Promising Projections for the Auto Care Industry
The
Auto Care Association has recently published the
2026 Auto Care Factbook, unveiling insights that forecast a robust growth trajectory for the automotive aftermarket industry. This report highlights a continued expansion, with expectations for the auto care sector to grow by
5.1% in 2025, ultimately leading to a market size of
$664.3 billion by 2028. This sign of resilience comes despite the various economic challenges faced in recent times, such as inflation and evolving trade policies.
Overview of Industry Growth
In 2024, the auto care industry witnessed significant sales growth, climbing by
5.7% to reach
$413.7 billion in the U.S. light-duty aftermarket. These results align closely with the previous year's projections, underscoring the reliability of industry forecasts even amidst economic uncertainties. Consumers are increasingly opting for vehicle maintenance over replacement, thus ensuring a steady market demand.
The 35th Edition of the Auto Care Factbook
The latest edition of the Auto Care Factbook is comprehensive, providing 183 pages of analysis. Key features include:
- - Extended forecasts: An updated industry forecast model through 2028 by SP Global.
- - Operational insights: New strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of tariffs and trade policies.
- - E-commerce trends: Insights into the trends shaping the U.S. automotive aftermarket’s online sales.
- - Consumer insights: Updated data on customer satisfaction with aftermarket services from J.D. Power and driving behavior statistics from Arity.
Such insights are vital for aftermarket businesses aiming to align their strategies with current market dynamics and consumer preferences. For instance, vehicle maintenance has gained importance as the average age of vehicles on the road now exceeds
12.8 years.
Insights Into Emerging Markets
Furthermore, the report expands its scope beyond the U.S. market. It includes updated analyses concerning key markets in
China,
Argentina,
Bolivia,
Brazil, and
Guatemala. By examining these markets, industry stakeholders can better understand the global context within which they operate, leading to informed decision-making.
Access to Data and Trends
Members of the Auto Care Association benefit from exclusive access to nearly 50 economic and industry indicators through the
Auto Care TrendLens™ interactive data platform. This innovative tool allows a detailed examination of the evolving trends within the aftermarket industry, enabling stakeholders to filter and overlay various data sets for a more nuanced understanding.
Bill Hanvey, the president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, expressed pride in the latest Factbook, noting the documented resilience of the U.S. automotive aftermarket sector. He stated,
“This year’s edition highlights that the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, showing steady year-over-year growth—even amid global supply chain disruptions and rising inflation.”
Pricing and Availability
For those interested in acquiring this essential publication, the
2026 Auto Care Factbook is available to members at a price of
$2,950, while the
Lang Annual report, which complements the Factbook, can be purchased for
$1,095 for members and
$4,045 for non-members. This valuable data resource is an investment in staying ahead of industry trends and informed decision-making.
In conclusion, the projections for steady growth in the auto care industry reflect the sector's vital importance in vehicle maintenance and repair, reassuring stakeholders that the industry will continue to thrive despite broader economic challenges.