Automotive Companies Resume Operations, Here’s What They Have To Say!

With effect from August 16, several economic activities and businesses resume operations after more than two months under the Movement Control Order (MCO). 

Some of these activities are the long-awaited removal of restrictions on sales and service operations in the automobile industry and the resumption of manufacturing processes such as the assembly of motor vehicles and related parts and systems.

“We welcome the easing of the restrictions which have posed an increasing challenge to our business over the past two months. Resuming our business activities, especially at Toyota and Lexus retail outlets, will enable a return to some form of normalcy so we can move forward and do our part to help in the country’s economic recovery,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K. 

He also mentioned that the company would strictly adhere to all the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), conditions and guidelines set by the Health Ministry and the National Security Council.

“In fact, after the MCO last year, we already implemented many of the SOPs at our showrooms and service centres, and these have been maintained even until now. These include temperature scanning of everyone, registration with MySejahtera, use of hand sanitisers and face masks, and regular sanitisation of premises.”

“We assure our customers that we have made sure that our premises have a safe environment for them to visit,” he added.

Please be advised that vehicle owners that intend to visit service centres are to make appointments in advance. 

It was said that the two assembly plants and related factories of UMW Toyota Motor group would be operating at specific capacities. However, this depends on the percentage of employees that have been vaccinated as full capacity is only allowed if more than 80 percent have received their vaccinations. 

“The company has been carrying out a vaccination programme, and all our employees have

already been vaccinated or will be vaccinated very soon.”

Commenting on the situation, Ravindran said, “Despite the less encouraging sales numbers for June and July, we still have a strong order bank of bookings for the various models and will move forward swiftly to respond accordingly to minimise any impact to our business and customers,” he said.

“Now that the restrictions are lifted, we have more certainty as there are many important plans in the pipeline. For example, we have been preparing for the local assembly of Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles. While the past two months have disrupted planning, we will now proceed as quickly as possible to make up for the time lost,” said UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama. 

Among other companies that are to resume operations is Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM). It is said that Nissan showrooms will be up and running starting today, August 20. 

The company emphasises the strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) that have been implemented. Employees that have been vaccinated (including post-vaccine incubation period) will be allowed to resume work. 

Following that, employees will be wearing face masks, undergo frequent body temperature checks, and the showrooms, which will be disinfected regularly, including the display and test drive vehicles. 

Customers who wish to visit the showrooms are to ensure complete vaccination, including post-vaccine incubation period, provide proof of digital certificate on MySejahtera, body temperature below 37.5°C and constantly wear their face masks.