(January 30, 2012) McLEAN, Va. — New-car dealer satisfaction with their respective auto manufacturers continued to increase in 2011, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association’s (NADA) latest Dealer Attitude Survey.

The survey, conducted twice a year, measures dealer sentiment in three key areas: franchise value, automaker policy decisions that affect the dealership and the automaker’s field staff who visit dealerships. Nearly 54 percent of new-car dealers nationwide, representing more than 14,700 franchises, responded to the 2011 summer survey.

Hyundai finished in the top overall spot for the third consecutive survey period, with affiliate Kia finishing fourth. Subaru climbed back to second place for its fifth consecutive Top 3 finish. Lexus dropped to the third spot. Mercedes-Benz finished fifth. Toyota and Volkswagen improved to sixth and seventh place, respectively. Porsche, Audi and Cadillac/Honda rounded out the Top 10.

From Feb. 3 to 6, thousands of the nation’s dealers will have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with top automaker executives at 26 franchise meetings to discuss the outlook for sales, marketing plans and product launches during the 2012 NADA Convention and Expo in Las Vegas.

Industry keynote speakers at the convention include Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne and NADA’s Wade on Saturday, Feb. 4, and incoming NADA Chairman William P. Underriner, a new-car dealer in Montana, on Monday, Feb. 6.

NADA’s 95th annual convention will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.