Total U.S. Aftermarket Forecast to Decline 8.8% But Expected to Rebound in 2021

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and Bethesda, Md. – Total U.S. automotive aftermarket sales are forecast to decrease 8.8 percent in 2020 as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related factors, according to the “2020 Joint Channel Forecast Model” produced jointly by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Auto Care Association.
 
The 2020 Joint Channel Forecast Model also predicts that total light duty aftermarket sales will grow from $281 billion in 2020 to $314 billion in 2021.
 
“Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Joint Channel Forecast shows that the continued strength and resilience of the automotive aftermarket will lead to a brighter 2021,” said Paul McCarthy, AASA president & COO. “Despite a year of immense challenges and uncertainty, the foundation of our industry’s key drivers remains strong. Miles driven continue to rise as global economies reopen, new technologies continue to emerge, and the desire to be with friends and family will propel further car usage. We are still facing a lot of challenges, but this forecast confirms the essential attractiveness of the aftermarket.  The aftermarket supplier community is continuing to work hard to try and support our customers and our essential industry, which, despite the crisis, remains a vibrant contributor to our economy.”
 
“The aftermarket has had a difficult first-half of 2020. As industry businesses assess the impact and look to navigate the road ahead, there are a few certainties that provide a silver lining: DIY and e-commerce are growing during the pandemic, and early indicators show that that the average age of vehicles on the road will continue to rise as consumers hold on to their aging vehicles during economic uncertainty,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Juxtaposing the data surrounding this event with other crises and observing these indicators further reinforce this industry’s tremendous ability to bounce back from downturns and in many cases, take advantage of new opportunities presented to us through technology.”
 
The market sizing and forecast is conducted on behalf of AASA and the Auto Care Association by IHS Markit, a leading business intelligence firm. The forecast is based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s Economic Census, IMR Inc., and proprietary economic analysis and forecasting models from IHS Markit.
 
The Joint Channel Forecast Model is available at the AASA website, www.aftermarketsuppliers.org, and in the Auto Care Association’s 2021  Auto Care Factbook at digital.autocare.org/2021factbook.
 
About AASA
 
AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports 871,000 American jobs. AASA is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, Connecting Members to What Matters.” To learn more about other ways AASA connects members to what matters, visit aftermarketsuppliers.org.
 
About the Auto Care Association
The Auto Care Association is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 3,000 member companies represent approximately 150,000 independent businesses that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials, supplies and perform vehicle service and repair. Visit www.autocare.org.