F&I Management & Training

Toyota is second

Toyota was the second most rated franchise, making significant improvements in its performance since the last survey and fast expanding Kia was in third place.

Dealers were asked how they rated the current profitability of their business. The top performer here was Toyota, closely followed by Kia and in tying in third place Audi, Honda, Lexus.

Looking ahead, dealers were asked how they rated franchises on their future profitability. Toyota, again, was the top performer followed by Audi and Kia tying in second slot and Volvo and Lexus in third position.

Working 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).

The survey found:
• 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.

Tough trading

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."

DATED: 08.09.09

FEED: MT