The United States automotive aftermarket expanded 4.4% to $155 billion in 1999, according to the newly released Aftermarket Factbook from the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Service and repair, or the do-it-for-me (DIFM) market, accounted for 66% of automotive aftermarket sales. The do-it-yourself (DIY) market for parts and accessories and motor oil and chemicals accounted for 22% of total aftermarket sales.
Published annually, the Aftermarket Factbook combines industry data from original AAIA research, government, and independent research supplier databases. For the first time, the new factbook features data broken down by specific industry segment: automotive, medium and heavy truck, paint and body equipment, tool and equipment, and trim.
"Sales grew fastest (6%) in the heavy-duty truck segment as miles driven rose to meet the demands of new housing and the booming construction industry. Record sales of new medium and heavy trucks created a glut of used vehicles and contributed to higher demand for truck replacement parts and repair services," according to the Factbook.
A profile of the aftermarket consumer comparing DIY and DIFM trends from 1994 to 1999 is also included in the book. AAIA confirms that fewer Americans are working on their vehicles. DIY activity dropped from 42% in 1993 to 37% in 1999. The number of DIYers tackling heavy repairs and maintenance fell from 28% in 1994 to 8% in 1999.
The Factbook also includes data and reports on:
- Size of the retail automotive aftermarket.
- Aftermarket mergers and acquisitions.
- Retailer, manufacturer, distributor financial profiles.
- Exports and imports by product.
- Motor vehicle operating costs.
- Profiles of foreign markets: Canada, Latin America, Mexico, Europe, and Asia.
- Retail sales of aftermarket replacement parts.
- Aftermarket employment.
- Distribution channels.
- State statistical summaries.
- Key economic indicators.
To purchase the Factbook, phone 301-654-6664 or order on-line at www.aftermarket.org. The Factbook and subsequent mini-monitor (mid-year update) is available to AAIA members for $50 ($100 for nonmembers).