COVID-19 Coronavirus
Discover the changes we've made to keep you safe
The safety of our customers and staff is paramount.
That's why we've made changes to our processes and introduced new protocols to keep you safe.
Contacting Us
We realise that more people will want to engage with us remotely than before.
That's why we've added more ways that you can contact us.
We are here to help you and available via:
During our normal opening hours.
Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020
We confirm we have complied with the government's guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19.
Five Steps to Safer Working Together
- We have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and shared the results with the people who work here.
- We have cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures in line with guidance.
- We have taken all reasonable steps to help people work from home.
- We have taken all reasonable steps to maintain a 2m distance in the workplace.
- Where people cannot be 2m apart, we have done everything practical to manage transmission risk.
Safety Measures
Showroom Appointments
To ensure the social distancing policy can be adhered to, we've introduced a new appointment system for access to the showroom.
This also ensures that a member of staff is available for you to speak to during your visit, whilst we're on reduced staffing levels.
Appointments can be booked by contacting us in advance, or can be booked whilst you're on site if there is a slot available.
Hand Washing Stations
We've installed new hand washing stations throughout our 7 acre site.
Each one of these contain hand disinfectant with a high alcohol content.
Social Distancing
We've introduced a 2 metre social distancing policy throughout the site.
Additional signage has been displayed and markers in high traffic areas have been laid out.
Protective Screens
Where closer interaction is required, that would make social distancing difficult, we've installed protective screens.
These screens, along with all other surfaces and chairs, are sanitised before and after every use.
Sanitisation Protocols
We've introduced new sanitisation protocols into every part of our business.
These additional steps even include vehicles and test drives, enabling your visit to be worry free.
Other Measures
Other steps we've taken also include:
- implementing resources to enable office staff to work from home
- acquiring PPE for customers, which is available on request
- creating a risk assessment in line with industry and Government guidelines
If you have any questions please contact us and we'll be happy to answer them.
Service Status
| Title | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Search Stock | Available | None |
| Part Exchange Valuations | Available | None |
| Finance Calculators | Available | None |
| Online Finance Applications | Available | None |
| Email Enquiries | Available | None |
| Phone Enquiries | Available | None |
| Live Chat Enquiries | Available | None |
| Online Reservations | Available | None |
| On Premises Test Drives | Information | We are allowing test drives for customers that have booked an appointment. |
| On Premises Appointments | Available | We are supporting the NHS Test and Trace scheme, and check-in is done on entry to the showroom. |
| On Premises Handovers | Available | None |
| Service Bookings | Available | None |
| Service MOTs | Available | None |
Announcements
NHS Test and Trace
25/09/2020
We are committed to supporting our community at this difficult time, and the new NHS COVID-19 app is a key tool in the UK's fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
As a business with a physical location that is open to the public, we are supporting the NHS Test and Trace scheme.
When visiting our showroom, you will be asked to "check-in". This information helps NHS Test and Trace to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to the virus.
The easiest way check-in when visiting our showroom is to use the free NHS COVID-19 app to scan the QR code on display as you enter. The app can be easily downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.
If you do not have the app, or if you prefer, you can choose to provide your contact details to a member of staff instead.
More information can be found on the NHS COVID-19 app support site, and you can always contact us if you have any questions. You can also find more information on our COVID-19 response on our dedicated support page.
We thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Archived Messages
MOT: Exemptions ending 1st August
29/06/2020
Today the Department for Transport announced that the 6-month MOT exemption, introduced during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, will end on 1st August 2020.
Now non-essential services are starting to re-open and more vehicles are going back on the roads, having an up-to-date MOT will help to keep vehicles safe to drive.
Beat the rush: If your vehicle MOT is due in August we are advising to ring now to secure your test slot.
To book, please call our service department on 0114 2511 222.
Statement
01/06/2020
Dear Customers,
It has now been 10 weeks since we took the decision to close Direct Cars’ retail operations for the safety of our customers and the local community.
During this time, we have been preparing our premises at Eckington Way for when we reopen and keeping up to date with the latest information and safety advice from the Government and industry bodies.
We believe that it is now safe to restart our retail operations with the adjustments we have made to our processes.
Some of the things we have implemented include:
- resources to enable office staff to work from home
- a feasible social distancing policy
- hand sanitising stations throughout the site
- protective screen in all customer engagement locations
- PPE and sanitising protocols for all employees
We have broken down our reopening into 2 stages.
-
1st June 2020
Access to site is by appointment only, which can be booked by contacting us. During these appointments, customers will only be able to view the vehicles specified with their booking. Should you wish to purchase the vehicle, orders and handovers can be arranged.
The Service Department is taking bookings and working through the enquiries that were made whilst we were closed.
-
8th June 2020
Access to site will be open to the public. However, access to the showroom will continue to be by appointment only. This is to minimise the number of people in the showroom at one time, and to allow us to still deliver a great customer experience. Should you wish to purchase the vehicle, orders and handovers can be arranged.
The Service Department will also open at this point and return to normal operation.
