Digital drive

Automakers hope new innovations will help them beat Covid-19

car-disinfectant

Covid-19 has spurred automotive companies to innovate to comply with the new norms of social distancing and hygiene. German automaker Volkswagen, for instance, has launched a programme to ensure that its sales and service facilities are regularly sanitised and are equipped with masks and gloves. The company has an antimicrobial treatment system and an ozone vehicle disinfectant system to keep its cars germ free. Its online sales and service system has evoked a positive response from prospective buyers. For health care professionals buying BS6 Polo and Vento, Volkwagen offers a three-month EMI holiday.

MG Motor India's contact-free programme offers an umbrella of sales and service initiatives. The company is enhancing its digital push through voice interaction, allowing customers to walk up to vehicles in showrooms and be guided by automated voice instructions. Customers can scan QR codes to receive voice-guided feature demonstrations. The company ensures the safety of its customers and employees by conducting thermal scanning of all its staff and visitors, equipping the staff with PPE and conducting periodic sanitisation of display cars and showrooms. MG customers can upgrade their vehicle infotainment software themselves, without needing to visit the service station. Customers can also avail services such as sanitisation, disinfection and fumigation done by trained technicians at home.

FCA India, which manufactures brands such as Fiat, Abarth and Jeep, has launched a digital module called ‘Book My Jeep’, allowing customers to own a Jeep without having to physically visit a showroom. The online module allows customers to book, perform a test drive, purchase a fully sanitised vehicle and get it delivered without leaving their homes.