Car, truck execs support latest lockdown due to COVID-19 cases rising again

With the number COVID-19 cases on the rise due to the highly-transmittable Delta variant, executives of various automotive dealerships expressed their opinions on the possible stricter lockdown measures this coming month.

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) President and Chief Executive Officer Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said that they are ready to support the national and local government’s efforts to prevent cases from escalating further “through faster, more efficient vaccination rollout and firmer implementation of lockdown or travel restrictions only in high risk areas.”

Meanwhile, she cited that currently, the company is enforcing stringent measures of their own with their Guidelines for Protection and Safety (GPS) — HARI’s proactive response to ensure safety for its manpower and customers “through a comprehensive and systematic approach to business continuity measures.” Aside from that, she also said that they have introduced the Hyundai MedTRX Series trucks in support to the government’s call ‘to fast track safe and efficient transport of vaccines.”

“Once the restrictions are relaxed, we are ready to meet consumer demand which is expected to bounce back as our operations have gone fully digital.  We are always ready to welcome and attend to customers online,” Agudo added.

Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) President and Isuzu Philippines Corporation Sales Division head Joseph Bautista said that the group will be abiding with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).

“Whatever the IATF recommends, we will follow,” Bautista told Carmudi Philippines.

Ford Philippines Assistant Vice President and Head of Communications Edward Joseph Francisco said in a separate interview that they are now “monitoring the developments and possible changes in quarantine policies that IATF will implement over the coming weeks.”

“We will continue to work with our Ford dealers nationwide to ensure that safety will remain a priority for our customers, dealer employees, and partners in all our Ford showrooms,” he said in a separate interview.

Moreover, Suzuki Philippines (SPH) said that they will also cooperate with the government’s policies to address the possible outbreak of the COVID-19’s newest strain.

“SPH is one with the government in its efforts to curb possible outbreak of the COVID-19 Delta variant. We will fully support the decision of the government, as we trust that this is for the best interest of many, in the long run. Regardless of what possible quarantine classification that may be imposed, SPH will do our best to comply with policies, protect our people and provide additional support to uplift not just our business but also the industry we are in,” the Japanese compact carmaker’s local arm elucidated.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to retain the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) classification of Iloilo City and Iloilo Province in Region 6 and Cagayan de Oro City and Gingoog City in Region 10 starting August 1 until August 7, 2021.

He also extended the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions classification of the National Capital Region and nearby provinces beginning August 1, 2021 until August 15, 2021.

Ilocos Norte, Bataan, and Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City will implement Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) from August 1 until August 15, 2021.

Baguio City, Apayao; City of Santiago, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino, Quezon Province, Batangas , Puerto Princesa, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Zamboanga Sibugay, City, Zamboanga del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur and Cotabato City will be under General Community Quarantine restrictions for the whole month of August.

Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV, Hyundai, Truck Manufacturers Association, Ford 

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