The Netherlands needs a new system for selling cars with a much smaller network of centralised dealerships, according to a new report for the Dutch garage owners association Bovag.

The report states five to 20 dealerships is enough for most car brands. There are currently 150 to 200 nationwide.
In addition, drivers should not return to their dealer for repairs and maintenance but go to their local garage, the report says. Second hand cars should also become a separate specialism.
According to news agency ANP, the researchers base their approach on that of Swedish furniture maker Ikea. ‘Most consumers say they are prepared to drive 100 km but they want to see a complete range of cars in all colours and with all the extras,’ Bovag said.
Car dealerships have been hard hit by the economic crisis and the biggest chain in the country, Kroymans, has gone bankrupt. ‘If we don’t take action, more dealers will fail,’ Bovag chairman Eric Tak was reported as saying.
The number of new cars sold in 2009 was down over 20% on 2008.