Aftermarket Sales Grew 5.2 Percent in 2000; AAIA 2001 Factbook Available

    BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 17 The size of the U.S. motor vehicle
aftermarket grew by 5.2 percent in 2000 to $245.6 billion, with the automotive
segment recording the largest growth at 5.8 percent, according to the AAIA
2001 Aftermarket Factbook, just published by the Automotive Aftermarket
Industry Association (AAIA).
    "The newly expanded Factbook is AAIA's most sought-after research
publication.  Year after year, aftermarket business executives, industry
experts, analysts, journalists, PR and ad agencies refer to the Factbook for
motor vehicle aftermarket data," said Alfred L. Gaspar, AAIA president and
CEO.

    Highlights of the comprehensive information reported in the 56-page 2001
Factbook include:

    *  Vehicle service repair, accounting for two-thirds of total aftermarket
       sales, rose five percent to $112 billion in 2000.
    *  Sales of new passenger cars and light trucks reached an all-time high
       of 17.4 million.
    *  Total sales at the 38,000 paint, body and glass repair shops continues
       to decline.
    *  Medium and heavy duty aftermarket product sales increased 4.9 percent
       to $61.5 billion.
    *  The service station segment of the aftermarket distribution channel
       lost 5,500 outlets since 1995.
    *  Automotive chemicals and motor oil increased to $8.8 billion, with do-
       it-for-mes dominating the $5 billion motor oil market.

    The 2001 Factbook includes statistical tables, charts, analysis and trends
in the U.S. and key international markets covering:

    *  The size of the industry and its segments
    *  Service repair, chemicals, accessories and replacement parts markets
    *  Trends in motor vehicle sales and registrations
    *  Heavy Duty, Paint and Body Equipment, Trim, and Tool and Equipment
       markets
    *  Highlights from latest do-it-yourself consumer research
    *  Wholesale distribution channels
    *  Aftermarket mergers and acquisitions
    *  International market growth prospects

    The 56-page, four-color Factbook is available for $75 for AAIA members and
$150 for non-members.  To order by phone, call 301-654-6664 or order on-line
at http://www.aftermarket.org .

    About the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association:
    The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is a Bethesda, Md.-
based association whose member companies manufacture, distribute and sell
motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies.
The organization is comprised of manufacturers, distributors, jobbers,
wholesalers, retailers, manufacturer's representatives and other companies
doing business in the automotive aftermarket. AAIA formerly served the
aftermarket as APAA and ASIA.