The government has added vehicle leasing and rental employees to its list of essential workers during the coronavirus outbreak. Previously, these operations, especially those associated with car dealerships, had been closed. Only the service departments remain open depending on the area. The ruling also paves the way for daily rentals at airports and other locations.
The ruling comes as an update from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). It includes “Workers critical to rental and leasing of vehicles and the equipment that facilitate continuity of operations for essential workforces and other essential travel.”
Earlier guidelines not clear
The revised guidelines clarify earlier March 16 recommendations. It said that automotive repair and maintenance, as well as vehicle manufacturing and distribution, are essential services. Many states don’t deem auto retailing essential. However, most U.S. car manufacturers have decided to suspend production for the time being. The earlier memo wasn’t clear on how retail operations, including leasing and renting of vehicles figured in.
Dealer trade groups including the National Automobile Dealers Association, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, and the American International Automobile Dealers Associated seek government relief. They want clearer guidelines that include retail sales along with rentals and leasing as essential services.
“All aspects of the automotive industry are essential,” said a statement from Steve Jordan, NIADA CEO. He believes in “keeping those performing other essential services moving, especially the brave men and women fighting on the front lines against this disease.” He adds “NIADA is glad to see CISA broaden its guidelines to include rental and leasing of vehicles to essential workforces. We applaud those state and local governments who recognize how essential auto sales are to those needing to get to and from critical jobs during this unprecedented time.”
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