Of Note

… Unperformed Maintenance Up in 2006

Unperformed vehicle maintenance grew to $53 billion in 2006, according to new research from the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). That figure is up from $52 billion in 2005.

“While this represents a sizeable untapped market, the safety implications are the primary concern,” said Steve Handschuh, AASA President and Chief Operations Officer. “Some neglected maintenance has a direct relationship with vehicle safety and driveability.”Unperformed maintenance hit its peak in 2002 at $62 billion, and has hovered between $52 billion and $55 billion in the succeeding years.

“Although consumers may postpone maintenance for economic reasons, many motorists are unaware that vehicle maintenance beyond occasional oil changes is necessary,” added Frank Hampshire, AASA Director of Market Research.

… Street-Performance Market Red Hot

Manufacturer sales in the specialty-equipment market’s street-performance segment have grown from $438 million in 1993 to $717 million in 2006, a 64 percent increase according to a recent study by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

Within the segment, performance parts have recorded some of the steadiest growth, up 16 percent from 2000 to 2006. Suspension components and accessories in the street-performance segment grew with less fire than performance parts, although suspension did experience the single greatest spike in sales over the 13-year period.

For more on the street-performance market, read the Racing & Performance Market Update prepared by the SEMA Research & Information Center at www.sema.org.