Thursday, November 21, 2024
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NFDA survey highlights EV growth

Trade association The National Franchised Dealers Association’s (NFDA) latest survey of dealers has revealed scores related to the topic of EVs continue to rise.

Four of the six questions in the biannual Dealer Attitude Survey saw increases for EVs, with substantial rises in average scores for manufacturer’s EV training and information, rising by almost 10%.

There was a slight drop on the total margins between EVs and other hybrid or internal combustion engine counterparts, which fell by 0.4 points. It addition, some dealers noted a lack of product offerings in the EV space – around a third highlighted this issue.

The effect the ZEV Mandate is having on obtaining new vehicles for customer orders saw a stable score, albeit a slight decline of –0.1, with variances across the brands.

Land Rover made a significant leap in the rankings, rising from twenty-eighth place in the previous edition to third, with an impressive score of 8.1.

Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of NFDA, said: 

“This edition of the survey shows advancements in key areas, particularly regarding electric vehicles and apprenticeships. However, significant challenges persist, especially with increasing concerns about current profit returns, which have also raised doubts about future profitability.

“The survey also reveals that despite progress in electric vehicle offerings, profitability in the EV sector remains a significant concern, with dealers highlighting limited product range as a major issue.

“Included among the various topics is insight into the ZEV mandate as we approach the end of the first year since its introduction. NFDA submitted its Budget proposal to the Chancellor last month with growth, restimulation and clarity being key themes. This included measures such as harmonising VAT between public and domestic charging at 5% and improving charging infrastructure to incentivise consumers during the transition to electric whilst also providing support to the important UK automotive sector.”

Kia maintained its dominance in the EV topics of the survey, claiming the top spot in all but one related question.

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK, said: 

“We work hard at being true business partners with our dealer network and this recognition again reflects the collaborative approach we take together. It also outlines our proud three-decade long history in the UK, where we have grown organically, sensibly and progressively.

“We opened the new Kia Academy at the start of this year to educate and upskill the next generation of technicians, and just last month we hosted around 1,000 dealer staff from across the UK at our Kia Masterclass event at Silverstone, which provided unparalleled access to, and hands-on experiences with, our latest EV products.”

Image of Paul Philpott, President and CEO of KIA UK

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