Spain’s dealership network last year shrunk by 8% to 7,872 outlets from 8,568 in 2002, hurt by the European Union (EU)’s so-called 1400/2002 automobile distribution law, top trade federation Faconauto said.
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Secondary networks or agents reduced by 11% to 4,790 points of sale while primary network dealers reduced 3% to 3,082 retail outlets.
However, Faconauto said Asian brands have expanded their presence in Spain, building up their networks and helping offset the dealership declines.
Faconauto added that Seat and Rover Spain (whose UK parent company went bust in April last year) reduced their networks the most, closing 31 and 80 points of sale respectively.
Nissan and Renault followed with declines of 51% and 31% respectively.
Faconauto said dealers are having trouble adapting to the new and “more stringent” sales and service laws, which the EU introduced in October 2002 to boost competition and benefit consumers.
On the other hand South Korea’s Ssangyong increased its dealerships by 221%, followed by Subaru and Daihatsu, which extended their networks 139% and 86% respectively, Faconauto said.
Hyundai and Daewoo also increased by 68% and 61% respectively.
Among European brands, Faconauto highlighted Smart and Saab for expanding 300% and 139%.
In the luxury market, Aston Martin expanded its network by 50% and Porsche by 23.5%, helping counter 57% and 40% declines in the Maserati and Ferrari dealership counts.
Ivan Castano
