With approximately $35 billion in 2006 sales, the automobile aftermarket offers a wide range of products in three segments: the accessories and appearance product segment is by far the largest, followed respectively by tires, wheels and suspension products, then racing and performance products. The report encompasses auto parts or products used to modify the appearance, performance and/or handling of automobiles, including light trucks/SUVs and passenger cars. The focus of this report is on non-original equipment products that are purchased for passenger vehicles.

From 2001 to 2006, the market exhibited solid growth. This has been driven by positive factors such as an increase in the number of registered motor vehicles, an increase in the median age of cars in operation and a corresponding decrease in the scrappage rate, and an increase in total miles driven. However, clouds have loomed on the horizon, as leasing is on the upswing and original equipment manufacturers have stepped up their competitive efforts.

Key demographic groups include Baby Boomers, with more time to devote to travel and leisure as they approach retirement age; the “Tuner” culture, which is achieving a more mainstream status; and the minorities, with an increased participation in car culture. These factors will help drive the market forward: total U.S. sales of automobile aftermarket accessories and specialty products are forecast to increase at an inflation-adjusted annual rate of 0.5% through 2011.

This report focuses on market drivers, market size and trends, market segmentation, supply structure, and retail distribution. A sister report, Automobile Aftermarket, Part II: The Consumer—U.S., September 2006, analyzes in detail the relationship between the automobile aftermarket and the consumer, as well as advertising and promotion activity.