Research: Handheld diagnostic to lead aftermarket tool purchases in next year

Nov. 12, 2013
Report covers wide variety of tool categories.

Reportbuyer.com recently released a study conducted by Frost & Sullivan titled, "Opportunities in the Automotive Tools Market." This research study identifies trends within the automotive tools market for power tools, hand tools, handheld diagnostic tools, pneumatic/air tools, and tool storage devices. Overall, while fewer handheld diagnostic tools are currently owned, they are on a projected higher growth rate than other tools/devices. Conversely, the number of hand tools already owned is significant, but they have the lowest anticipated growth rate. Overall, technicians most prevalently use mobile tool distributors for their auto tool purchases — led by hand tools. Regarding power tool purchases, mobile tool distributors are being threatened by another channel: mass merchant retailers.

Overall, this research study will identify trends within the automotive tools market for the following products:
• Power tools
• Hand tools
• Handheld diagnostic tools
• Pneumatic/air tools
• Tool storage devices

The study will:
• Measure factors driving selection of the five auto tool products
• Identify which of the five products has the greatest growth opportunities
 •Determine brand usage and preference trends within each of the five auto tool categories
• Understand how each product brand is perceived and how those perceptions may drive selection
• Evaluate purchase channel opportunities for each of the five auto tool products

A survey was administered using a computer-assisted telephone interview methodology during May 2013.

Respondents represent automotive repair shops throughout the United States Shop types include new-vehicle dealership service departments, franchised auto repair shops, and independent auto repair shops.

Frost & Sullivan has been tracking the automotive repair tool industry via automotive technicians since 2008 When applicable, this research compares data trending as far back as 2008. The following slide displays the total sample sizes of the past collected data Of notable mention, this research was not conducted in 2010; thus, no historical data are presented for 2010.

Similar to past waves, the largest proportion of automotive technicians surveyed represents independent automotive garages or repair shops and are located in the South region.

Overall, while fewer handheld diagnostic tools are currently owned, they are on a projected higher growth rate than other tools/devices. Conversely, the number of hand tools already owned is significant, but they have the lowest anticipated growth rate.

The most prevalent reason for purchasing more automotive tools within the next year is related to needing new tools, whether to keep up with the latest innovation/technology on vehicles or to replace older tools.
Most prevalent reason for purchasing more tools storage devices: Needing more storage space for all the new tools they plan to buy.

The study includes the following contents:

Research Objectives and Methodology
Executive Summary
Power Tools
Hand Tools
Handheld Diagnostic Tools
Pneumatic/Air Tools
Tool Storage Devices
Profile
Appendices
The Frost & Sullivan Story

To read the full report, visit: http://www.reportbuyer.com/automotive/aftermarket/2013_united_states_automotive_technicians_choice.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Automotive_Repair_and_Maintenanc

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