Nearly 300,000 retail outlets in the U.S. offer some type of automotive service. Research finds nearly half of car owners had their vehicle serviced at a dealership in the year prior to the survey, while just one-quarter brought their vehicles into a quick lube station.

This report covers the U.S. automobile maintenance and repair market. Recent growth in the new automobile market has stimulated sales in car maintenance and service. As the number of cars on the road and the number of miles driven in the U.S. continue to grow, so will the market for maintenance services.

Among the issues covered in this report are the impact of specialty chains, the rising number of commuters, longer warranties and do-it-yourself maintenance. Original consumer research examines attitudes and behavior by age, gender, ethnicity and economic group, while a six-year trend analysis predicts future growth in the auto services market.

Research data and analysis answer questions such as:

Which demographics do the most driving?

How do independent service outlets compare with chains?

How does advertising affect sales in the automobile service industry?

What growth can we expect in the auto services market?

This report focuses on the retail distribution of auto care services. This includes oil changes, under-car services (such as brakes and mufflers) and under-hood services such as transmission maintenance and engine repair.

Not covered are sales of parts for DIY repairs, work completed under the original warranty, bodywork, paint work, car washes, interior/trim maintenance or tire sales.

Report contents may be subject to change prior to the date of publication.

A number of U.S. reports covering related sectors have been published, are planned, or are in preparation, including:

Mobile Electronics, consumer intelligence--U.S. Reports, June 2003

Motorcycles, consumer intelligence--U.S. Reports, April 2003

U.S. Auto Market, Vol. 5: Pick-ups, consumer intelligence--U.S. Reports, March 2003

U.S. Auto Market, Vol. 4: SUVs & Minivans, consumer intelligence--U.S. Reports, February 2003

U.S. Auto Market, Vol. 3: Sports & SUVs/Vans, consumer intelligence--U.S. Reports, January 2003

U.S. Auto Market, Vol. 2: Standard Cars, consumer intelligence--U.S. Reports, December 2003

U.S. Auto Market, Vol. 1: Compact Cars, consumer intelligence--U.S. Reports, December 2003

Auto Sports, consumer intelligence--U.S. Reports, February 2002

Car Rental, consumer intelligence--U.S. Reports, February 2002

Tires, consumer intelligence--U.S. Reports, November 2001