Urban Science launches NetworkPlanner to modernize auto retail footprints. Published: March 3, 2026 Ian McCafferty, Digital Dealer Courtesy of Urban Science 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. Posted In: News

Urban Science reinvents the automotive retail network planning experience through networkplanner(tm) launch. This powerful, map-based viewing tool enables OEMs to visualize, simulate and optimize automotive retail network potential. By CBT News February 26, 2026 DETROIT, Feb. 26, 2026 - Urban Science, a leading global automotive consultancy and technology firm, today announced the launch of its NetworkPlanner solution. This new science-driven tool builds on Urban Science's deep network planning expertise to push the automotive retail network planning discipline forward - bringing advanced visualization, scalable analytics and unparalleled industry data together in a modern online platform designed to help OEMs uncover new efficiencies, adapt faster to change and make more confident decisions than ever before. "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 empowers 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." Powered by Urban Science's unrivaled industry sales data and proven scientific processes and methodologies, NetworkPlanner is a future-ready approach to network planning built to grow alongside the industry and deliver sustained value as OEMs navigate new retail formats, and disruptive technologies and market dynamics. Key Features and Benefits of NetworkPlanner * Advanced Mapping and Visualization: Visualize dealerships, competitor locations, EV charging stations and other points of interest for a comprehensive view of network health. * Interactive Analysis: Explore market study results with pan, zoom and query capabilities. Users can overlay KPIs and location data for deeper insights. * Automated Reporting: Aggregate performance metrics across every geographic level for quick, accurate strategic and operational decisions. * Stakeholder Engagement: Capture and document team feedback directly within the interface for seamless collaboration and alignment. * Exportable Insights: Tailor and export maps and reports for stakeholder decision-making and alignment. Network planning has been a foundational element of Urban Science's business for nearly 50 years. OEM leaders who are interested in learning more about NetworkPlanner can click here to schedule a demo or contact their Urban Science account representative for more information. About Urban Science. Urban Science is a leading automotive consultancy and technology firm that serves automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and dealers, and AdTech companies that support them, around the world. Headquartered in Detroit and operating in 18 office locations globally, Urban Science taps the power of its science - and its unrivaled data, solution offerings, and industry expertise - to create clarity and business certainty for clients in even the most chaotic market conditions. Visit UrbanScience.com for more information about how Urban Science helps the automotive industry gain a competitive edge by taking the guesswork out of critical business decisions. This in turn, drives improved efficiency and profitability industrywide.