70% of US Households Perform Vehicle Maintenance

Contrary to some industry and Wall Street naysayers, the Do-it-Yourself (DIY) segment of the automotive aftermarket is not dying. In fact, 70 percent of U.S. households have someone who has personally performed vehicle maintenance or repair in the last year, according to a new market research study released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

"The Aftermarket Consumer: DIY or DIFM" report reveals that 62 percent of DIYers are doing the same amount of work or more work than five years ago. The primary reason DIYers gave for doing maintenance and repair themselves was to save money. About 38 percent of DIYers indicated they did less work now than five years ago because repairs are more complicated, they own newer vehicles, they're too old or have less time.

The majority of consumers surveyed (88.5 percent) indicated that they had some type of professional service done on their vehicles in the past 12 months. Quality of service and trust were the top criteria for selecting a service provider, with the cost factor ranking seventh.

"This comprehensive study provides new detailed insight into the behavior, attitudes and perceptions of DIYers and DIFMers," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. "Our in-depth analysis of U.S. motorists will help aftermarket businesses better understand their ever-changing marketplace."

The report analyzes consumer responses to numerous topics covered in the survey, including:

Consumer maintenance and repair behavior
Light, medium and heavy DIY/DIFM work
Frequency and type of DIY/DIFM work
Where DIYers purchase products and why
Factors in selecting service provider for DIFMers
DIY and DIFM demographics
Tool and accessory purchasing

"The Aftermarket Consumer: DIY or DIFM" is available to AAIA members for $295 and to non-members for $795. For more information or to order a copy, contact AAIA at 301-654-6664, or visit www.aftermarket.org.

About AAIA
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 4,400 member companies and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 45,000 repair shops and parts stores.