Bernard Bradley, Honda UK general manager, cars, has left for the Middle East, leaving behind him a dealer network positive about the future of the brand, according to David Cox, national dealer council chairman. 

Cox, owner of Cox Motor Group, said: “I’m sure what he’s been responsible so far this year will be continued by the management team until his successor is appointed.”

Tom Gardner, head of marketing for Honda cars, takes interim responsibility for Bradley’s duties in addition to his own while a permanent successor is selected. 

Cox told AM: “Net profit stands at 2.2% return on sales, an average of £122,000 per dealer, year to date at the end of June, which of course is all the more welcome after such a tough 2008.”

He was positive of an average dealer profit of £250,000 from 2009. Cox has been involved with the dealer council for seven years and this is his first as chairman.

He said: “I’ve been involved in plenty of open and frank discussions with regard to how Honda UK and the network can best operate together and I think it works really well, especially recently.

“Both parties get their chance to discuss challenges and promote ideas and I suppose the profit results speak volumes about that relationship. 

“Dealers are currently very profitable, all stock is turning rapidly and aftersales initiatives are working. It’s a good place to be.”