As motor retailers begin their budgeting and planning for 2016’s trading, we’re bringing you a special section in AM this month – Choose Your Supplier.

We’ve identified 12 sectors that play a vital role in supporting motor retailers, from F&I and call management to warranties and digital marketing. In each, we’ve examined the key developments in the past 12 to 18 months that have led the major players to broaden their client bases and build new relationships with franchised dealers.

These suppliers recognise the future of their business is secured by innovating and working hard to support their dealer clientele. Such support was crucial during the economic crisis, but even now is fundamental as dealer networks face the pressure of regulation and manufacturers’ volume targets.

As we consider in this month's main insight feature, those targets are leading to widespread pre-registrations and the gamble that the volume bonus will outweigh any margin lost on the metal when the car can be sold as used stock three months later.

Pushing pre-registrations and pack deals isn’t a worry for Porsche Retail Group, the subject of our Face To Face dealer profile this month. The opposite is the case, in fact. Director Ade Smith would love his “inclusively exclusive” dealerships to have more used cars to offer the wealthy customers on their doorsteps. With Porsche making new cars that suit a broader range of buyers, he feels there’s a real opportunity to grow.

Rupert Pontin looks at the impact of the year’s second plate-change month on volumes, pre-registrations and used car values and Prof Jim Saker says market changes, new legislation and  training have left the Arthur Daley image of the car dealer firmly in the realm of fiction.

AM Franchise Guide 2015 coverAlongside this issue of AM you should find a special standalone supplement – The AM Franchise Guide 2015. As many franchised dealer groups are positioned to expand after several years of record profits, we’ve designed The AM Franchise Guide to help. The supplement covers each of the major car brands in detail, with key performance trends identified from our AMi database and insight into future prospects.