Franchise Dealer vs Independent Dealer

A franchise dealer is authorised by a vehicle manufacturer to sell that brand new and approved-used, under the manufacturer's standards. An independent dealer sells any make, with no manufacturer tie.

The distinction matters because it changes what software a dealer is realistically able to use. Franchise dealers are usually tied, sometimes contractually required, to use a manufacturer-mandated or manufacturer-approved DMS, which is why platforms built for franchised dealers (such as Keyloop or Pinewood) focus on that market specifically.

Independent and used car dealers

Independent dealers, including used car specialists and multi-franchise groups selling outside their franchise agreements, have no such restriction, and are free to choose a DMS based purely on what suits their own sales and workshop operation. This is the market platforms like Torque DMS are built for.