U.S. News: Aftermarket Service Repair Grew 6% in 2001, Says Industry Study

The professional service segment of the U.S. automotive aftermarket continues to grow, logging a 6% increase in 2001 according to findings published by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association.
According to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) 2002/2003 Aftermarket Factbook, the Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) market grossed almost $123 billion U.S. in 2001, while the DIY market grossed about $35 billion in the same year. Tire sales accounted for $20.5 billion of sales. Total aftermarket sales were about $178.8 billion U.S.in 2001, a 4.8% increase from the previous year.
Additional highlights of the 56-page Factbook include:
The number of aftermarket industry mergers and acquisitions slowed and the value of the deals were significantly less in 2001.
Windshield wiper blades were the strongest sellers in the aftermarket accessories category with a 9.8% increase.
U.S. motor vehicle parts and accessories exports declined by 7.2% to $50.2 billion.
Medium and heavy-duty aftermarket product sales declined by 1% to $60.9 billion.
Automotive chemicals and motor oil increased 6.8% to $9.9 billion, with appearance chemical sales growing 13.4%.