Research and Markets: Get a 360 Degree Perspective of the North American Aftemarket With This Essential Report

DUBLIN--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/e0f1b8/360_degree_perspec) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report "360 Degree Perspective of the North American Aftemarket" to their offering.

“However, a significant share of parts and products are low-cost imports”

Economic Slowdown-induced Dip in Automotive Sales Bolsters the Aftermarket

While volatile fuel prices and challenging economic conditions have taken their toll on vehicle sales in North America, they have both benefited and challenged the aftermarket. Consumers have cut back on their repair expenditures in general but the ever-aging population continues to require more services. These trends have changed the dynamics of aftermarket revenue sources, raised the average vehicle age in the region, and created a huge market for European and Asian brand vehicles. This is evident in the decreased popularity of domestic brand vehicles, especially in the light truck segment. Aftermarket participants generally tend to focus on vehicle types that have a vehicle in operation (VIO) rate of more than 3 percent. The automotive aftermarket is also directly influenced by factors such as the average miles traveled and average age of vehicles.

Meanwhile, the expected growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have further improved market prospects and are hoped to have some bearing on the aftermarket by 2020. "The amplified demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles is driving vehicle sales, population of imported vehicles with smaller engines and better fuel efficiency, compact vehicles, and HEVs and EVs," says the analyst of this research. "This development is expected to continue influencing the concentration dynamics of revenue from parts, products, and services aimed at these new-age vehicles." In 2008, parts and products for foreign vehicle brands generated approximately 36 percent of the overall aftermarket revenue and this is expected to reach almost 45 percent by 2015.

Imported vehicle brands' parts and products aftermarket revenues are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.39 percent during the forecast period of 2009 to 2015. In contrast, very little revenue growth is anticipated from domestic brand vehicle parts and products (CAGR of 0.17 percent). "However, a significant share of parts and products are low-cost imports," notes the analyst. "Owing to the low market entry barriers in the aftermarket, many importers and off-shore participants enter and exit the market, in turn, causing heavy fragmentation in the market." The aftermarket offsets some of these challenges with a stable distribution structure and coverage of all makes and models of vehicles for the largest consumer pool in the world.

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled 360 Degree Perspective of the North American Aftermarket provides consumer trends political & regulatory influences, and an analysis of integrated industries. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts offer a 360 degree industry perspective based on global expansion opportunities, and understanding of influential industries, technology and economic trends, competitive and customer analysis, and best practices.

Key Topics Covered:

Introduction to the North American Automotive Aftermarket
CEO's 1st Orbit of Consideration - Political & Regulatory Influences
CEO's 2nd Orbit of Consideration - Integrated Industries
CEO's 3rd Orbit of Consideration - Technology Trends
CEO's 4th Orbit of Consideration - Economic Factors
CEO's 5th Orbit of Consideration - Competitive Analysis
CEO's 6th Orbit of Consideration - Consumer Trends
CEO's 7th Orbit of Consideration - Best Practices
Key Takeaways
About Frost & Sullivan

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/e0f1b8/360_degree_perspec.