We are continuously reviewing our procedures and will make alterations if necessary.
As always, we will continue to answer your queries through; live chat, email, SMS, and social media. Our SMS number even works on WhatsApp!
Please continue to stay safe, we cannot wait to welcome you again soon!
Regards,
All the Staff at Direct Cars
"One of the UK's original car supermarkets - serving the community for over 20 years"
MOT: Changes to rules
25/03/2020
Due to the unfolding COVID-19 situation, cars and vans and motorcycles due their MOT from 30 March 2020 will have their MOT extended by 6 months.
This will continue until confirmed otherwise and will allow vehicle owners to continue being able to get to work where this absolutely cannot be done from home or do essential shopping.
Update 30/03/2020: We have received some information on how this process will work. The DVSA will start moving MOT expiry dates automatically from 30 March 2020. This will initially be done in batches, so that after a few days they are working 7 days ahead. This will mean, for example, that every Tuesday the following Tuesday's tests are extended by 6 months. The government will keep this process under review.
More information can be found at the links below:
We are still taking service and MOT enquiries and will prioritise booking customers in the order they were received once we reopen.
To book, please call our service department on 0114 2511 222.
Statement
24/03/2020
Dear Customers,
As promised, we have been closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation regarding the current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, and the impact it is having on our community and staff.
Last week the Government ordered the closure of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and other leisure related retail to help slow the spread of the virus – and has repeatedly reiterated that everyone must play their part in the fight to defeat this fast spreading disease by protecting our NHS and it’s workers from being overwhelmed - with extended measures taken last night (23rd March 2020).
The directors, together with the senior management of the business, strongly believing we have a responsibility to the wider community and have therefore taken the decision to close Direct Cars retail operations to customers from 24th March 2020 as a temporary measure until we know it is safer to reopen. For now this will also include our vehicle servicing and MOT testing operations.
A few key members of staff are remaining on site over the next few days in order to finish preparing and delivering vehicles to customers who have already placed their trust in us to provide them with their next car.
For those customers who still wish to purchase our cars, we are exploring options to facilitate this in the coming days. Please keep checking our website for details.
We are a family owned business that has been known for 25 years as Direct Cars, but we were established for nearly 20 years prior to that as Eckington Motor Company. Serving our community has always been one of our key principles and it is through this temporary closure we believe we are continuing staying true to this.
We will continue to answer your queries through; live chat, email, and social media.
For now, please, stay safe. We’ll look forward to welcoming you once more upon our reopening.
Regards,
All the Staff at Direct Cars
"One of the UK's original car supermarkets - serving the community for over 20 years"
COVID-19 Response
17/03/2020
What are we doing to protect you?
Our Service
- Our sales team will continue to welcome you with a smile, but will refrain from shaking hands.
- Our sales advisors are happy to discuss information both inside and outside the showroom.
-
We can discuss information about our cars over:
- phone
- live chat
- social media direct messages (Facebook Messenger, Twitter DM etc)
- You can pay a deposit for a car over the phone or online.
- Business Managers can be seen in their offices but, should you feel more comfortable, they can see you at one of the desks in the showroom.
- Sales desks are operating, where possible, with a safe distance between staff and customers.
- Sales desk are sterilized every morning, and throughout the day.
- Keys are being sanitized before being handed out, and on return.
-
We have modified our test drive procedures:
- During test drives, our accompanying staff will be situated in the rear of the vehicle.
- After test drives - vehicles will be sanitized.
- All our cars were valeted to an exceptionally high standard before the outbreak, and we will continue to offer this quality of care.
Our Facilities
- All door handles and surfaces are sterilized regularly throughout the day.
- We have sinks and hand wash available for hand washing at all times.
- Our toilets use automatic hand dryers.
- Our toilets are being monitored and cleaned throughout the day.
- We have provided tissues throughout the showroom should you need them.
Our Staff
We are supporting our staff by ensuring they:
- Understand the symptoms of COVID-19.
- Continually wash their hands throughout the day.
- Notify their line manager if they, or any member of their household, feel unwell.
- Cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing - with dispose of tissue.
- Keep their areas clean and tidy so it is easier to be wiped down.
- Wash their hands before giving keys out, and on return.
What are we asking you to do to help us?
-
Please don't visit us if you:
- are feeling unwell, and/or
- live in the same household as someone who is feeling unwell or is in isolation, and/or
- have visited any of the affected countries in the world in the last 14 days.
- chat
- social channels
- On arrival to the showroom please take 20 seconds to wash your hands. Our bathrooms are cleaned regularly and our staff will be ready to help with anything when you’re done.
- If you need to cough or sneeze, please feel free to use the tissues provided and place in one of our bins - then wash your hands.
- Please make sure after visiting the bathroom, you wash and dry your hands with the items provided.
- The Government is advising "Social Distancing". All our Staff will be following this advice and we ask that you do too. As much as we've enjoyed shaking the hands of our happy customers over the last 20 years - we value your health and safety even more!