Coronavirus Update: Carmakers Extend Warranties, BIC To Become A Coronavirus Shelter

With coronavirus spreading rapidly across multiple countries, India is currently under a 21-day lockdown. Medical professionals are fighting an uphill battle without proper masks and other basic equipment. Governments around the world are trying to keep the economy running while keeping people at home. Read on for a roundup of the latest automotive news:

Carmakers Extend Warranties:

Some carmakers have granted an extension to all customers whose car warranties will expire during or immediately after the lockdown. Maruti Suzuki has postponed the end date of warranties to June 30. Volkswagen has extended support until July 31, while Isuzu has introduced a 3-year, 50,000km extended warranty program.

2020 North American International Auto Show Cancelled:

The Detroit Auto Show has been cancelled for this year as the number of COVID-19 cases rises in the US. Over 10,000 people have been diagnosed with the virus, putting immense pressure on the country’s healthcare system. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will repurpose the Detroit Show’s venue, the TCF centre, into a temporary field hospital.

Mechanics And Technicians To Operate In Gurgaon:

GoMechanic has started the #OpenForHeroes initiative to provide technical support for emergency vehicles in India. The Gurgaon Police has exempted GoMechanic’s technicians under the 21-day lockdown. These technicians will provide essential maintenance services to customers. GoMechanic will identify the nature of the problem and fix it without charging for service or labour.

Buddh International Circuit Turns Into Quarantine Facility:

Public transport has been shut during this 21-day lockdown, forcing daily wage workers to leave major cities. There are reports of people walking for days and nights with no food and water, relying on charity and the occasional open shop for survival. The UP state government will turn the now-defunct Buddh International Circuit into a quarantine venue to support migrant workers while the state arranges buses to take them home.

COVID-19 has emerged as a global pandemic. Normal life has been disrupted across the world, and for some people, the disruption is permanent. We hope to see our government make more careful and less myopic decisions to accommodate Indians affected by the lockdown and prevent the pandemic from escalating to a national calamity.