Survey shows dealerships may face slower sales growth in 2017

Improving relations with carmakers and managing inventory levels key to weathering stalling market

Despite the vastness of China's car market, the percentage of dealers who believe they will be profitable this year has fallen to less than half of last year's figure due to inventory concerns.

A survey of more than 1,400 dealerships shows that only 17 percent think they will be profitable this year, while 77 percent believe they will make ends meet and 6 percent say they will lose money.