MITSUBISHI'S perceived value as a franchise has slumped to 29th out of 30 according to dealers in the new half-yearly Dealer Attitude Survey by the Retail Motor Industry Federation's National Franchised Dealers' Association.

The survey consults one in four franchise dealers twice a year and of the leading manufacturers most say their new car sales have strengthened the financial viability of their business. Coupled with an increased proportion of dealers who have reported increased profit margins on new car sales, the overwhelming feeling is one of 'confidence and optimism', according to the survey.

The 10 franchised networks expressing the most confidence in the perceived value of their franchise were: BMW (9.8 out of 10), Chrysler Jeep (9.4), Jaguar (8.6), Mercedes-Benz (8.6), Audi (8.5), Land Rover (8.2), Volkswagen (7.9), Saab (7.7), Volvo (7.6), Hyundai (7.3).