The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) is calling on the Government to reinstate a 'click & collect' service for car sales from the start of next month.
SIMI said it wants to re-emphasise that motor retail is ready to open, when restrictions allow.
It said the large size of dealerships, the low average footfall, the ability to do business on a strict appointment only basis and the option of displaying cars outside lends itself to social distancing and safe retailing.
Car sales have been particularly challenging for the Industry over the past number of years, with a declining market since 2016.
Gillian Fanning, President of SIMI and Director, Serfac Ltd said the industry has been open for servicing throughout most of lockdown on an essential basis, and has shown that they can operate safely for service and repair.
"The fact that people are now more reliant on private cars from a personal safety perspective, we request from the government that we can open our sales operations from the 5 April, even if this is on a click and collect basis.
"The reopening of our sales operations is of critical importance to our industry and its related sectors.
"We believe that we can make a positive impact on the economy for the rest of 2021," she said.
Recent research conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes, shows that 75% of the people would be comfortable visiting car dealerships or garages when travel restrictions allow.
