Manufacturer insight features

Subaru is focusing on SUVs, ‘boutique service’ and high margins to take registrations and dealer numbers to heights not seen since the turn of the century.

Peugeot believes new dealer remuneration models, Just Add Fuel scheme and online leads will reap rewards in UK market share.

A 12-vehicle model offensive over the next six years may offset the shock of losing profitable DS franchises for more than half of Citroën’s current network.

Honda ditched its 80,000-registration target for next year, but believes a new range and transformed finance and aftersales operations are cause for optimism.

In Suzuki's ‘family’ of UK dealers, there is more to measuring success than just the numbers, says sales and marketing director Dale Wyatt.

Jaguar Land Rover's network rethink will affect almost every site in its retail network by the time it concludes in 2018.

Renault’s dealers rewarded it at this year's AM Awards for a plan that boosted market share and profits, says former sales director Darren Payne.

Mitsubishi UK managing director Lance Bradley believes a new SUV a year and training for dealership staff could take it to 50,000 registrations by 2021.

North Europe general manager Peter Denton believes a bigger network, more used sales and better service will help Maserati emerge from its big brother’s shadow.

Toyota GB managing director Paul Van der Burgh is not chasing volume, but quality – in a broader product range, more profitable dealers and better service.

Embedding demonstrator-equipped ‘customer champions’ in service centres will broaden coverage, believes SsangYong managing director Paul Williams.

Between falling sales, fire recalls and Brexit, Vauxhall endured a torrid 2016, but the last thing MD Rory Harvey wants is a knee-jerk reaction

While it is unlikely to catch its German rivals, Lexus is pushing hard to grow sales and awareness in the UK, says director Ewan Shepherd

Mercedes-Benz Vans network boss Sarah Palfreyman is driving her dealer partners to invest in more retail-friendly facilities.

Hyundai chief executive Tony Whitehorn is not afraid to try out the latest technologies on the sales side, and now he is taking aim at the workshop.

Maintaining a strong network has rewarded Kia with record registrations, industry accolades and dealer approval, says sales director Steve Hicks.

Mercedes-Benz chief executive Gary Savage believes direct manufacturer sales are inevitable, but the new business model presents opportunities for dealers.