APPLEYARD has knocked Lex from the number one spot in the dealer group top 10, according to Sewells International's 'Who Owns Who in the Retail Motor Industry'.

Appleyard is now the outright leader as far as new-car franchises are concerned - edging up to 93 locations - while Evans Halshaw leads the field in terms of franchised new-car sites - just ahead of Lex at 74 - but second to Appleyard in the franchise league. Lex meanwhile, shrunk by 14 new-car sales sites and 19 new-car franchises as its rationalisation programme got underway.

The top 10 dealer groups now account for 9% of new-car franchise points in the UK and have effectively halted the decline in franchise numbers highlighted last year. They control 684 franchise points compared with 666 in January, and although Lex's sphere of influence has contracted, Lookers has experienced spectacular growth.

By sales sites

1. Evans Halshaw - 74

2. Lex - 711

3. Inchcape - 59

4. Appleyard - 53

4=Lookers - 53

6. Hartwell - 51

7. Pendragon - 47

8. Caledonia - 40

9. European Motor - 36

10. Reg Vardy - 34

By franchises

1. Appleyard - 93

2. Evans Halshaw - 91

3. Lex - 82

4. Pendragon - 73

5. Lookers - 69

6. Inchcape - 67

7. Hartwell - 61

8. European Motor - 50

9. Caledonia - 48

10. Reg Vardy - 47

Published six-monthly, the survey is available from Sewells on 01733 467195 - price £165.