Automotive News, June 10, 2019 – Dealers’ optimistic view of the market waned last quarter amid softening new-vehicle sales and a mounting threat of tariffs on import vehicles and parts. They remained optimistic about inventory levels, but as lease return volume comes down, their confidence will likely start to dim, according to a quarterly survey by Cox Automotive.

Franchised dealer respondents to the latest Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index survey feel the market is still strong, but optimism was more subdued in the second quarter compared with the prior year.

The survey, which gauges dealers’ perceptions of the past 90 days and expectations for the next three months, identifies key factors affecting retailers’ optimism or pessimism.The latest survey, conducted April 29 to May 14, garnered responses from 1,031 dealers — 583 franchised and 448 independent. Responses are weighted by dealership type and sales volume to represent the national dealer population. The survey tracks how dealers view their market on a scale from weak to strong. A score higher than 50 indicates optimism, while a score below 50 indicates a negative outlook.

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