Automotive business management specialist ASE says rolling 12-month dealer profitability fell slightly in November, with the average car dealer recording a loss of £4,000.

This was slightly larger than the loss reported in November 2012, but follows record levels earlier in 2013.

It means the trade is now unlikely to hit an annual return on sales of 1.5%. However, the top performers across nearly all brands are expected to make over 5%.

ASE predicts that dealers will achieve significant registration bonuses for the final quarter to bolster the year-end result.

It also notes that dealers made significant inroads into cleansing their stock during November, while still making a gross profit of over £1,000 per unit.

Here are ASE’s Motor Retail Profitability Statistics for November 2013: