The U.S. auto care aftermarket is projected to grow 5.4% in 2026 to $599.7 billion, accelerating from 2025's 3.9% gain as the industry navigates trade uncertainty and rising costs, according to the Auto Care Association.
The U.S. auto care aftermarket is projected to grow 5.4% in 2026 to $599.7 billion, accelerating from 2025's 3.9% growth as the industry navigates trade uncertainty and rising costs, according to the Auto Care Association's 2027 Auto Care Factbook.
The trade group — which released its 36th annual Factbook on June 11, 2026 — projects total industry sales will reach $676.5 billion by 2029. The projection comes as the average age of light-duty vehicles in operation has reached a record 12.9 years, while the U.S. light-duty vehicle parc is expected to exceed 301 million vehicles by 2029, up nearly 10 million from 2025 levels.
"Despite an uncertain economic and policy environment over the past year, the auto care industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience," said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, in a press release accompanying the report. "Americans are keeping their vehicles longer, relying on this industry to maintain safety and mobility, and that demand continues to create a strong foundation for growth."
The 2025 baseline growth of 3.9% followed a period of industry expansion driven by post-pandemic consumer behavior and increased vehicle usage. The 2026 forecast of 5.4% growth, reaching $599.7 billion, reflects expectations of continued demand as economic pressures persist.
The long-range projection of $676.5 billion in total sales by 2029 is premised on continued fleet aging and expansion. The Auto Care Association attributes this outlook to consumers opting to repair existing vehicles rather than purchase new ones amid higher vehicle prices and ongoing inflation.
The Factbook identifies several headwinds shaping the outlook: trade uncertainty, supply chain disruption, rising energy costs and evolving regulatory pressures. These factors have contributed to a complex operating environment for aftermarket suppliers and service providers.
The record average vehicle age of 12.9 years is a central data point in the association's growth thesis. Older vehicles require more maintenance and repair work, sustaining demand for aftermarket products and services. The projected increase in the total vehicle parc to over 301 million units by 2029 further expands the addressable market for the industry.
The projections contained in the Auto Care Association's Factbook represent the organization's own forecasts and analysis. The figures are issued by the trade group that represents the automotive aftermarket industry, and readers should consider the source's promotional context when evaluating the outlook.
Source: Auto Care Association, "New Report: 5.4% Growth Expected for Total Auto Care Industry in 2026, Reaching $676.5 Billion in 2029", GlobeNewswire, June 11, 2026.