IT’S been a difficult year for dealers but their relations with manufacturers are better than at any time in the past six years according to the latest NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey.
The survey, carried out in January, recorded a score of 6.3 out of a possible 10 in the manufacturing rating category.
Lexus was at the top of the ratings with a score of 9.5 with Kia in second place while Toyota and Mercedes took equal third.
The most improved brand was Audi with a rise of 2.0 to a score of 7.3, rising from 19th to 7th in just six months. Volkswagen saw the second largest rise with a score of 6.7, up from 5.0 last summer.
At the other end of the scale, Alfa Romeo returned to the bottom of the chart with a score of just 1.8, one of the lowest scores on record while Hyundai was equal second from last with Jeep and Fiat.
Sue Robinson, NFDA chief executive, said: “The NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey is vitally important to gauge the health of the business relationship between dealers and manufacturers and highlight any potential issues; with the challenges facing our sector over the past months, it is extremely encouraging that nearly 60% of UK dealers completed the survey.
“Despite relatively low scores for important aspects such as profit return, required levels of investment and return on capital, dealers showed higher levels of satisfaction than six months ago. However, a number of dealer networks were dissatisfied with their manufacturers’ volume target aspirations and with the overall new car targeting process.
“Positively, the majority of dealers are satisfied with their ability to do business with respective manufacturers on a day-to-day basis. As we come out of the pandemic and the economic environment improves, it is crucial that manufacturers have realistic expectations of their networks and co
Paul Philpott, President and Chief Executive of Kia Motors (UK) Limited, said: “Communication forms the foundation of our partnership and listening to one another’s needs is vital to be able to work together effectively.
“Rising above the unprecedented circumstances of the past year has further strengthened the bond with our dealerships and led to new collaborations and innovations. These include the introduction of click-and-collect, Live Online Chat and COVID-secure MOT and essential services that satisfy both customer and business needs.”
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