The group has invested over £100,000 in protective measures, including the installation of state-of-the-art thermal imaging cameras which scan both colleagues and guest on arrival at all of its dealerships and which will be alerted if anyone entering is running a high temperature.

The dealerships have been redesigned to accommodate one-way systems to ensure social distancing is adhered to, installed plastic protective screens, and sanitation stations throughout the sites. All colleagues have been issued with PPE which will also be made available for guests visiting the sites.

Earlier this week, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that one in six jobs in the UK car industry due to the reduction in demand thanks to the coronavirus lockdown.

According to a new survey by SMMT, a third of UK automotive workers are still furloughed and over 6,000 jobs have already been announced this month.

However, The Peter Vardy Group has managed to maintain sales figures ranging from 40% of normal at the depth of the crisis rising to 55% at the end of last month (May).

Euan Cameron, marketing director of the Peter Vardy Group, said: “We have had some really strong offers available and coupled with the fact we offered the ability to transact purely online with us it has meant that we experienced quite a strong sales period despite lockdown.”

During the lockdown period the Peter Vardy Group has also been able to carry out servicing and repairs for over 850 key workers from its four emergency workshops across the country.

Discussing the opening of the showrooms, Mr Cameron said: “Every guest who comes in to the showrooms will be welcomed by a new role we have created called a “Two-Metre Greeter”, who will explain the changes that have been made to keep everyone safe and properly distanced.

“With our sales and service, we are going the extra mile to make the car-buying experience worry-free.”

Mr Cameron said the group had carried out intensive research which showed that nearly half of guests wanted both temperature checks and a contactless showroom experience. Nearly two-thirds said they would be willing to buy online and just under half would like mobile/at home servicing.

He continued: “We have adapted the way that we operate so that we have new services available to cater for those who now wish to deal with us remotely or in a contactless environment. Whether it be buying online or mobile servicing we feel we are able to offer all manner of options for every guest.”

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.