U.S. Auto Dealer Sentiment Improves in Q1, but Current Market View Remains Weak as Profit Pressures Replace Inventory Woes

ATLANTA, March 13, 2024 – The Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI) shows that current market sentiment improved slightly in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, increasing from 40 to 42, but remains well below the 50 threshold, indicating most dealers see the current market as weak.

The survey’s current market index is largely driven by profitability, customer traffic and costs. Of the three, profitability continues to weigh most heavily…