Dealers have declared a high satisfaction rating with their manufacturing partners, according to Sewells Information and Research.

Sewells, sister brand to AM, said there had been a slowing in retailers’ satisfaction rating with their manufacturer.

For the 34 franchises in this year's survey, 15 either improved on 2005 or returned the same overall satisfaction rating. However, the dealers for 19 vehicle manufacturers scored their relationship with their manufacturer as less satisfying than in 2005.

One of the main objectives of the survey was to identify the issues important to dealers. This year’s top issue was the sales and marketing relationship. The second most important consideration is the manufacturers’ empathy with dealers’ concerns, which highlights the appreciation dealers have for manufacturers that are receptive to feedback.

The survey polled the opinions of 819 franchised dealers.