The Auto Care Association has officially released the 2027 edition of its Auto Care Factbook, providing critical data insights and strategic benchmarks for commercial automotive aftermarket professionals.

Driven by ongoing inflation and higher new-vehicle price tags, the comprehensive report highlights that the average age of light-duty vehicles in operation has reached a record-breaking 12.9 years. This aging fleet dynamic directly reinforces consumer reliance on independent service bays and collision repair facilities to sustain vehicle longevity.

Despite macroeconomic trade headwinds, energy costs, and regulatory shifts, the automotive aftermarket sector demonstrates significant resilience. Following a 3.9 percent expansion in 2025, the total aftermarket is projected to surge by 5.4 percent in 2026, reaching a market value of $599.7 billion.

Long-term forecasting remains robust, with overall sales projected to hit $676.5 billion by 2029, propelled by a light-duty vehicle parc expected to exceed 301 million units within the next three years.

“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,” stated Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association.

The 36th edition of the strategic reference guide features expanded research metrics across crucial sectors, including collision repair estimate values, mechanical tools and shop equipment purchasing habits, automotive e-commerce growth curves, and specialized medium- and heavy-duty parts and labor procurement trends.