The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) is urging manufacturers to speed up communications to their dealer networks in the potential implications of WLTP.

The NFDA said dealers are concerned about potential stock and supply issues and has contacted manufacturers for guidance on behalf of its members. It has received some replies, but is still waiting on other manufacturers to respond.

Sue Robinson, NFDA director, said: “It is vital that manufacturers’ expectations are realistic and feasible.

“It is vital that dealers know what products they are going to be supplied with and their status.”

The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) will come into full effect for all new car registrations from September 2018 and replace the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

According to Cap HPI, the WLTP will trigger an average CO2 emissions rise of 10% across all sectors, which it expects will change the fleet mix over the coming months “with drivers shifting away from models with large CO2 and BIK increases”.

Following such reports, some UK dealers have expressed concerns that they would be expected to move a lot of stock before the new figures come into play.

The NFDA has been working with the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and LowCVP to make details about WLTP clear for consumers. The NFDA is also putting a WLTP seminar together for July 17 at the Hilton Hotel in Warwick to inform dealers about the facts and timeline of WLTP’s introduction.

Robinson said the NFDA continues to advise its members to talk directly with their manufacturer partners to find out how many derogated models they will have available over the next 12 months as well as to request detailed information on any non-derogated and, therefore, non-compliant vehicles that they will need to register prior to 31 August 2018.

She said: “The NFDA will continue to work closely with dealers and manufacturers to address the issue and we encourage members to attend the WLTP seminar in July.”