After a month of zero sales auto dealers gear up to get back into business

Manufacturers have sent out SOPs and norms dealers must follow before starting operations; Maruti and Hyundai have already opened a few outlets, others are awaiting permission

After a completely dry month that is expected to bring retail and wholesale sales down to zero or near zero for the first time in the seven decades of its existence, India’s auto sector is slowly making moves to get back to business. Dealers in givernment-designated green zones are applying for permission under the Shops and Establishments Act.

India’s top two carmakers, Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai Motor India, have already opened a few dealer outlets and service centres and many more are awaiting permission in select regions of the country. Others like Tata Motors, Honda Cars India, Volkswagen and Toyota