CAR dealers are optimistic about the future regardless of the outcome of yesterday's general election. In a survey of 251 dealers conducted by the Retail Motor Industry Federation, the majority of dealers said they had received more sales enquiries, sold more new cars this year than last year and were more confident than last year. Exactly half said used car sales were up and a third of those questioned said they intended to expand their businesses and increase staff training.

RMI chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: 'It's very encouraging to see hard figures backing up what we had been feeling in the motor trade. A large number of dealers have expressed their confidence in the growth of the economy and improved business in the coming months, regardless of who is in Number 10. These are sentiments we would echo.'