Based on market indications thus far in April, it appears the springtime “shift toward private-party sales” in the used-car business has begun to accelerate.

In fact, CNW Research said in its Retail Automotive Summary released Tuesday that casual sales will drive the bulk of the expected growth in used-car sales this month (which, by the way, is projected to be modest).

Overall, CNW is forecasting 3.85 million used vehicles will be sold in April, which would be a 1.5 percent year-over-year increase.

Franchised dealers are expected to see their used sales climb moderately (1.2 percent) from April 2012 at 1.38 million units sold, while independents are projected to remain static from a year ago at 1.24 million.

However, CNW is predicting a 3.5 percent hike in private-party sales, which the firm believes will total 1.23 million.

“As expected and reported, the shift toward private-party sales is increasing as the weather turns warmer and spring begins,” CNW president Art Spinella said in the report.

“Expect the trend toward private-party sales to continue for the next four months,” he added. “Overall, however, all channels are going to finish the year ahead of 2012.”

As for April, this modest gain expected for the month follows what CNW reported to be the best March in 11 years. One of the nation's largest dealership groups, Sonic Automotive, said Tuesday that it set a new company record for used-vehicle sales volume for March.

Editor's Note: Staff Writer Nick Zulovich contributed to this report. Joe Overby can be reached at joverby@autoremarketing.com. Continue the conversation with Auto Remarketing on both LinkedIn and Twitter.