There's no doubt next year will be tough for dealerships.

Despite the tough trading conditions there are glimmers of enlightenment ahead.

One glimmer came while I was at Manheim's auction in Coventry this month where someone picked up an 07 plate Ford KA in silver with 8,000 miles on the clock for £3,625.

No doubt it will go on their pitch for about £4,200 and sell pretty quickly.

Great for the dealer and a bargain for the buyer who is practically getting a brand new car.

I also hear of a Citroen dealer in Bath who has taken on 10 more staff, most of which to work in the bodyshop while automotive supplier Randstad were quickly trading again after a fire gutted their original offices in Northumberland.

Rather than see the blaze as adding to the economic gloom the company were buoyant in their attitude for a successful 2009.

Yes next year will be dificult, but with some positive thinking and careful analysis of the industry, it may not be as bad as expected.