ACCENTUATE the positive, so the song goes - and used-car dealers are certainly set to do just that in 2008.

CAP, providers of used vehicle values and technical data to the UK car industry, says used-car dealers are generally positive about their retail prospects for this year, despite the credit crunch and reported fears of a potential dip in consumer confidence.

The firm's research reveals that a majority of retail used car dealers do not expect a significant downturn in buyer demand.

But they are not resting on their laurels, with many planning to better match the stock on their forecourts to customer tastes.

CAP's latest research shows that only around 18% of dealers expect to sell significantly fewer used cars this year, compared with 2007.

Almost a quarter of dealers researched believe this year's retail used car market will be little different from last year, while 36 per cent acknowledge there may be some reduction in sales - but are not seriously concerned about their retail prospects.

Dealers do acknowledge that this year's market may be less buoyant than last year, says CAP, so more than half are planning to rise to the challenge by changing the profile of their forecourt stock.

For example, a number of used car dealers have told CAP they intend to introduce more unusual, one-off, or more 'exotic' cars than they previously stocked in order to tempt customers onto the forecourt. Others say they will focus on other factors, such as lower mileage, smaller, more economical engines, and higher-specification cars.