[wheelguy]

MG India has announced plans to make special car deliveries in these times of corona virus.

With the contagion spreading from reel to the real word and into people’s lives, the truth about human frailty is being unravelled. Corona virus has also presented our indomitable side, where we all are doing our best to contain the virus and restore normalcy. Leading carmaker MG (Morris Garages) appears to be working on the same lines, as it has come up with an innovative idea to safeguard its customers from coronavirus.

As visiting dealerships has become a risky proposition, MG has launched a special program wherein sanitized cars will be home delivered to customers. This adequately meets the requirements of social distancing, which has emerged as one of the most effective ways to halt the spread of coronavirus. Although details have not been revealed, we expect that MG will be following processes that have minimal human involvement when transporting its cars from the plant to showrooms and eventually to customers’ homes.

MG Hector and ZS Electric delivered to customers will have their seats and steering fully covered to minimize the risk of contamination. This seems to be the right thing to do, as it has been proven in laboratory study that coronavirus can remain airborne for up to three hours in a closed environment and even longer on surfaces. Moreover, MG has stated that its delivery executives will be following all recommended hygiene guidelines when delivering the cars to customers.

Source

[vsrivatsa]

Originally Posted by wheelguy

MG India has announced plans to make special car deliveries in these times of corona virus.

This is a good and responsible move from MG. Hope the others follow in this approach soon where ever possible for the next couple of months.

[wheelguy]

Originally Posted by vsrivatsa

This is a good and responsible move from MG. Hope the others follow in this approach soon where ever possible for the next couple of months.

Good move, but definitely not a responsible move.

Who are the benefactors of this move?

1. MG, because it aids in continuity of their business
2. Customers, because they can get their cars delivered without delay and without the fear of corona virus.

Will it be a life threatening or anything of that sort if they hold the delivery process now? Will the customer be able to freely roam across in his new car immediately after the delivery? Probably no.

At this stage of the pandemic, a more responsible move would be:

1. Given if it's feasible, offer their factory to manufacture the much needed medical equipment that was in shortage.
2. Give financial support to the blue-color workers working with/for them.
3. Offer whatever they can to help stop the pandemic.

Need of the hour is to stop the spread of the disease and treat the effected persons, everything else comes next in the priority order. India with its ~134 crore population would be in a great mess if the disease spreads further, then we need lots(read lakhs) of additional ventilators and respirators which can import from other countries as they themselves are in shortage. We also need loads of makeshift hospitals.

[Vid6639]

Originally Posted by wheelguy

Good move, but definitely not a responsible move.

This will be the new norm. MG sprung to it as the first and they are publicizing it.

Skoda has started the same but charging 25 rupees for steering, gear and seat covers.

Converting a factory to make medical is not an overnight procedure. This was simple and doable instantly.

Mahindra also announced some initiatives as well like converting their resorts for quarantine and ventilators. For Mahindra it is easier as they have many verticals not just automobiles just like Tata.

[vishy76]

It's surely a good idea but what about RTOs remaining shut and the likes. Unless MG assures that they can deliver a car with the HSRP in place and all formalities done at the customer's doorstep, I think it will still be a half baked attempt.

I wouldn't want to have my brand new car standing in the garage without a registration number for days at end.

[PetrolheadRup]

Originally Posted by wheelguy

MG India has announced plans to make special car deliveries in these times of corona virus.

Looks more like a good PR exercise to me. After all what is the purpose of a getting a new car delivered right now if you cannot use it (offices, restaurants shut)? I don't think any official work like registration would be possible now for some time.
In my opinion it would be better that MG halt all operations for a few days, rather than asking the dealership staff to come to work and hence putting them at risk of catching the virus.

[BrakeFree]

I think it's time to rethink and analyze what all things can be done online. Why do we need a visit to the RTO for physical inspection? This will reduce congestion and corruption.

PS: Test Drives should off course remain as it!

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

A video from MG explaining the process -

https://youtu.be/4nmvnpvzz_w

[Venkatesh]

MG Hector cabin sanitisation video.

https://youtu.be/jq2Z3FYbvzg

[fhdowntheline]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

A video from MG explaining the process -

The delivery person not wearing gloves while wiping the gear knob and steering and handing over the key? What about his safety from the customer? Why not make it a contact free delivery in that case? Place it on a tray or wrap it with a box of chocolates , say Namaste and leave.