January 2010: Autointel Top-50 Dealer Groups Released

Despite the snow and icy conditions, January’s new car registrations brought another welcome monthly increase, with 2010 starting with +29.8% increase, at 145,479 vehicles, obviously not dented by the end of 15% VAT in December.Amongst the winners, VAG brands were noteworthy, with VW, Audi , SEAT and Skoda all enjoying an increased market share compared to 2009, and with VW and Audi enjoying their second consecutive month of increase. Whilst Hyundai, Kia, Peugeot and Renault must similarly be congratulating themselves on a great start to 2010 – each delivering market share better than December or 2009’s annual share.
Whilst for the majority of other manufacturers they must feel disappointed looking at their share relative to the headline of +29.8%.
For dealer groups, brand alignment must be causing continued ‘high fives’ for a few, and a few solicitous glances for many. Although with scrappage ending in March, could manufacturers’ fortunes again shift? Though Hyundai and Vauxhall’s post-scrappage promotions suggest they’re not ready to surrender the initiative just yet.
As previous months the main movers from January registrations continue to feature in mid-table, where groups tend to be aligned with one or two principal brands so making them more susceptible to changing manufacturer fortunes.
This principle is clearly demonstrated with groups such as Vindis, Johnson Cars, RRG, Hodgson and SG Smith – all climbing the Top-50 ranking on the back of a great performance by VAG brands and Peugeot. Interestingly, R. Robinson, with several VAG dealerships, fell back (in the rankings) reflecting the relatively poor performance of Mercedes negatively affecting their overall position.
Analysis of registrations amongst the franchised segments show non-groups continue to be a dominant sector increasing their market share to 28.5% (+0.5% vs December), principally at the expense of the Top-20 groups (24.21% down from December’s 24.72%) and the Top-21 to 50 (10.65% down from 10.75%).
However, the second tier continue to dominate in ASD, at 29.44, compared to Top-20 at 27.42 and non-groups trailing at 21.5 which is a noteworthy decline from December’s 28.03.