COVID-19 and car buyers: What car makers are doing to help customers during coronavirus
Several companies have rolled out relief programs, special financing and other measures to help customers affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
The outbreak of the new coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, has quickly shifted routine life for so many people. Numerous companies have started to step up to offer assistance to workers and customers, but we want to provide readers a one-stop-shop for what automakers are doing amid the pandemic.
Below are the automakers that have rolled out new benefits to help ease financial hardship, and even gotten creative to ensure more people have a way to connect with loved ones during a period of intense social distancing or a quarantine. We'll update this story if and when more automakers announce programs.
Hyundai
The South Korean brand was first out the gate with a financial relief program as the COVID-19 pandemic began. On March 16, Hyundai revived its Assurance Job Loss Protection program, which first came about amid the 2008 financial crisis and the recession that followed.
As the virus sweeps across the US, Hyundai continues to evolve its banner program. On April 8, Hyundai told Roadshow it's now upped the number of deferred payments for those who buy a new vehicle between now and April 30.
For customers who purchased or leased a vehicle starting March 14, the company will make up to six car payments if they lose their job due to coronavirus-related issues. The automaker's lending arm, Hyundai Motor Finance, will also defer payments for 90 days at the customer's request. The program will remain in place through April 30 and grant any customer these protections.
Owners will also receive three months of Blue Link services for free, for those with accounts expiring between March 20 and the end of May. Hyundai's connected services include emergency and roadside assistance.
Genesis
Hyundai Motor's luxury division instituted the exact same program as the Hyundai brand and will provide identical benefits to customers who purchased or leased a new Genesis starting March 14.
However, the luxury brand went a step further on March 28. Now, all Genesis owners will receive coverage under the Assurance Job Loss Protection program. It doesn't matter when an owner purchased or leased their Genesis; the brand will cover three months worth of payments to owners feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
General Motors
GM, which houses the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands, has stepped up to not only provide financial relief to customers, but it will also provide a way to keep individuals connected.
To start, all GM customers have the option to contact GM Financial to discuss personalized options to fit their situation. For anyone feeling the affects of the COVID-19 outbreak, GM Financial will work with customers to provide assistance. For customers who absolutely need to purchase a new vehicle right now, GM will finance customers at a 0% APR for 84 months.
The automaker also activated OnStar for current vehicle owners, even if they haven't opted into the service. With the activation, OnStar advisors are available 24/7 to help in emergency situations and can provide routing assistance to hospitals or clinics. Advisors can also connect owners to relevant information hosts, such as the CDC, FEMA and other public safety bodies.
Not only should this help provide some help, but GM went further. Current vehicle owners will receive complimentary Wi-Fi data for three months. The automaker hopes it helps keep families, friends and loved ones connected amid the pandemic. Customers have three gigabytes to use over the three-month period, free of charge.
Coronavirus updates
Ford
The Blue Oval announced last month its "Built to Lend a Hand" program. The program applies to those ready to purchase a 2019 or 2020 model year Ford vehicle and will provide up to six months of payments on Ford. Those who sign on the dotted line will receive three months of payments from Ford automatically. The other three months are for the customer, who can choose to defer them to a later point in time. Customers must finance through Ford Credit to be eligible for the program.
Volkswagen
The German brand revealed on April 16 an extension to its "Community-Driven Promise" program. While the original program began April 3 with special financing for new customers, the company rolled out new benefits for anyone who purchases a new VW vehicle amid the coronavirus pandemic. Now, customers will be eligible for up to six payments on VW if an owner loses their job due to the pandemic. The six payments will cover up to $750 per month, but there's a slight catch. To qualify, the job loss must occur after the first 90 days of ownership and customers must finance through Volkswagen Credit.
Jaguar-Land Rover
The British automaker announced on April 8 that it's rolled out its own relief measures for current customers and potential new buyers. To start, new owners have up to 90 days of payment deferrals at their disposal. For current owners, lease extensions are available for up to another six months -- not an atypical tool, but something more automakers are pushing amid the COVID-19 pandemic as shoppers are often required to stay home.
What's unique to JLR is a new Lease Payment Waiver, which the company says is the first of its kind among luxury brands. For returning lessees, the company will cover up to two lease payments, up to $750 per month.
Nissan
The Japanese automaker will offer personal solutions to customers feeling the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. According to the company, customers can contact the service line and request deferred loan and lease payments. Nissan will evaluate each customer's situation differently.
Infiniti
Nissan's luxury counterpart is also offering financial assistance on a case-by-case basis. Infiniti Financial Services is taking requests for assistance by email or over the phone. Expect similar options for deferral of loan or lease payments.
Kia
Kia announced on March 25 that owners with 0% APR interest rates could defer payment for up to 120 days. For those without that lending option, three individual deferments of 30 days can be made, but only if they're temporarily not able to work due to having to provide care for themselves or a member of their household.
Other manufacturers
Those with loans and leases through an automaker's lending arm may still find assistance despite a formal program. Honda, Maserati, Toyota, Lexus and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles each mentioned potential payment extensions, deferred payments and other solutions.
Read more: How to get financial relief during the coronavirus
First published March 19.