Industry
Automotive
Advisory for dealerships, importers, service networks and aftermarket businesses navigating industry-wide transformation.
Sector Overview
How we support automotive clients.
The Australian automotive sector is in the middle of the most significant structural shift since the end of domestic manufacturing. Electrification, agency and hybrid distribution models, dealership consolidation and evolving consumer finance arrangements are reshaping the economics of every participant in the value chain. Dealer principals and importers who get ahead of these changes are creating durable value — those who do not are watching margins erode.
Corson Fiske advises dealer groups, importers, finance and insurance specialists and aftermarket businesses on the commercial, tax and structural questions arising from this transition. We work with owner-operators, multi-franchise dealer groups and ASX-listed participants alike, bringing integrated tax, legal and advisory capability to matters that would otherwise require coordinating multiple external firms.
Our partners understand the economics of the sector at a granular level — the difference between new vehicle gross and back-end, the working capital dynamics of floorplan finance, the regulatory architecture of the Franchising Code as it applies to dealer agreements. That fluency matters when the commercial stakes are highest.
Capabilities in this sector
- Dealer agreement review and negotiation
- Franchising Code compliance and disputes
- Succession planning and dealer group consolidation
- M&A and sale advisory
- EV and agency model transition strategy
- Finance and insurance compliance
- ATO and tax structuring
- Operational and margin improvement
Client Situations
When clients engage us.
The issues that bring clients through our door tend to fall into familiar patterns.
An agency model is being introduced
An importer is moving dealers to an agency or hybrid arrangement. We advise on the commercial impact, the agreement terms and the negotiation strategy.
Succession is approaching
A founder-owned dealer group needs to plan the transition — whether to family, management or an external buyer. We guide the full process from structuring through to completion.
A dispute has arisen with the OEM
Agreement terms, performance standards or territorial rights are in dispute. We provide commercial and legal support, including Franchising Code analysis.
Floorplan pressure is mounting
Margins and working capital are compressing. We deliver a rapid operational and financial review with practical improvement actions.
Outcomes
What you can expect.
- A clear commercial strategy tailored to the changing sector
- Protected and properly documented dealer agreements
- Succession and transaction outcomes that preserve value
- Operational improvements that restore margin
Why Corson Fiske
Experience where it counts.
Clients engage Corson Fiske because they need advice they can act on — delivered by senior practitioners who understand both the technical detail and the commercial consequences. Every engagement is led by a partner with direct experience in this sector.
Our integrated structure means tax, legal, accounting and advisory questions are resolved within a single firm. For clients operating across Australia, Asia, New Zealand or Asia, our office network in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Singapore and Auckland provides consistent advice across jurisdictions.
Our Approach
A refined four-phase method for every engagement.
Corson Fiske applies the same disciplined framework to every matter, regardless of scale. The phases below are not a marketing device — they are the actual structure our partners use to move clients from uncertainty to resolution.
Phase One
01
Understand
A confidential partner-led briefing to establish the facts, commercial drivers, timing pressures and stakeholder dynamics.
- Confidential scoping conversation
- Document and data review
- Stakeholder mapping
- Initial risk identification
Phase Two
02
Analyse
Structured technical and commercial analysis of every realistic option, with a clear view of risks, costs and likely outcomes.
- Technical legal and tax analysis
- Commercial modelling
- Risk-weighted options assessment
- Precedent and market benchmarking
Phase Three
03
Recommend
A written partner recommendation in plain English — not a list of caveats. We stand behind our advice and explain our reasoning.
- Clear written recommendation
- Implementation sequencing
- Stakeholder communication plan
- Contingency and fallback positions
Phase Four
04
Execute
Hands-on delivery of the agreed plan with partner oversight, regular milestone reporting and clear handback at completion.
- Implementation leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Milestone tracking and reporting
- Completion review and handback
Get the right advice from Corson Fiske.
Confidential, no-obligation initial consultations with a partner who specialises in this sector.