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Kia is rated the top car franchise in the UK in the latest Dealer Attitude Survey from the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA).
Kia delivered a score of (9.3) out of 10 in the survey, narrowly pipping Lexus (9.2) to the post. Mini was in third sport with an 8.8 rating.
An analysis of the ‘overall average score’ across all questions of the survey improved by 0.1 from six months ago, from 6.4 to 6.5. Lexus remains at the top with 8.8 points out of 10, followed by Kia (8.7) and Mercedes (8.4). The bottom of the table saw Abarth (4.5), Jeep (4.3), and Citroen (3.6).
Total movement across all questions revealed the most improved dealer and manufacturer relationships, as well as relationships that have digressed.
Across the entire survey of 53 questions, Hyundai’s score rose by a total of 106.6 points, the most improved relationship in the UK network.
Hyundai was followed by Subaru (84) and Fiat (44.6). Dealer and manufacturer relationships that have gone backward include Citroen (-62.2), Cupra (-71), and Peugeot (-76.9).
Dealers, on the whole, are more satisfied with their profit return from representing their manufacturer than 6 months ago, returning an average of 6.7 out of 10, an increase of 0.3.
Kia and BMW led the highest scores returning 9 points each out of 10, followed by Mercedes with 8.7.
The highest returning average across the entire survey, the same as six months ago, was dealers’ satisfaction from margins on used cars; Returning 7.4 out of 10, highlighting the strength of the used car market and dealers’ ability to capitalise on this.
Electric vehicle questions returned positive responses in comparison to six months ago. Satisfaction levels on average for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) on offer rose by 0.4, from 5.8 to 6.2.
Kia dealers were the most satisfied at 9.3 out of ten. Similarly, satisfaction levels on average for Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) rose by 0.3, from 6.0 to 6.3. The joint highest dealers were Lexus and Kia (9.1).
“Despite growing discussions and developments between franchised dealers and OEMs, around the future of the automotive retailing landscape, the latest Dealer Attitude Survey reveals a positive outlook and that, on average, relationships have improved over the last six months”, said NFDA CEO Sue Robinson.