Car dealers – have your say
Franchise holders have until mid-November to complete a survey being run by the Motor Trade Association (MTA).
The Dealer-Distributor Relationship Index, which was previously called the Dealer Attitude Survey, is being conducted by the MTA to benefit the entire industry.
“Knowing the state of your sector is crucial,” says Larry Fallowfield, pictured, sector manager – dealers and specialist services.
“That’s why for 18 years the MTA has surveyed new-car franchise dealers to take the temperature of the industry, and to provide a basis for full and frank feedback between dealers and distributors.
“Given the current economic climate, it’s more important than ever for you and your fellow dealers to have your say. A full copy of the final report will only be sent to those who participate in the survey.
“The survey is your chance to have a say on the relationship you enjoy with the franchise or franchises you operate. It has been sent to all new-car franchise dealers irrespective of MTA membership.
“If you are part of an owner-based network of dealers, you can complete one response and attribute it to all outlets in your network or you can encourage each outlet to submit their own response.”
Fallowfield told Autofile Online that MTA is an independent party in this process and the association has no stake in the outcomes.
He adds: “Thank you for taking the time to participate in this important industry survey. If you have any questions, please contact me on 027 333 1164.”
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY.
Survey in more detail
Larry Fallowfield is a regular contributor to Autofile magazine. What follows is an edited version of his article in the October issue. It provides more information about the 2024 Dealer-Distributor Relationship Index.
The annual survey run by the MTA provides a unique platform for franchisees to express their views candidly. Held under the cloak of anonymity, it allows dealers to share their perspectives as one.
It acts as an independent conduit for full and frank feedback between dealers and their distributor partners. This year, we have some additional EV-related content to enhance the survey.
The consistency of previous years’ questions remains so 2024’s results can be compared year on year.
The survey’s outcomes assist both parties by identifying pinch-points in relationships so that dealers and distributors can address issues constructively.
The MTA carefully guards the conclusions of this research by ensuring no public promotion of the results is allowed.
In essence, it’s industry-driven feedback designed to benefit everyone in the new light-vehicle sector.
Previously, the survey boasted an impressive participation rate with some brands consistently receiving 80 to 100 per cent responses.
In 2023, the MTA’s dealer attitude survey shifted from its 17-year paper format to a digital platform with the aim of enhancing and improving the user experience while maintaining engagement.
However, that transition didn’t quite generate the anticipated participation and this year we’ve taken on-board feedback to make some improvements.
For 2024’s survey, we are using a combination of “snail mail” while incorporating email to deliver a detailed explanation of the digital platform to dealer principals for the dealer-distributor relationship index.
Within the letter, there’s a QR code to take participants directly to the survey, which now has an autosave function. This enables dealerships to seek input from department management, so the likes of sales, service and parts staff can easily add feedback.
That means no more passing paper between departments, no need to remember to scan or to send it back to the MTA, and no more delays for us in receiving responses because of snail-mail delivery.
With the digital platform we can speed up the compiling of information and, as such, we are running the DDRI survey for six weeks until November 15 to encourage more participation.
High participation rates lend weight and validity to the survey’s findings. Whether you’re a seasoned dealer or new to the role, your input helps to shape the industry’s future.
After last year’s results, it’s evident that distributors and dealers see value in having an independent report. Considering some face collective criticism and complaints, there are distributors that eagerly await the survey’s results.
They treat them seriously, recognising the value of constructive feedback. Many actively encourage their dealer networks to participate, which demonstrates their commitment to improvement. Click here to take part in the survey.
