KAR Applies Brakes to Air Travel Amid Health Concerns
(photo courtesy of KAR Global)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIn response to the coronavirus outbreak, Carmel-based KAR Global announced it has suspended all employee air travel through March 31.
KAR says it’s taking this step proactively and not in response to any heightened or specific threat of exposure or spread of the virus.
“To be absolutely clear, we remain fully operational and open for business,” said Jim Hallett, chairman and chief executive officer of KAR Global. “But we continue to monitor this evolving situation and will strictly adhere to any federal, state and local measures or mandates.”
The company says the precaution is aimed at mitigating the spread of the disease and protecting the safety of the company’s 15,000 employees across North America, the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
“While reports on the extent of the outbreak and the severity of infection have been inconsistent, there is no question the virus is capable of impacting large populations and geographies,” Hallett said.
Employees are prevented from taking part in several upcoming industry events, in-person customer visits and meetings requiring air travel.
KAR says its 74 physical auctions remain open for business and will continue to host commercial and dealer consignment sales as scheduled.
The vehicle auction firm also has a large online and mobile app marketplace which continues to serve dealers.