Final answer:
Financing is the marketing function being performed when manufacturers, like Nissan, provide financial services to dealers or when retail stores receive financing from wholesalers or manufacturers. It is crucial for facilitating transactions and may involve exclusive dealing agreements, with the caveat of maintaining competition.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a Nissan dealer purchases vehicles from the Nissan manufacturer and the manufacturer provides financing, or retail stores receive financing from their wholesalers and manufacturers, these activities are performing a key marketing function known as financing or providing financial services. This function involves extending credit to customers or organizing payment plans, among other financial transactions, that help facilitate the buying and selling process. Exclusive dealing agreements, such as those between manufacturers like Ford Motor Company or General Motors and their respective dealers, are one aspect of this, intended to encourage competition among dealers. However, such agreements must be carefully managed to avoid antitrust issues and the restriction of competition in broader markets.
When Nissan dealers purchase vehicles from the Nissan manufacturer and the manufacturer finances the sale, it involves the distribution of the vehicles from the manufacturer to the dealer. Similarly, when retail stores receive financing from their wholesalers and manufacturers, it supports the distribution of the products from the manufacturer to the retailers.