There is deep scepticism among dealers about manufacturers regularly publishing the number of cars they have preregistered. Of those asked, 66% did not believe this would happen, with 28% believing it would and 6% not knowing.

Only 2% said manufacturers had explained how this would be done, with 92% saying they were in the dark. A further 6% were unclear whether they had been briefed.

Dealers welcomed Stephen Byers' pledge that manufacturers would no longer be able to refuse to supply on the grounds of the retail price quoted in ads. This was welcomed by 66% of those asked, with 24% against and 10% unsure.