According to NPD's recently released 2010 Consumer Outlook Study, which provides a glimpse into consumer attitudes and anticipated behaviors for aftermarket spending in the [image-nocss] coming year, the key areas where consumers increased vehicle maintenance behavior from 2008 included: started changing oil more often; 18% in 2009 versus 12% in 2008; changing an air filter, 41% in 2009 versus 37% in 2008; using a fuel additive (either to clean or improve gas mileage), 11% in 2009 versus 9% in 2008; using a more premium oil, 11% in 2009 versus 8% in 2008; and purchasing a higher-quality brand of gasoline; 4% in 2009 versus 3% in 2008.
When thinking about automotive maintenance what changes have you made (2008 vs. 2009)?
Source: The NPD Group/2010 Consumer Outlook Study
When NPD asked consumers about vehicle repair plans for 2010, one out of three (30%) consumers indicated that they are planning to do more vehicle maintenance in 2010. Out of the 70% not doing more, 64% plan to do the same things to maintain their vehicle; therefore, according to NPD, 94% of consumers are planning to do the same amount of maintenance they have been doing on their vehicle or more next year.
Please indicate which of the following statements best reflects your plans for 2010,
in regards to vehicle maintenance (oil changes, fluids, filters, etc.):
Source: The NPD Group/2010 Consumer Outlook Study
"The conventional wisdom in the auto aftermarket is that it is only a matter of time before sales of replacement parts for these aging cars will begin to provide a lift to total aftermarket spending," said David Portalatin, industry analyst for NPD's auto aftermarket unit. "It now appears that consumers are recognizing that they will need to spend more on service and repairs to keep their vehicles on the road longer."
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