About the Aftermarket
Motor Vehicle Aftermarket Overview
The motor vehicle aftermarket is a significant sector of the U.S. economy employing approximately 4.3 million people in 2008. This industry encompasses all products and services purchased for light and heavy duty vehicles after the original sale including replacement parts, accessories, lubricants, appearance products, tires, collision repairs, service repairs as well as the tools and equipment necessary to make the repair.
Overall aftermarket sales totaled $280.7 billion in 2008, representing an increase of 0.2 percent over the previous year. Sales in the automotive aftermarket (cars and light trucks) totaled $210.2 billion while sales in the heavy duty vehicle aftermarket totaled $70.5 billion.