Are car franchises suffering a corporate identity crisis?

However, automotive property consultant Robert Stephens & Co has observed a contraction in the size and scale of manufacturer property CI ambitions over the past five years attributable to declining returns and the recognition the industry needs to focus on other retail sales channels.

Stephens said: “But there is no one-size fits all solution and some initiatives – notably the Volvo VRE (Volvo Retail Experience) concept –are appropriate to the brand’s direction of travel and supported by its retail network. In contrast, Jaguar Land Rover’s Arch Concept has reportedly provoked a backlash from retailers for the timing, cost and scale of the programme.”

Marshall Motor Holdings operates 106 franchises partnering 23 brands, including 16 JLR and eight Volvo franchises investing £65 million over four or five years in Arch relocations.