Automakers face a tough challenge when deciding exactly where to place their dealerships. Buying habits are shifting, and the retail map is changing fast. To solve this, Urban Science has launched NetworkPlanner, a new map-based tool that helps automakers visualize, test, and improve their retail networks.
The way people buy cars in 2026 is a mix of online shopping and in-person visits. OEMs have needed to adapt to these new habits quickly to stay profitable. NetworkPlanner hopes to combine deep industry data and sharp visual tools together in one place to give leaders the power to make smart choices about their dealership locations without relying on guesswork.
“As automotive consumers increasingly embrace omnichannel retailing, OEMs must leverage agile tools to align their networks with consumer demands and expectations while maintaining efficiency and profitability,” said Simon Bradley, global practice director, network, at Urban Science. “NetworkPlanner powers OEM leaders to confidently test and tailor their networks in alignment with their strategic goals. By evaluating the marketplace, competitor locations and other relevant information in an easy-to-use visual interface, leaders can optimize their dealerships – and their broader network – in real time, enabling them to compete in any scenario as the industry continues to transform.”
How the Platform Works
The core of NetworkPlanner is its advanced mapping system. It allows the user to pan, zoom, and search through deep market study results. Need to see how close stores are to EV charging stations? You can map that out easily. Want to know exactly where your rivals are setting up shop? That data is right at your fingertips. You can also layer key performance metrics over specific areas to get a clear picture of your network’s health.
The platform can also change how your teams work together. Instead of sending emails back and forth, your staff can add feedback right inside the tool. This keeps everyone on the same page and avoids crossed wires. When it is time to share the final plan with top executives, the software builds automatic reports. Quickly export tailored maps and data points to speed up the process of making big choices.
Preparing for the Future of Retail
New retail setups, the rise of electric vehicles, and shifting market trends mean OEMs cannot rely on old habits. Picking the wrong spot for a store or an EV charger can waste both time and money. NetworkPlanner wants to act as a safe testing ground to avoid these types of losses. It lets you simulate different paths and find the best, most profitable setup before you spend a single dollar on real estate.
This new platform takes Urban Science’s long history of trusted data and packages it into a modern, online format. For OEMs trying to stay ahead, this tool hopes to help cut through the noise, spot new chances to grow, and build a retail network that truly serves the modern driver.
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