THIS you need to know: Lexus, Kia, BYD, Omoda, Suzuki and BMW, are, in that order, the overall ‘top-ranked’ manufacturers selling cars in Britain. At the opposite end of the scale, the bottom six are Alfa, Fiat, SEAT, Abarth, Citroen and rock-bottom DS.
Who says so? A tough, shrewd, clued-up bunch, known as franchised car dealers. Recently, in a uniquely detailed survey, they’ve been candid about everything from profit margins to product.
Some networks are deliriously happy with the brands they represent. But others seem thoroughly despondent with some aspects of the relationship.
According to the National Franchised Dealers Association survey, best for ‘total profit margins on new vehicles’ are Kia, Mercedes and Toyota. So they have the greatest flexibility to offer discounts, right? Worst/least profitable are Audi, Ford and…
