New report and executive briefing on Evolving automotive retail network structures – building online into an integrated multi-channel world

ICDP’s research into the financial impact of network design has so far concentrated on how the investments and returns of the present ‘3 box’ dealership configuration might look if adapted into more varied channel configurations – hub and satellite, multi brand. We have now taken our modelling further to look at the implications of integrating an on-line core into the network structural mix. This report by Peter Bailey looks at the present status of automotive retail on-line activity, which is largely piecemeal and incremental, and then looks in some depth at how possible network structures with on-line activity at their core might affect the investment and operational cost of running such a configuration.

The report is also summarised in an executive briefing.

New management briefing on Managing push and pull new vehicle supply in a volatile and weakening market

Supply chain performance is a critical part of the management of an integrated retail, manufacturing and distribution strategy, as shown by the forensic attention the subject receives from multi-national retailers in other sectors. In times of demand uncertainty the versatility of supply planning and execution is even more important. This management briefing by Ben Waller sets out to consider the lessons drawn from the volatility seen over the last three years, and the options open to carmakers now in facing an uncertain, although at best flat and volatile market.

New report on Strategies for managing fleet segments at the market level

The fleet and business sector represents nearly half the distribution market for new cars. As such it is important for operators to understand both the issues that exist and the strategies that are used to manage them. This report by Gareth Arnould with research by the ICDP team looks at the effects of the financial crisis on fleet operators, including the difficulties in funding that operators are experiencing as well as the main differences in the EU markets, including the impact of tax schemes and regulations. The differing operators’ strategies are defined and solutions for gaining a competitive edge are outlined, before the report concludes on future challenges that players in the fleet sector may face.

New executive briefing on ICDP’s Vision of Automotive Distribution in 2020: Focus, Scale and Specialisation

Why has there been such significant improvement in manufacturing and product development over the last 15 years, when distribution has changed relatively little? Has the automotive distribution model survived because it is the optimum solution, or because the barriers to change are so great? Will the model look the same in 2020, or are there pressures which will force change between now and then? In this briefing by Steve Young and Andrew Tongue, ICDP has drawn together its ongoing research into all aspects of automotive distribution to propose a vision of how the sector might look in a few years’ time.