LONDON — Plans introduced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday to maintain automobile showrooms in England closed to the general public throughout the important thing promoting month of March as a part of COVID-19 measures are “deeply disappointing,” a commerce business physique mentioned.

Johnson earlier set out how the federal government plans to elevate lockdown measures, together with the reopening of non-essential shops, akin to dealerships, from no sooner than April 12.

Sellers have been utilizing on-line, supply and click on and accumulate providers to maintain promoting autos however gross sales fell almost 40 % in January.

March accounts for round 20 % of the UK’s annual registrations as a result of it’s one in all two events when the license plate collection adjustments.

“The truth that retail showrooms should stay closed till April a minimum of is deeply disappointing,” mentioned Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants.

“The persevering with decline in retail enterprise will translate into diminished manufacturing volumes in addition to giving rise to different operational points,” Hawes mentioned.