Coronavirus Lockdown News

Luxury carmaker Rolls-Royce has announced that the company is welcoming customers once again at the Goodwood-based Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence in the UK to take delivery of their cars in person. The tradition was temporarily halted earlier this year following the Coronavirus pandemic and has now resumed as the plant restarted operations last month as lockdown restrictions were eased by the government. The resumption of the customer handovers at the facility also brings in a much-needed element of normality for the automaker, the company said in a statement. The first car to be delivered since the resumption of operations was the Rolls-Royce Wraith.

Indian Oil Corp controls about a third of India's 5 million barrels per day (bpd) refining capacity, is operating its plant at about 83 per cent capacity, a sharp increase from 39 per cent at the beginning of April.

Honda Cars India has announced introducing a range of easy car finance scheme for its customers. The company says that it has been working closely with various financial institutions to offer some lucrative plans to increase affordability and support car purchase. In fact, the Japanese carmaker has partnered with Kotak Mahindra Bank for a customer-friendly programme, targeted at those who plan to buy the previous generation Honda City.

Bike-taxi service Rapido has announced it has resumed operations in about 100 cities across the country. Rapido resumed its services on June 3, 2020, and has said that it will closely monitor the adherence of all hygiene guidelines issued by the authorities under Unlock 1.0. The two-wheeler taxi service brings back an affordable and convenient last-mile connectivity option for several customers, while also assuring work once again for its driver-partners.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) on Monday officially released a circular mentioning the withdrawal of long-term motor insurance package plans including 3rd party insurance as well as own damage. This will come into effect from August 1, 2020. The insurance regulator decided to withdraw the long-term insurance package policy after noticing several issues and concerns related to the performance of these policies. Some of the reasons that compelled the body to take this step are challenges in actuarial pricing for long term own damage policies, distribution of polices is difficult, an expensive proposition, and a possibility of owners selling their vehicles due to financial reasons or default in loans.

In a regulatory filing made at the Bombay Stock Exchange, the company has informed that it made just 3,714 vehicles in May 2020 which is 97.5 per cent lower than the number achieved in May 2019.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways extends the validity of motor vehicle documents like fitness, permit (all types), driving license, registration or any other concerned document, till 30th September, 2020.

Yamaha Motor India has announced the launch of a special service camp across the country to support the COVID-19 warriors like doctors, healthcare workers, police and more. Called the "Corona Warriors' Camp" Yamaha will run the special service camp at select dealerships across India offering exclusive and attractive discounts and priority service to the frontline staff who have been serving the society during this coronavirus pandemic.