(February 11, 2013) DETROIT — Auto dealers remain optimistic about a continued increase in auto sales in 2013, with nearly 60 percent surveyed expecting their sales to grow by more than 10 percent this year, according to a survey by Ally Financial at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention.

More than 54 percent of dealers surveyed expect consumer confidence to be the key factor in sustaining auto sales momentum in 2013. The age of vehicles on the road, incentives and the availability of new vehicle inventory will also support sales growth, dealers said. 

About half of dealers surveyed indicate that customer credit profiles are improving.

"We expect 2013 to be a strong year for the auto industry as the economy and consumer credit profiles steadily improve and as new models attract customers to showrooms," said Tim Russi, president of Auto Finance for Ally Financial.  "We met with many dealers at NADA who reinforced our position and share our optimism and passion to make it happen."

The used vehicle department will be the most profitable within the dealership this year, according to 47 percent of dealers surveyed.  Further, more than 70 percent of dealers expect sales of F&I products, such as vehicle service contracts, to increase this year.

Ally Financial surveyed more than 100 dealers that attended the 2013 NADA convention and expo in Orlando, Fla. on Feb. 9 and 10.