The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has launched a series of operational guides to address the main issues affecting franchised car retailers in 2020.

As businesses battle their way through the operational and logistical challenges presented by the current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the organisation has created the ‘hands-on’ guides by drawing from concerns raised in its daily legal enquiry reports.

NFDA chief executive, Sue Robinson, said: “NFDA is delighted to launch a new series of ‘hands-on’ guides to provide franchised dealer members with straightforward, operational guidance on the main issues affecting them.

“NFDA understands that not all franchised dealers may have the time or the trained staff to follow the extensive legal updates in the automotive retail sector, as a result, we are breaking down the information available, offering the most significant parts to our members in a simple, user-friendly format.”

The NFDA has now published its first guide – available to download in pdf form by clicking here – focuses on ‘Distance Selling’.

Ut said that issues surrounding distance selling were of relevance to dealers as showrooms must remain shut during the Welsh ‘firebreak’ and the ‘Lockdown2’ measures affecting dealership in England.

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Over the coming months, NFDA members will have access to a series of ‘Hands-On Guides’ covering key areas such as General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) as well as HR issues.

Each guide is broken down into the following sections:

• What the issue is
• What businesses need to do
• What happens if businesses do not follow the guidance
• Summary and conclusions
• Helpful terms
• Links to additional guidance available online

Robinson said: “Whilst the guides are designed for the easy access of dealers, NFDA will continue to offer additional, detailed guidance and case studies through our dedicated member area on the website as well as regular, member bulletins.

“Additionally, members have access to the NFDA legal helpline, as well as a number of industry experts should they require further assistance or information. We continue to encourage our members to contact us directly with any queries they may have, as regulations remain very fluid.”