The National Franchised Dealers Association
The NFDA represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK. Our role is to lobby, represent and support our members
Lobbying, representing & supporting members
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK. There are more than 4,500 franchise outlets in the UK and over 540,000 people working in the automotive retail sector.
We lobby on behalf of our members to ensure the voice of the dealers is heard and we support them with a number of issues that impact automotive retail businesses on a day to day basis. These include retailers’ relationships with their manufacturers, policy and legislation changes, and industry issues in key areas such as used cars, finance and insurance, aftersales and recruitment.
“NFDA is the voice of automotive retailers.”
Our website is a resource base for information including data around vehicle sales, our Dealer Attitude Survey and Consumer Attitude Survey, as well as useful guidance documents. If you are not already a member and would like to know more about membership please refer to our membership page.
If you cannot find the information you require on this site please contact nfda@rmif.co.uk or call 01788 538303.
Promote dealer interests
Promote the interests of franchised dealers to manufacturers, UK and European Government, other industry trade bodies and consumers.
Manufacturer relations
Provide advice and assistance for dealers when dealing with their manufacturer. Liaise with manufacturers, Government and suppliers on behalf of members.
News & legislative updates
Provide regular updates on motor industry news, legislative and regulatory changes, Government consultations, and market data via our weekly news bulletin and quarterly magazine, The Voice.
Industry data & research
Publish the Dealer Attitude Survey and Consumer Attitude Survey, alongside wider market data and research to support member decision-making.
European Representation
Promote the interests of dealers at European level via our partner, the Alliance of European Car Dealers and Repairers (AECDR).
NFDA initiatives
In addition to our core lobbying and representation work, NFDA runs dedicated programmes to support the long-term future of the automotive retail sector.
Electric Vehicle Approved
Developed by NFDA, the Government-backed Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme certifies retailers’ excellence in the electric vehicle sector. The scheme has been endorsed by the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST).
Drive My Career
Drive My Career is the unique, industry-first employment initiative launched by NFDA in February 2018 to connect top employers in the retail automotive industry with the workforce of the future. It promotes careers in automotive retail to young people across the UK.
The Voice Magazine
NFDA publishes its quarterly magazine, The Voice, providing members with in-depth analysis, industry news, legislative updates, and member features. Digital copies are available to download from the NFDA website.
Meet the team
The NFDA is led by a small, dedicated team with deep expertise in automotive retail, public affairs, regulatory policy, and communications — working every day to represent the interests of franchised dealers across the UK.
Retail Motor Industry Federation
NFDA is housed under the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), an umbrella group composed of eight automotive retail associations. The RMIF provides a collective voice for the entire retail motor industry across the UK.
As a member of the RMIF, NFDA benefits from shared resources, legal support through Motor Industry Legal Services (MILS), and a coordinated approach to government engagement across all segments of automotive retail.
The RMIF associations collectively represent businesses ranging from franchised car dealerships and independent garages to petrol retailers, motorcycle dealers, and vehicle body repairers.
National Franchised Dealers Association
Independent Garage Association
Petrol Retailers Association
National Motorcycle Dealers Association
National Body Repair Association
National Association of Motor Auctions
Chrished Numbers Dealers Association
Vehicle Builders & Repairers Association
Alliance of European Car Dealers & Repairers
NFDA has joined the Alliance of European Car Dealers and Repairers (AECDR) to promote the interests of European car dealers and repairers at European level. AECDR regularly engages with MEPs, EC officials and other relevant stakeholders on behalf of its member associations across Europe.
European-level lobbying
AECDR engages directly with MEPs and European Commission officials on legislation affecting car dealers and repairers across member states.
Cross-border collaboration
NFDA regularly liaises with counterpart dealer associations in Europe and Australia to share strategy on agency models, block exemption, and EV transition policy.
Block exemption & competition law
AECDR works with the European Commission on vertical agreement block exemption regulation — a core priority for NFDA and franchised dealers across the UK and Europe.
Contact the NFDA
Member Helpline
For membership enquiries, guidance requests, and general advice. Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.
For general enquiries, membership information, and guidance document requests. We aim to respond within one working day.
Registered Address
London, W1W 5AB
National Franchised Dealers Association Limited
Registered in England & Wales