Moore Stephens produced the 2013 National Automotive Industry Survey for the Australian Automobile Dealers Association. Lead director at Moore Stephens Automotive Brett Folwer says rising dealership facility costs and overheads threaten the profitability of car retailers.

More than 60 car brands are on sale in Australia, more than in the United States, United Kingdom or Canada despite their bigger populations. That is expected to decline along with the number of dealerships.

But car retailers are fighting back. John Gavljak, co-author of the report and director of Moore Stephens Automotive, says multi-brand car retailers tended to be more successful than ones which just sold one type.

"What is crucial is getting the right mix of vehicles, for example what SUV's have on offer".

To view the complete article refer to AFR - Enterprise section, page 13.

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