – whether for test drives, brand-new car for handover, and cars for delivery after service – will be disinfected and sanitized.
Innovate Plan
Along with the safety protocols, Mercedes-Benz Philippines is also implementing innovative solutions for customers even before they reach the open dealerships.
For sales transactions, these are employed by the company:
- Appointment
setting via Facebook
- Online
reservation
- Virtual
car walk-around & presentation
- Contactless
payment
- Contactless delivery & handover
For services, expect the following:
- Service
booking via Facebook
- Contactless payment
Mercedes-Benz assures its customers that its sales executives are trained to conduct virtual vehicle demonstrations and presentations, ensuring contactless car shopping at the comfort of the customer’s home.