Motability Scheme begins phased reopening after COVID-19 shutdown and confirms latest prices
After pausing operations during the coronavirus lockdown, Motability now has started a phased reopening, prioritising its existing customers before accepting new applications.
The Motability Scheme leases cars, powered wheelchairs & mobility scooters to recipients of qualifying mobility allowances across the UK and is operated by two organisations: Motability (the Charity) and Motability Operations.
At the end of March, following the lockdown announcement, the Motability Scheme was essentially frozen, with the organisation stating at the time the temporary closure of most dealership showrooms meant it was unable to accept any orders, manage handovers or returns.
In response, the organisation did not launch new lease prices due on the 1st April and its vehicle search was made unavailable.
For those existing customers on the scheme with a lease agreement due to end in the period, Motability automatically extended agreements for six months whilst new applications were halted.
After more than two months of hiatus, the scheme has now reopened for its existing customers and it has released its latest pricing for its mobility scooters and powerchairs.
It comes as many car dealerships across England reopened on Monday following the prime minister’s announcement that outdoor markets and car dealers were permitted to welcome customers again as of the 1st June. Additionally, anecdotal evidence suggests much of the mobility retail sector has also taken a phased approach to reopening ahead of the 15th of June date for non-essential retail.
Motability has confirmed that customers approaching the end of their lease for mobility scooters and powerchairs, or those who have had their leases extended during lockdown, will be able to place a renewal application from Monday 8th June 2020.
“Customers leasing a scooter or powered wheelchair who had their lease extended during lockdown can now contact their dealer to order their next product. Latest pricing and products will be available on our website from Thursday 4 June,” stated the Scheme.
The latest pricing released by the organisation today will be valid for orders placed up until 30th June 2020 and will be updated on the 1st July, continuing Motability’s three-month price review cycle.
“It is worth checking with the dealer if the product you are interested in is in stock or whether it will need to be ordered from the manufacturer as this may have a significant impact on delivery times,” continued the Scheme.
“Bear in mind that similar products from alternative manufacturers may have different delivery times.”
For customers that do not wish renew their lease for a powerchair or scooters, the Scheme added: “If you plan to leave the Scheme at the end of your lease, please contact your dealership to find out whether they are open and are able to safely collect your scooter or powered wheelchair. If your dealership is closed, or unable to collect the product, then contact us on 0300 456 4566 so we can discuss arrangements.”
As dealerships begin to reopen, dealers will be gradually contacting customers to arrange to hand over scooters or powered wheelchairs ordered before lockdown. If your dealer is unable to handover your new product we will automatically apply a six-month lease extension to cover you through this period of uncertainty. There is no need to contact us, as we will automatically extend the lease.
The Scheme also highlighted that it is unable to accept new applications whilst it prioritises its backlog of existing customer orders.
“After weeks of dealer closures and disruption, the Scheme has taken a phased approach to reopening for applications,” explained the organisation.
“We are giving immediate priority to customers who had ordered a vehicle before lockdown. Handovers for these customers are now underway and new orders from existing customers can start from next week.
“Please bear in mind that some dealers remain closed and all dealers are likely to be busier than usual. Your dealer will have social distancing measures in place, so you must contact your dealer to make an appointment and find out in advance how COVID-19 is affecting their services.”
https://thiis.co.uk/motability-scheme-begins-phased-reopening-after-covid-19-shutdown-and-confirms-latest-prices/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Motability-1.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Motability-1-150x150.jpgCoronavirus NewsCOVID-19 Trade NewsNewsroomRetailer NewsSupplier NewsTrade Newscar dealerships,coronavirus,COVID-19,lease,lockdown,mobility operations,mobility retailers,mobility scooter,Motability,Motability Scheme,powerchair,pricingAfter pausing operations during the coronavirus lockdown, Motability now has started a phased reopening, prioritising its existing customers before accepting new applications. The Motability Scheme leases cars, powered wheelchairs & mobility scooters to recipients of qualifying mobility allowances across the UK and is operated by two organisations: Motability (the Charity) and Motability...Calvin BarnettCalvin Barnettcalvin.barnett@bhta.comAuthorTHIIS Magazine