“The relationship between franchised car dealers and car manufacturers recorded an average score of 6.2 in summer 2016, this is 0.1 higher than the winter, but static from the same time last year. Twelve networks saw an improvement in score, although, it is concerning to see that a number of franchises have been experiencing a continued decline”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association commenting on the NFDA Summer 2016 Dealer Attitude Survey, published today.
This year’s NFDA Summer 2016 survey had 1746 respondents from a total participating dealer network of 4090, which equates to a response rate of 43%. This is the highest return ever, surpassing last winter’s high of 39%. There were 28 franchise networks in the survey which represent a range of dealer sizes and ownership type from across the UK.
The all-important question about the overall value of the franchise shows an increase in dealer satisfaction with their manufacturers when compared to the last winter survey’s results (6.2 vs 6.1), but it has remained at the same level as last summer.
- Mercedes is once again the highest scoring franchise with an average score of 9.5. This is up 0.2 points compared to the winter and slightly down from last summer’s peak (9.7).
- Kia has improved by 0.8 points from last winter and is now the second placed manufacturer with 9.2 points.
- Lexus has made huge progress from summer 2012 when they scored 6.7 and they are now third with an average score of 9.0 points.
- Suzuki and BMW close out the top five with 8.9 and 8.1 points respectively.
- The least valued franchises by respondents are Citroen, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar Volkswagen and Mitsubishi.
Robinson concluded, “Average scores are fairly neutral and suggest there is potential room for improvement. On a positive note, some manufacturers appear to have found the correct balance and are working successfully with their dealer networks. Looking at the current short term uncertainty and at the possible challenges ahead following the Brexit vote, it is vital that dealers and manufacturers continue to cooperate and try to strengthen their relationship to achieve positive outcomes.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Please click here to download a PDF of the NFDA Summer 2016 Dealer Attitude Survey Results
- Please click here to download a PDF of the NFDA Summer 2016 Dealer Attitude Survey Report
Rupal Rawal, Press Officer Tel: 020 7307 3412 Mob: 07528 977 157 Press Office direct line: 020 7307 3422 Press Office fax: 020 7307 3406 Web: www.rmif.co.uk Email: rupal.rawal@rmif.co.uk
The Retail Motor Industry represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.
