On the Dash: Dealers are seeing shoppers place greater emphasis on value, monthly payments and affordable vehicles. New-vehicle inventory is moving toward balance, but sourcing affordable used vehicles remains a challenge. Profit sentiment improved modestly despite weaker traffic and sales conditions, suggesting dealers are adapting to a more selective market. Cox Automotive’s Dealer Sentiment Index fell across several key market measures in Q3, as affordability concerns, elevated interest rates and broader economic uncertainty weighed on dealer confidence. The survey included 929 franchised and independent dealers surveyed between July 22 and Aug. 5. Additionally, the survey found that current market sentiment fell to 41, while future market sentiment declined to 46.…
