| dc.description.abstract | Purpose – This paper is aimed at explaining the perceived challenges of
automobile franchise holders in the increasingly challenging UK market – an area
that currently has little research carried out on the topic with contradictory
findings.
Design/methodology/approach – Six semi-structured interviews were carried out
with owners or directors of UK automobile franchise holders. These interviews
highlighted the key challenges their industry and business model are facing.
Findings – The main highlighted challenges from this study were identified;
Brexit and the pressures it places upon the industry, the various new distribution
methods adopted by new entrants, the complexity of new vehicles, electric cars
and the pressures placed upon the franchises by the government for their
purchase.
Research limitations/implications – Due to the time restrictions only a small
sample size of participants could be established. Also the availability of
participants was a very limiting factor in that the researcher struggled to find
franchise owners or directors willing to take time to complete an interview.
Limited access to resources also proved to be a limitation for the researcher.
Originality/value – This research will be of value to Automobile franchise owners
in the UK, manufacturers and anyone looking to gain an insight into the current
challenges facing the industry. | en |
