The Auto Care Association’s newly released 2026 Auto Care Factbook highlights sustained growth and resilience across the U.S. automotive aftermarket, despite inflationary pressures, trade policy shifts and global supply chain challenges.
According to the report, total U.S. light-duty aftermarket sales grew by 5.7% in 2024, reaching $413.7 billion. This figure closely aligns with earlier projections of 5.9% growth. Forecasts anticipate steady expansion into 2025, with an additional 5.1% increase projected. The automotive aftermarket — including light, medium and heavy-duty segments — is now expected to reach $664.3 billion in total sales by 2028.
“We are proud to present the 35th version of the Auto Care Factbook, a resource that is valued around the world for its insights into our industry," said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “This year’s edition highlights that the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, showing steady year-over-year growth — even amid global supply chain disruptions and rising inflation.”
Hanvey said the industry's growth reflects changing consumer behavior as American drivers opt to maintain aging vehicles rather than replace them. “America’s more than 239 million licensed drivers increasingly choose to extend the life of their vehicles — now averaging over 12.8 years on the road — rather than replace them,” Hanvey added.
The 183-page Auto Care Factbook includes a variety of new and updated data sets, such as:
• Extended joint channel industry forecasts through 2028 by S&P Global.
• Operational insights on tariff and trade policy developments.
• Updated U.S. aftermarket e-commerce trends.
• Financial markets commentary (Jefferies).
• Aftermarket service satisfaction data (J.D. Power).
• Driving behavior event frequency (Arity).
• Updates on the Chinese electric vehicle aftermarket (YCP Solidiance).
• Insights on Latin American markets including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Guatemala (Integrate Data Facts).
• Equipment purchasing trends (Endeavor Business Media).
• Medium- and heavy-duty parts branding data (MacKay & Company).
• Consumer behavior research (IMR Inc.) and global vehicle registration data (S&P Global Mobility).
The Factbook also offers Auto Care Association members exclusive access to the Auto Care TrendLens™ platform, allowing users to analyze nearly 50 economic and industry indicators with customizable data overlays for a comprehensive industry view.
In addition to the Factbook, the association released the 2026 Auto Care Factbook & Lang Annual, which offers an expanded analysis of the U.S. light vehicle aftermarket with proprietary data unavailable from other sources.
The 2026 Auto Care Factbook is available as a complimentary digital resource to association members. Non-members may purchase it for $2,950. The combined Auto Care Factbook & Lang Annual report is priced at $1,095 for members and $4,045 for non-members. More information is available at autocare.org/factbook.
