Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index – First Quarter 2021

Derived from a quarterly survey that Cox Automotive issues to a representative sample of franchised and independent auto dealers from around the country, the Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI) measures dealer perceptions of current retail auto sales and sales expectations for the next three months as “strong,” “average” or “weak.” The survey also asks dealers to rate new-vehicle sales and used-vehicle sales separately along with a variety of key drivers including consumer traffic. Responses are used to calculate an index by which any number over 50 indicates that more dealers view conditions as strong rather than weak. When an index is below 50, the overall sentiment is negative.

Data for the Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index is gathered via online surveys. The Q1 2021 results were based on 1,058 dealer respondents, comprising 599 franchised and 459 independents, across the country from Jan. 26 to Feb. 7, 2021. Dealer responses were weighted by dealership type and volume of sales to be representative of the national dealer population

For commentary on the Q1 CADSI findings, read the press release.

If you are interested in speaking with Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke or need additional study details, contact Mark Schirmer or Dara Hailes with the Cox Automotive Public Relations team.