Leasing a Car as an Expat during Covid-19

Can you still lease a car, despite the challenges that COVID-19 has caused our economy?

Yes, you can. Even though some car dealerships are working on a smaller scale than before the pandemic, it is still possible for expatriates to lease a car. Through ExpatRide’s service, you can adhere to social distancing guidelines since we operate over email and phone.

How does online car shopping work?

Even before COVID-19, ExpatRide was an online- and phone-based company. With the “Personal Car Shopper Service”, you will get personalized advice from a knowledgeable and skilled contact person who perfectly knows the expatriate auto market in your new country. Your Personal Car Shopper will help locate the perfect car for your budget and needs, provide you with tailored quotes, inform you of local requirements needed to register the vehicle, and possibly even arrange to get the vehicle delivered to you.

Is now a good time to lease a car? Are there COVID-19 specials?

Even though the dealerships may still have plenty of inventory, most car manufacturers have cut down on production and laid off staff. Although there are still plenty of deals to be made, we may have to wait a while to see great incentives from manufacturers. Your Personal Car Shopper is a great resource in the current pandemic and will be able to negotiate on your behalf. By using the Personal Car Shopper Service, you’ll also be able to adhere to social distancing guidelines and avoid potentially exposing yourself to the virus by visiting multiple local dealerships.

How are test drives conducted?

The following process is used by most dealerships. Prior to your test drive session, the dealership will:

• Conduct a disinfectant wipe down of key areas (such as but not limited to, the steering wheel, gearshift, driver’s door handle as well as car key).
• Place the car key in the car before the car handover.
• The Sales Consultant will wear a face mask and adhere to safe distancing measures according to local guidelines throughout the handover and assistance in connecting your mobile device to the car via Bluetooth.
• The Sales Consultant will stay connected with you via phone call through the test drive session to assist you in any way.

Sanitizing vehicle before delivery:

All vehicles are sanitized with a disinfectant that meets leading health authority requirements, with particular attention to more than 20-plus high-touch points which could have been touched, or will be most likely be touched by the customer. Such as, but not limited to:

• Key/key fob
• Steering wheel
• Steering column
• Seat belts
• Center console
• Door interiors
• Door pockets
• Interior door handles
• Exterior door handles
• Seat pockets/seat surfaces
• Areas between seats & consoles
• Areas between seats & doorjambs
• Cupholders/compartments
• Instrument panel
• Accessory panel/touchscreen
• Rearview mirror/side mirrors
• Visors/visor mirrors
• Dashboard / vents
• Gearstick/gear shift
• Trunk release

As an example, this is the process described by one of the car dealerships we work with. Note that process may differ depending on location and local regulations:

“Shortly before you take the delivery, the vehicle will be moved to our dedicated open-air delivery area by a masked and gloved team member. Once the vehicle is staged, all touch-points including door handles, steering wheel, shift knobs, touchpads, etc will be wiped down with sanitizer. Protective covers will be installed over the steering wheel and shift lever. Your keys will be sanitized and placed in a Ziploc bag until you receive them.”  – Mercedes-Benz dealership in New York

Need assistance with leasing a car? Let ExpatRide lead the way

Contact us at CARS@ExpatRide.com for more information or visit www.expatride.com/corporate

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