Automobile Aftermarket: The Consumer - US - September 2006

Abstract

The report analyzes in detail the relationship between the automobile aftermarket and the consumer, as well as advertising and promotion activity.

With more than nine out of 10 adults owning a vehicle, and 74% of respondents who report owning or leasing a vehicle having at least two vehicles, aftermarket manufacturers and distributors have nearly the entire diverse population as their potential market. However, not all vehicle owners make modifications to their vehicles and there are varying degrees of involvement in the aftermarket by type of vehicle owned and by various demographic characteristics.

According to Mintel's custom survey, improving a vehicle's safety or security is by far the leading reason why respondents make modifications to their vehicles, followed respectively by performance improvement and investment protection. Similarly, safety features are relevant for the majority of individuals who own or lease a vehicle: two-thirds of adults agree that their car should have many safety features.

In this report, Mintel clearly identifies the principal external factors driving or curtailing growth. Exclusive consumer research reveals the attitudes, needs and behavior of consumers, with analysis broken down both by demographic characteristics, and by segment.

Six years of specific sales data provide a factual and impartial presentation of the market as a whole. Mintel also evaluates the performance of individual sectors in the market, and provides information about the major companies and brands. Using the SPSS forecasting package, Mintel creates a five-year forecast of U.S. retail sales, revealing potential opportunities for growth and product development.

Types of modifications discussed in this report include:

• Entertainment, navigation or security-type modifications
• Tire and wheel modifications
• Lighting, body, and painting modifications
• Towing, storage, liners, and racks