Mercedez-Benz has taken the top spot in the National Franchised Dealer Association (NFDA) Dealer Attitude Survey Summer 2016, with the franchise scoring an impressive 9.5 out of 10, up 0.2 points from the winter survey.
Elsewhere in the top five were the Kia, Lexus, Suzuki and BMW franchises. On the other end of the scale, Citroen, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Volkswagen and Mitsubishi scored among the lowest in the survey. The Dealer Attitude Survey questions dealers on their attitudes towards the franchises they represent. The NFDA explains: 'The Dealer Attitude survey is carried out on a twice-yearly basis, and examines how dealers view the major issues currently affecting them, while also evaluating how these views are changing over time.'
If you are a dealer looking for a franchise, the results of this survey will no doubt give you food for thought. When changing franchise or purchasing a new dealership, it is vital to update your dealership insurance to cover your premises and stock.
Sue Robinson, the director of the NFDA, stated that relationships between dealers and manufacturers are vital in ensuring the success of a franchise and the satisfaction of a dealer: “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.”
When questioned about the overall value of the franchise, across all franchises, the response was slightly more positive than in the winter survey - scoring 6.2 points, up from 6.1 points - reflecting a slight rise in general dealer satisfaction.
