The Top 4 Finance KPIs Every Dealership Should Track
- DealTrak
- Aug 20
- 2 min read
Running a car dealership without tracking the right numbers is like driving with a misty windscreen - you’re moving forward, but you can’t see exactly where you’re headed.
Here are four key finance KPIs every UK dealership should monitor, why they matter, and practical tips to improve them.
1. Finance Penetration Rate
This metric shows the percentage of vehicle sales financed through your dealership. In the UK, around 90% of new cars and just over 64% of used cars are purchased using finance.
How to improve it:
Introduce financing early in the sales process.
Offer multiple lender options with attractive terms.
Align sales and finance teams for smoother handoffs.
Bonus tip: keep track of penetration by salesperson—it’ll shine a light on who’s performing at their best and who may need some coaching.
2. Product Penetration Rate
This metric tracks how many deals include at least one F&I product (e.g. warranties, GAP insurance, or maintenance plans). These not only boost per-deal profit but also build loyalty by protecting the buyer’s investment.
How to improve it:
Sell products as bundled protection packages.
Use real-life customer anecdotes to clearly demonstrate the benefits.
Focus on the “why” behind each product—not just the cost.
3. Per Vehicle Retail (PVR)
PVR measures the gross profit from F&I per vehicle sold. Even with strong penetration rates, a low PVR could signal under-pricing or missed upsell opportunities.
How to improve it:
Make upselling about protection, convenience, and peace of mind.
Crosstrain staff so they feel confident presenting all products, not just their favourites.
Review deal structures consistently to spot gaps and adjust training or pricing as needed.
4. Approval Rate & Time-to-Fund
Approval rate reflects the share of finance applications approved, while time-to-fund indicates how quickly funds are made available. In the UK, dealers adopting the correct F&I platforms have seen approval rates jump from just 50% to as high as 90–100%.
How to improve it:
Submit clean, accurate deals to avoid delays.
Build strong relationships with lenders for more optionality for customers.
Match customers with the right lender the first time.
In summary, these KPIs aren’t just numbers; they’re the story of how well your F&I team is performing and where there’s room to grow. Keep tracking them, act on the insights, and you’ll not only see performance increase but also deliver a smoother, more rewarding experience for your customers.
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This is an amazing breakdown of the key metrics for a successful dealership. It's a perfect reminder that tracking the right KPIs is crucial for knowing where you're headed, in business and in academics. For a major project like an MBA dissertation, having a clear plan from the start is essential. To get that solid foundation, it can be very helpful to consult with professional MBA dissertation writers.