The latest edition of this can be downloaded by following the link on the left.

New Report on Modelling the EU aftermarket

The future of the aftermarket is critical to many businesses operating in automotive distribution, and previous work has highlighted concern over the decline in customers seen by franchise dealers. Uncertainty over the market is a significant threat to business planning, and so a model has been developed by ICDP to try to quantify recent changes in the aftermarket, and to forecast future size, shape, share and value based on input variables. This report by Christophe Guillaneuf with Ben Waller and the ICDP team details the methodological approach we have taken, and projects the future aftermarket in France, Germany, Italy, and the UK in 2015.

New Executive Briefing on How cost, pricing, and value drive shifts in mobility

We buy mobility in many different ways, and we are so accustomed to tailoring the mode of transport to the journey - for example, taking the car to the shops, taking the train to Paris – that we do not think of mobility as a spectrum of options. Shifts in mode of transport are slow, but over time changes in costs and values can alter the balance across different forms of personal mobility. These shifts in use have a cumulative effect on the business models of the supply chains which provide access to mobility. ICDP’s current work on leasing and mobility is highlighted in this briefing by John Whiteman and Ben Waller.

New Management Briefing on Supernova: an efficient used car model in Italy?

The need to improve the efficiency of the franchise system of new car selling is recognised as critical for all players, especially in the mature markets where aftersales is in decline. Car manufacturers and dealers are facing this challenge in order to be more competitive and profitable. Exploring ways to transform the retail and aftersales model is a key research stream for the 2009-2011 ICDP programme. This management briefing by Luca Montagner focuses on the used car business with an example of a major dealer group in Italy – Bonaldi Group - which has developed an innovative business model for its used car activities

New Report on The end of the mega-dealer dream: dealer groups in Europe

This report by Peter Bailey and the ICDP team updates and expands ICDP’s ongoing research into the evolution of dealer groups in Europe. After looking at recent developments across the major European markets, it goes on to analyse in depth three critical dimensions in the achievement of profit and value; scale, scope, and ongoing performance. A number of case studies are presented, manufacturer strategies towards dealer groups are examined, and the report concludes on the need for groups to focus on a robust, sustainable business model to meet the challenges of the future.

Also available to members are the charts of the top 50 dealer groups in each of the four countries considered - France, Germany, Italy and the UK. Please contact the project office and a copy will be emailed to you.

New Management Briefing on Strategic advance or last ditch defence? An update on manufacturer-owned dealer groups in Europe

The franchise model has been traditionally seen as the independent dealer (if not independent importer) applying local knowledge and sharing risk in an entrepreneurial manner. Over time, there has been a gradual shift to more centralised, vertically integrated, wholesale activity at national level with the progressive establishment of National Sales Companies in many markets. At retail level, however, there is a far more mixed picture, as our latest ICDP report on dealer groups has shown (The end of the mega-dealer dream: dealer groups in Europe, report number 02/10). This management briefing by Peter Bailey looks in a little more detail at the evolution of manufacturer-owned operations at the retail level.