International Brand Auto Dealers Optimistic About 2007

Washington DC February 15, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reported that a recent survey by Automotive News states International dealers are confident about their future with two-thirds of dealers who sell Toyota and Nissan brands anticipating higher net profits this year than in 2006.

The unscientific poll showed differences in overall outlook between the International nameplate dealers and their counterparts than did a similar study last year, according to the article.

Many dealers anticipate ordering more small vehicles this year due to fuel economy concerns from customers.

Factory relations for Toyota and Honda dealers are only improving...Glenn Bockwinkel, co-owner of an Acura dealership said the company's sales force "was good before, but it's even better now."

On the other hand, Detroit Big Three dealers worried about too many points in the network, with corporate pushing dealers to either close or sell their stores or to consolidate brands under one location.