Aftermarket Growth Projected at 5.2% in 2026
Industry leaders at AAPEX stressed technology and repair access as the U.S. light-duty aftermarket heads toward a projected 2026 expansion.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Auto Parts
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Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers leaders emphasized technology and repair access at AAPEX. The U.S. light-duty aftermarket is projected to grow 5.2% in 2026 and exceed $500 billion.
Why it matters
Serving aftermarket demand requires companies to keep pace with changing vehicles, customer expectations, and technology reshaping their own operations. The projected growth signals continued demand for replacement parts, diagnostics, and repair access across the country.
The U.S. light-duty aftermarket is projected to grow 5.2% in 2026 and exceed $500 billion in size. The joint channel forecast was cited as evidence of an industry that remains fundamentally strong, though the extraction does not specify the forecast's underlying assumptions.
The players
Auto Care Association
The Auto Care Association is a trade organization representing the independent automotive aftermarket in North America.
MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers
MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is the trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of original and aftermarket automotive parts.
The details
Independent aftermarket companies must understand vehicle technology, engineer replacement products, build catalog data, and develop diagnostic tools. Technician training and distribution follow product development in the aftermarket process, and leaders at AAPEX highlighted these demands.
Timeline
2026: U.S. light-duty aftermarket projected to grow 5.2% and exceed $500 billion.
2026: Joint channel forecast cited as evidence of industry strength.
Roadmap
The emphasis on repair access follows the REPAIR Act, whose sponsor Rep. Dunn was recognized at the event. Industry leaders are pressing the same repair-access priority as vehicle technology grows more complex.
Drivers rely on independent parts makers and repair shops, so the projected 5.2% growth points to continued availability of replacement parts. Technician training and diagnostic tools developed by aftermarket companies shape how readily local shops can service newer vehicles.
The takeaway
Growth in the aftermarket depends on keeping pace with vehicle technology, so readers should expect parts and repair options to keep evolving with new models. Asking a repair shop whether it can service a specific vehicle's diagnostics is a practical step before a repair.
Further reading
For broader context, explore Auto Parts coverage across the United States.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AftermarketNews.
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