In the “post block exemption” era car dealerships face strong competition, increasing standards and decreasing new car sales margins from manufacturers and changing consumer habits, all resulting into rapidly eroding profit margins. Up until now efforts have concentrated on core business such as new car sales, garage services and parts. Undoubtedly, the used car business played a secondary role and those working in this industry were aware of the two-class society. In addition, assuming the calculations are correct, the used car business often turned out to be a loss maker. But there are many examples that prove that this need not be so. In fact, the opposite is true: the used car business offers considerable opportunities both for dealers and producers to secure and expand their new car sales as well as develop additional business potential. Moreover, by running the used car business professionally dealers have the possibility to improve their return on investment.
