AM’s sister company, Sewells Information & Research, has just embarked on its 2005 Dealer Attitude Survey – and the postroom is already straining with the volume of replies.

Now in its 15th year, this unique survey puts the quality of the relationship between franchised dealers and the manufacturer they represent under the microscope. It asks dealers to fill out a short questionnaire saying how good they think the support from their manufacturers is on key areas that have a big impact on their dealership’s success and its profitability.

Areas such as new and used car sales and marketing, vehicle supply, service and parts, dealer standards, customer satisfaction and relationships with franchise executives are all key elements that add up to running a successful, profitable business and keeping customers happy.

Sewells is delighted so many dealers have helped by filling in the survey questionnaire for so many years. The 2005 set of questions was mailed to every franchised dealer in the country at the end of March and hundreds have been returned already. But we still need more.

If you already have a form, please fill it in and send it back by Tuesday May 3 2005, or e-mail kerry.weston@emap.com if your comp-any needs one.