Investment demanded by manufacturers to represent their corporate image at franchised dealerships is reasonable according to two in three of the retailers questioned.

Around one in 10 agreed with the suggestion that a distinctive manufacturer image helped to sell at a franchised outlet.

A similar proportion believed their customer-facing areas were of a high enough standard to attract customers who might otherwise buy a car online.

The findings suggest that dealers are starting to lose some of the resentment felt in the past about carmakers insisting on heavy investment which was not always viewed as essential.

A third of those asked said customers complained about parking which might help to foster interest in retail villages.