A recent analysis by Paul McCarthy, vice president of industry analysis, and Bailey Watson, analysis coordinator for the Automative Aftermarket Supplier Association, notes the "sweet spot" in the aftermarket challenges the industry.
Sweet spot vehicles are those that are old enough to be out of warranty, but still young enough that their owners are willing and able to put significant money into maintenance and repairs to keep them running.
The sweet spot of vehicles six to 12 years old has been a strong tailwind for the aftermarket – but it peaked in 2011 at 104 billion vehicles. While this is a large, attractive market, the number of vehicles in this sweet spot is declining and is predicted to continue to decline until 2018.
For the full analysis, click here.
