Auto Care Association’s latest Factbook projects continued growth, with an aging vehicle fleet and increasing repair complexity supporting demand.
The U.S. automotive aftermarket is expected to grow 5.4 per cent in 2026, reaching US$599.7 billion in sales, according to the Auto Care Association’s newly released 2027 Auto Care Factbook.
The industry recorded 3.9 per cent growth in 2025, despite economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, inflation, and changing regulatory pressures. The association projects sales will climb further to US$676.5 billion by 2029.
An aging vehicle fleet is among the factors supporting the positive outlook. The average age of light-duty vehicles in operation in the United States has reached a record 12.9 years, while the number of light-duty vehicles on the road is projected to exceed 301 million by 2029 — nearly 10 million more than in 2025.
Higher new-vehicle prices and economic uncertainty are also encouraging consumers to keep existing vehicles longer, sustaining demand for aftermarket parts and services.
“Americans are keeping their vehicles longer, relying on this industry to maintain safety and mobility, and that demand continues to create a strong foundation for growth,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association.
For collision repair businesses, the Factbook’s findings offer useful context on the broader aftermarket environment. Increasing vehicle complexity, including the growing use of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), is adding technical demands to repair and maintenance work. The 2027 edition also includes updated collision estimate and parts data, along with research on service satisfaction, automotive e-commerce, and tool and equipment purchasing trends.
The report examines an industry facing continued trade uncertainty, supply chain pressures, rising energy costs, and regulatory changes, while identifying opportunities created by an expanding and aging vehicle population.
Now in its 36th edition, the 2027 Auto Care Factbook provides industry data and analysis intended to support business planning and strategic decisions across the automotive aftermarket.
More information and ordering details are available at autocare.org/factbook.