1、A survey of 448 aftermarket professionals including repair shops,suppliers,manufacturers,distributors,and more2026 State of the Automotive Aftermarket Survey Report#AAPEXWelcome to the inaugural edition of the State of the Automotive Aftermarket Survey Report by AAPEXINTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTSIf

2、theres one factor thats saddling the automotive aftermarket,it boils down to uncertainty.In this survey,the effects of uncertainty appear to evenly cut across the$435 billion dollar U.S.aftermarket.Most predict sales performance in 2026 will finish about even with 2025.A majority say demand for afte

3、rmarket products and services will grow,as consumers hang onto their existing cars longer because new vehicle prices have risen.Yet,the aftermarket also faces a number of challenges.Many aftermarket businesses are grappling with supply chain diversification,carrying higher inventory levels,and devel

4、oping competitive pricing.Uncertainty appears in questions about part quality,investment in EVs,and addressing the shortage of skilled talent.If one wish from the collective aftermarket can be ascertained,it would be this:eliminate the uncertainty and the aftermarket will find a way to win.Executive

5、 summary.3Sales performance4Demand expectations.5Top challenges.7EV investment8Supply chain diversification10Inventories.11Cost&quality of parts.12AI investment16Skilled labor shortage.17Demographics.20Methodology.23#AAPEXExecutive SummaryInventories are on the rise.38%of respondents are managing hi

6、gher inventories of parts,compared to 20%who say they are managing fewer parts.Demand for lower-cost parts grows.A majority(53%)say they have observed demand for lower-costs parts and services grow.However,quality is still the“top influence”for customer preference,suggesting many buyers are shopping