Car dealerships feeling the effects of COVID-19

First responders, health care providers and child care specialists are just a few of the most important services amid this pandemic.

But like everyone else, they need to get to work, which means services are still in demand at auto repair shops and car dealerships.

“Every employee within the dealership understands that there is no job here that’s beneath them,” said Richard Herod III, owner and general manager at White Bear Mitsubishi. “We are here to be servants for the community and right now, our community needs service."

To perform this vital work, the dealership has adjusted for both the customer and employee. From changing shift times to help with social distancing, cleaning more and offering more at-home services than before — including home car-pick-up for services — its goal is to stay open as long as they can during the coronavirus pandemic.

Herod also said car makers have created friendlier offers for folks who may need a new car — they’ll even drop off a new car at your home for a test drive.

He hopes car dealerships can keep their lights on not only for the reasons above but also because they offer opportunities for people to use their warranties and save cash, when possible.

“You need your vehicle to go back and forth to the food store to stock up on supplies, or to the hospital if you need to make a medical appointment or whatnot. Repairing your vehicle is an essential service for Minnesotans because we need our cars,” he said.