Dear Colleague,
After focusing on lobbying for dealers to reopen and providing our members with guidance throughout the pandemic, we are now addressing a number of forthcoming important issues including Brexit and the Block Exemption Regulation. We will establish a new NFDA working group to look closely at all regulatory issues facing affecting the retail side of the industry. We will keep members updated.
On Wednesday, dealers will receive their unique link to complete the NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey online. The survey analyses the health of the working relationship between dealers and manufacturers and provides us with invaluable feedback that helps us set the direction of our work. Please find more details in the news.
We have written to the Scottish Government to highlight the detrimental impact that the delay in reopening dealerships may have on the automotive sector. Fiona Hyslop MSP responded to our letter acknowledging NFDA’s comments and confirming the change from the initial guidance “where a size threshold for Phase 2 was indicated”. The change will permit larger retail units to also open from Monday 29 June. Please find more details in the news.
NFDA joins SMMT’s calls for support for our industry as we continue to obtain feedback from our members to understand consumers’ response to dealerships reopening. Going forward, we will regularly liaise with Government and industry stakeholders to ensure our sector receives the support it needs over the coming months.
Our June round of regional calls was well-attended and provided insights into the most topical issues facing dealers including the reopening of dealerships, new and used car sales, aftersales and MOT, motor finance as well as the Government’s financial support measures available to dealers during the pandemic. If you would like to attend our next regional meetings, please email lena.patel@rmif.co.uk.
NFDA is the voice of automotive retailers: if you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our helpline - 01788 538303.
Sue Robinson, NFDA Director
