A 25% increase in demand for its dealer management systems in the first three months of 2001 is being interpreted as an upsurge in dealer optimism by Pinewood Computer Solutions.

Neville Briggs, managing director, said: “Dealers have clearly had a tough time but business is beginning to pick up and that is feeding through to us. Our sales are a good barometer of dealer confidence.

“The dealer management systems' market is currently very competitive but we are winning through.”

The dealer management system produced by Pinewood is the CARS system, in use at 300 dealerships and is aimed at new vehicle franchise holders, used car specialists and motorcycle retailers.