The International Car Distribution Programme: Project Evolution, Activities, and Research Summary

Abstract

The International Car Distribution Programme (ICDP) is the world’s largest research study into car distribution. Supported by 29 companies and organisations, ICDP will complete its first 2 year investigation into all aspects of franchised car retailing and after-sales in March 1996. Plans are already being made for a further 2 years of study. ICDP’s objectives are to help all participants in car distribution plan for the future by developing new ideas for improving the present system or for introducing entirely new distribution formats. These solutions will be based on a deep understanding of the present system, using independent data collection and research. International comparisons between distribution system performance - in many cases, aggregating commercially confidential data previously unavailable to researchers - is revealing a range of best practices and benchmarks around which new policies can be built. ICDP’s principal data collection and analysis is being carried out by a European research network of academics and independent researchers, supported by US and Japanese research activities. Research topics are focused on two main streams - franchised dealer operations, their profitability and organisation, and manufacturer topics, including supply and stocking systems and franchised standards. Evaluation of consumer issues will form part of both streams. ICDP is a highly participative programme and its meetings provide a unique forum for sponsor members to debate issues facing car distribution. The involvement of all players in the sector - manufacturers, dealer groups, dealer associations, finance companies, logistics companies, after market suppliers - makes these ICDP discussion sessions unique. There is an opportunity to debate contentious issues in an independent framework supported by research-based information.