Forecast Sees 4.5% Jump in Aftermarket Sales

A new channel forecast predicts US aftermarket sales to increase 4.5 per cent in 2010. The study was funded jointly by three major automotive aftermarket trade associations and is included in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) Digital Factbook 2010.

Taking the US economy into account with widely fluctuating gasoline prices, reduced miles driven, tightening credit markets and growing unemployment, total US motor vehicle aftermarket sales in 2008 were about even with the previous year rising only 0.2 per cent.

As the recession continues to hold down consumer spending, a decline of 1.3 per cent is anticipated for the 2009 calendar year followed by a rebound of 4.5 per cent in 2010, the forecast said. The model was created AAIA, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). (Tire Review/Akron)