DEALERS are pessimistic about their profit potential over the next year with half the 29 manufacturer franchises returning lower scores than six months ago, according to the latest National Franchised Dealers' Association dealer attitude survey.

BMW, Rover, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Skoda, Toyota, Audi, Hyundai, Renault, SEAT, Volkswagen, Subaru, Suzuki and Volvo were among those returning significantly lower scores than last summer. Vauxhall, Chrysler Jeep, Honda, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Saab and Kia returned improved scores.

Twenty of the 29 networks surveyed also said their profit potential over the last year had fallen. Kia and Chrysler Jeep networks recorded the biggest drop in confidence since the last survey and other pessimists included Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Rover, SEAT, Toyota and Volvo.

Alan Pulham, NFDA director, said: 'There are lower satisfaction levels in the networks that sell premier brands that have previously tended to lead the way.'