Ballarat auto industry adjusting to new roles

One such industry is the automotive sector, which has had to battle with a rapid decline in car sales while also ensuring they are service cars with the greatest amount of care and sanitation.

Examples of this can be seen across Ballarat, such as with Wheels Australia in Howitt Street, which was given the green light to remain open and is dedicated to do their part to assist their clients.

Another example can be found at Mercedes-Benz Ballarat, where staff are feeling both sides of the COVID-19 effects on their business.

Dealer Principal Justin Mitchell said while numbers of walk-in customers have obviously declined, his staff feel a major responsibility to assist those with essential service vehicles.

“The majority of our business at this time is servicing vehicles,” he said.

“While we may get the odd sales inquire online, we’re obviously not getting any foot traffic because everyone, as they should be, is at home.

“The majority of the cars we are working on are service vehicles. We’ve normally got one or two ambulances and fire equipment vehicles every day.

“The majority of our work is to assist those essential industries in continuing to do what they need to do.”

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) released a press release on Tuesday urging motorists to continue supporting the automotive industry.

“In the midst of major business closures and ‘hibernations’ across many sectors, most automotive-related businesses have decided to remain open, and at the same time have adapted to suit these difficult times,” VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym said.

“The automotive industry is open for business… local automotive business is ready and equipped to provide the best – and safest – service possible.”

Have you signed up to The Courier’s variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that’s happening in Ballarat.

Font: The courier