Critical Shifts:
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Record Vehicle Age Driving Growth: The average age of light-duty vehicles in the U.S. has reached a record high of 12.9 years. High vehicle prices and inflation are forcing consumers to maintain their existing cars longer, creating a strong baseline of demand for aftermarket parts and repairs.
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Steady Market Expansion: The U.S. total aftermarket grew by 3.9% in 2025 and is projected to jump 5.4% in 2026 to hit $599.7 billion. Long-term projections show total sales climbing to $676.5 billion by 2029.
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Expanding Vehicle Fleet: The U.S. light-duty vehicle parc (total number of registered vehicles) is expected to cross 301 million by 2029, a growth of nearly 10 million vehicles compared to 2025 levels.
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Resilience Against Headwinds: Despite navigating a complex landscape of supply chain disruptions, trade uncertainties, rising energy costs, and regulatory pressures, the industry is demonstrating remarkable economic resilience.
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Resource Availability: The newly released 36th edition of the Auto Care Factbook is free for member company employees, while non-members can access it starting at $3,050.
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The Auto Care Association announced the release of the 2027 Auto Care Factbook, the automotive aftermarket’s most comprehensive and trusted resource for industry data, insights and strategic planning.
Now in its 36th edition, the Factbook continues to serve as an essential tool for professionals across the industry—from the service counter to the boardroom—providing actionable intelligence to inform day-to-day decisions and long-term business strategies.
“Despite an uncertain economic and policy environment over the past year, the auto care industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “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.”
The 2027 Factbook reflects an industry navigating ongoing challenges, including trade uncertainty, supply chain disruption, rising energy costs and evolving regulatory pressures. At the same time, continued inflation and higher vehicle prices have reinforced consumer reliance on existing vehicles, strengthening demand for aftermarket products and services.
The report shows that the average age of light-duty vehicles in operation has reached a record 12.9 years, while the U.S. light-duty vehicle parc is projected to exceed 301 million vehicles by 2029, up nearly 10 million from 2025 levels.
The data underscores continued industry growth:
- The U.S. total aftermarket grew 3.9% in 2025
- Growth is forecast at 5.4% in 2026, reaching $599.7 billion
- Total sales are projected to reach $676.5 billion in 2029
While growth may moderate in the coming years, the long-term outlook remains strong, driven by an expanding and aging vehicle fleet.
Access to the 2027 Auto Care Factbook is available to all employees within Auto Care Association member companies, reinforcing its role as a shared strategic resource across organizations.
“As our industry looks ahead, uncertainty will remain part of the landscape,” Hanvey added. “But so will opportunity. The data in this year’s Factbook makes clear that the auto care industry is well positioned to meet the moment and continue moving forward.”
The 2027 Auto Care Factbook & Lang Annual report includes the Auto Care Factbook plus the Lang Annual, which provides a supplemental, comprehensive overview of the U.S. light vehicle aftermarket and presents information and analysis available from no other source.
All Auto Care Association contacts at member companies receive a complimentary digital copy of the 2027 Auto Care Factbook report as an association member benefit. The non-member price for the publication is $3,050. The Auto Care Factbook & Lang Annual report can be purchased for $1,195 for members and $4,245 for non-members.
