Chinese car maker takes extreme measures to stop spreading COVID-19

As more and more services are shut down around the globe car makers are finding ingenious ways to avoid spreading the highly contagious disease while continuing to do business.

Geely is delivering keys directly to customers via a drone.

A car maker has taken extreme measures to avoid spreading COVID-19 to its customers.

Chinese brand Geely has devised a “contactless delivery system” whereby owners would receive the keys to their new car via drone in China. The car would be delivered to their house and then the key directly to their door or balcony. The keys are only ever touched by a delivery driver wearing disposable plastic gloves.

Geely has several brands in China, but also owns Volvo and Lotus.

The move is in response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak and the company assures its potential customers that all vehicles have been intensely cleaned before delivery.

The Geely brand isn’t a household name in Australia but it owns several car marques including Volvo and Lotus.

Geely has form in responding to the outbreak. Earlier this month the maker announced it was adding an “Intelligent Air Purification System” which can help stop viruses and bacteria spreading through the cabin.

Geely’s air filtration tech helps scrub the cabin air of bacteria and viruses.

Tesla already has similar tech called Bio Defense Mode, which is an upgraded air filtration set-up that can reportedly block harmful elements down to a certain size to about 0.3 micrometres. The Tesla tech was originally designed to filter out air pollution and smog.

In Australia local dealerships and their service centres are staying open, deemed essential services for the time being.

The head of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Tony Weber says that all its key stakeholders are taking extra precautions to keep customers safe.

“The industry has considered and adopted a number of additional hygiene and safety protocols, including extended cleaning processes, personal distancing, and contactless sales and service consultations — all with the number one priority of ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” says Mr Weber.

Weber also says that Australia isn’t experiencing any shortage of new cars or parts at this point in time.

New car sales figures for March will be released last week with the numbers expected to be catastrophic for the industry already beaten down by 23 months of consecutive losses.