WASHINGTON, D.C. -

While not an exact predictor of used- or new-vehicle sales, the Business Roundtable’s first quarter CEO Economic Outlook Survey released Wednesday shared some uplifting sentiments that could eventually lead to more buyers at dealer showrooms.

The survey that gathers opinions of chief executive officers of America’s leading companies indicates these business leaders anticipate higher sales and plan to increase capital expenditures and employment during the next six months.

Another segment of its quarterly survey is the Business Roundtable’s economic outlook index. The first quarter reading increased to 113 — the highest point since records began in 2002. At the close of 2010, the index stood at 101.

The Washington, D.C.-based group explained readings greater than 50 coincide with an economic expansion. The previous peak was 104 during the first three months of 2005.

The specific data the survey revealed backs up why the outlook index moved higher.

A total of 92 percent of respondents anticipate that sales are going to increase during the next six months, up from 80 percent as last year finished. None of the CEOs probed for the first-quarter report think sales will decrease.

The executives’ expectation for increases in U.S. capital spending during the next six months ticked up 3 percent from 59 percent to 62 percent. CEOs who think their spending will stay flat during that time frame remained unchanged from quarter to quarter, staying at 32 percent.

What might be the best catalyst to a sustained economic recovery — employment — made positive strides, according to this survey. Of the CEOs questioned, 52 percent believe they will increase U.S. employment during the next six months, a level up from 45 percent during the fourth quarter. That rise mainly came from executives not expecting to trim their workforce as that reading sunk from 18 percent to 11 percent.

In terms of the overall U.S. economy, member CEOs estimate real GDP will grow by 2.9 percent in 2011, an increase from the 2.5 percent expected in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Officials explained the survey was completed between Feb. 28 and March 18 and responses were received from 142 member CEOs. Automotive industry executives who are members of the Business Roundtable include Sergio Marchionne (Chrysler Group), Dan Akerson (General Motors), Ronald Nelson (Avis Budget Group) and Mark Frissora (Hertz Corp.).

“With today’s survey results, the last three quarters have shown steady improvement in the CEO economic outlook. Our CEOs see momentum in the economy over the next six months, with increased demand fueling greater investment and job creation,” stated Ivan Seidenberg, chairman of Business Roundtable and chairman and CEO of Verizon Communications.

“This shift continues a trend as reflected in recent employment data, with the private sector leading the way in creating more jobs,” Seidenberg added.