| Summary: | The International Car Distribution Programme (ICDP) is the worlds 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.
ICDPs 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.
ICDPs 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.
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