J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2015 India Dealer Satisfaction with Automotive Manufacturers Index (DSWAMI) Study has revealed a marked improvement in dealer satisfaction. The study was based on responses from general managers of 734 car dealers spread across over 250 cities in the country and was conducted along with Federation of Automobile Dealers Association between the period of January to March 2015.
There was a notable and positive increase in dealer expectations where their financial performance was concerned. 56 percent of car dealers are optimistic about better financial performance during the year as against 46 percent who were sure of increasing financial performance in 2014. This positive response is due to increase in sales for the first time since the past two years indicating that better times to come.
JD Power India study has been conducting these studies for the past five years, taking into account dealer satisfaction with vehicle manufacturers and automobile importers. The study gauges dealer satisfaction with special emphasis on market and sales activities, product, orders placed, deliveries made, sales team, parts, warranty claims, after sales network, training and support from manufacturer.
Satisfaction improved across 5 of these 9 studies especially in parts, after sales team and warranty claims. 83 percent of dealers indicated that they received parts within 15 days of ordering. 27 percent of dealers assessed were however not satisfied with support received from manufacturers. The pointed out lack of adequate support in introduction of new models or variants while 24 percent dealers felt that the manufacturers do not have a range of products to actively compete in markets.
