U.S.-based automobile dealers are optimistic about the first quarter of 2018. They say inventory concerns from earlier this year have mostly subsided, according to insights found in the Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI) for the fourth quarter.
Released today, the report showed that despite a healthy sales environment during the survey period, both franchised and independent dealers continue to feel pressure to lower prices, experience high costs of running their business, and report weak customer traffic.
“Although price pressures and costs are working against them, we continue to be encouraged by the fact that dealers are optimistic about market prospects,” said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “U.S. auto dealers are expecting a strong market in the first quarter of 2018.”
