Automotive suppliers have become decidedly more optimistic about business conditions in the sector vs. the past 12 months, according to the latest survey by the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).

In describing the general 12-month business outlook, 75 percent of those surveyed in January by the Troy, Mich.-based group said they're somewhat more optimistic than two months ago, with the Supplier Sentiment Index coming in at 73.1, up 4.6 points from 68.5 in November.

"(We are) seeing stronger volumes through the first quarter than we anticipated," one optimistic survey respondent said.