RHINEBECK, N.Y. -

Dealers may see a few more potential new-car buyers on the lots in the next few months, according to Phoenix Marketing’s August Auto Insights report.

In August, the percent of near-term intenders planning to purchase or lease a new car within the next three months rose to 44 percent, up from around 40 percent in July. That said, the number is 2 percent lower than the rate seen in August 2012, shared Keven Severance, Phoenix Automotive’s senior analyst and author of the report.

How are these potential buyers looking to shop?

According to the report, from July to August, “most market actions and intentions among 3-month intenders remained stable.”

For example, more new-vehicle intenders still plan to either research vehicles online or visit a dealer as the top ways to start the search for their new ride.

And interestingly, dealership loyalty seems to be on the rise.

In August, plans to purchase from the same salesperson and from the same dealership saw the biggest percentage increases from July.

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