A CAR dealership owner in Swindon is expecting a rush of customers when showrooms reopen to the public after lockdown.

March is traditionally the busiest month of the year for car showrooms because of the desire for the newest registration plate driving demand.

But this year, as with last year, the normally hectic purchasing period could be interrupted by lockdown.

Despite this, the boss of a Hyundai and Suzuki dealer in Swindon is expecting to be busy once customers can safely return.

Dominic Threlfall of Pebley Beach said: “I think April will be the new March.

"There’s a lot of pent-up demand, although we’ve still been selling cars during lockdown through our home delivery scheme.

“Over 93 percent of our new car sales in 2021 have been to existing Pebley Beach customers who are upgrading their existing car, love the cars offered by our manufacturers, and enjoy the Pebley motoring experience.

“What we – and every other motor dealer in Swindon – are missing is customers who like to check out different brands.

“Understandably, many motorists are reluctant to commit to a new car before taking it for a test drive – or at least sitting behind the wheel – and trying out a few options.”

Mr Threlfall’s thoughts are mirrored by a nationwide survey by online car supermarket BuyaCar.co.uk, which found that commuters will choose their own car over public transport as the simplest way to ensure effective social distancing.

The survey suggests a 45 percent boom in car sales when restrictions are lifted.

With demand anticipated to be high, Mr Threlfall is recommending that people looking to get a new car soon after lockdown secure it with a deposit reservation fee.

Much of the interest in 2021 is around electric vehicles and Pebley Beach anticipates a very busy April – especially with the unveiling of a new all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 on Tuesday.

Mr Threlfall added: “It will be the challenger brands such as Hyundai and Suzuki that will see disproportionate interest, purely because of the green revolution and our ability to serve them immediately from stock.”