Despite the record level of registrations during the September plate-change, dealers did not experience a significant rise in footfall, according to research by CAP.
According to its monthly For Dealers, By Dealers survey, which polled the views of 80 retailers across the UK, just 41% said footfall had risen compared to August, while 32% said it had declined and 26% said it had declined.
“Footfall is an area that highlights the separation between those receiving support from the manufacturers, to drive traffic through their doors with attractive new car offers, and those that don’t,” said Philip Nothard, editor of CAP Black Book
“It is clear that September stood up to the expectation of it being steady.”
The research also highlighted concerns over the introduction of the Consumer Rights Act, which debuted on 1 October, with 53% of respondents saying it will have an impact on their business, while 39% said it would not.
“As compression of retained margins eased for dealers, many reported concern that the Consumer Rights Act may threaten profitability, or at the very least impact on resource. The Act has received a diverse reaction, very much dependent on what the dealers stock profile is, how they operate and more importantly, what processes, and customer care they already have in place,” he said.
