Car dealers and manufacturers pull together

‘The need to work together through tough economic conditions has caused certain vehicle dealer-manufacturer relationships to improve in recent months,’ according to Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), commenting on the findings of the latest NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey.

The RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) Summer 2009 Dealer Attitude Survey, published this month, shows a distinct improvement in some dealer-manufacturer relations since the Winter 2008-2009 Survey:

91 per cent of dealers have become more satisfied by the profit return represented by their franchise since the last survey.

73 per cent of dealers have become more satisfied with their relationship with their manufacturer since the last survey.

61 per cent of dealers have become happier about their ability to work with their manufacturer on a daily basis.

55 per cent of networks report that their manufacturer takes their views and opinions into account.

Commenting on the survey, NFDA Director Sue Robinson said: ‘The industry has survived through the very tough trading conditions at the end of 2008 and the start of 2009, and has now begun to see some improvement in the market following the introduction of the scrappage programme, and a strong used car market. In these times, knowing you can trust those you are in business with is vital, and a number of dealers seem to have found that their manufacturer is more of a partner than they may have previously realised.

‘The market still needs to improve further, but the survey has been encouraging. The whole industry has worked together to move towards long-term growth. It would be good if the stronger relations forged in this period could lead to a more equal partnership as we move forward.’

She adds: ‘However, with the Block Exemption Regulation (BER) also due for renewal, the future cannot be easily predicted. The NFDA is working with Government in Brussels and Westminster to put the case for continuity in the industry, and we hope this will include a stronger and more balanced relationship between dealers and manufacturers, for the ultimate good of the consumer.’