The automotive industry makes up one of the biggest segments of the U.S. economy, and used cars make an important contribution to this sector, with an estimated $331.5 billion in sales in 2010. Whether sold directly by individuals, through dealers focused on used cars, or new car dealers that offer certified pre-owned models, used car and truck sales provide important flexibility for U.S. consumers, allowing them to purchase vehicles at more affordable prices and also benefit from programs like leases and trade-ins. This report will provide an in-depth discussion of the used car market, including:

• An estimate of market revenues from 2005-10, with forecasts through 2015, providing insight into the future growth expected for the used car market;

• Discussion of how new car sales compete with used car sales, including recent sweeping changes in the new car market, such as brand consolidation;

• An analysis of key drivers affecting the used car market, such as a continued slow economy, climbing gas prices, and availability issues for some Japanese new car models due to the tragic earthquake and tsunami that hit the region earlier this year;

• An overview of the leading players in this market—including their advertising and marketing strategies—providing valuable guidance for winning strategies in this market; and

• Consumer attitudes and motivations impacting decision making and purchasing behavior.

This report explores the market for used automobiles, including both cars and light trucks. It includes discussion of both person-to-person and dealer/retail sales. Extended warranties, car rentals, car repairs, and automotive accessories are not included in market sale estimates, nor are new car sales and leases (although these may be discussed as competitors).

• Market size and forecast: Mintel/Manheim Consulting

• Segment performance: Mintel/NIADA

• Leading companies: Mintel estimates based on industry data and company reports

For the purposes of this report, Mintel commissioned exclusive consumer research through Toluna USA to explore consumer consumption of and attitudes toward used cars and trucks. Fieldwork was conducted March 1-14, 2011 among a nationally representative sample (weighted against the total population for estimation) of 2,000 adults aged 18 and older.

Mintel selects survey respondents so that they are proportionally balanced to the entire U.S. adult population based on the key demographics of gender, age, household income, and region. Mintel also slightly oversamples, relative to the population, respondents that are Hispanic or black to ensure an adequate representation of these groups in our survey results. Please note that our surveys are conducted online and in English only. Hispanics, Asians, and others who are not online and/or do not speak English are not included in our survey results.

Mintel also has analyzed data from Experian Simmons research, using mainly the Experian Simmons NCS/NHCS: Summer 2010 Adult 6 Month —POP. This was carried out during February 2010-September 2010, and the results presented here are based on the sample of 11,681 adults aged 18 and older, with results weighted to represent the U.S. population. Only those results of statistical significance are included.

While race and Hispanic origin are separate demographic characteristics, Mintel often compares them to each other. Please note that the responses for race (white, black, Asian, Native American, or other race) will overlap those that also are Hispanic, because Hispanics can be of any race.

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There follows a list of abbreviations used in this report:

In order to provide an inflation-adjusted price value for markets Mintel uses the CPI to deflate current prices. The CPI is defined as follows: