LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Automotive retailer Vertu Motors said on Thursday that online and telephone sales had continued to grow since Downing Street's social distancing restrictions came into effect on 23 March.
Vertu, which temporarily closed all retail vehicle sales and aftersales operations as a result of the lockdown, said it had received 825 retail vehicle orders and 749 fleet and commercial orders which will be delivered to customers once the Government's restrictions on showroom operations are lifted.

Internet sales enquiries for April were approximately 37% higher year-on-year, boosted by a TV marketing campaign which highlighted digital options available for customers.

Vertu added that it was looking to "capitalise on trading opportunities" amid the Covid-19 pandemic and said costs were being managed "very closely" - with the group furloughing around 80% of its workforce and applying for grants from the government.

Looking forward, Vertu said meticulous planning had been undertaken for the re-opening of dealerships in a "safe and socially distanced way", with strict guidelines and the use of personal protection equipment where appropriate.

"Dealership sales showrooms will open when restrictions are lifted with a phased return of colleagues from furlough likely to be adopted to balance resource levels and opportunity."

As of 1320 BST, Vertu shares were up 5.10% at 25.75p.

Email this article to a friend

or share it with one of these popular networks:

• DIGG
• FACEBOOK
• STUMBLEUPON
• MIXX
• YAHOO BUZZ
• DELICIOUS
• REDDIT
• NEWSVINE