Americans are keeping their cars longer than they used to, according to The NPD Group. More than half (52%) plan to keep their cars for five years or more. The majority expect their vehicles to need repairs or maintenance in 2011; 61% of these will leave the work to professionals. Do-it-yourselfers’ sources of information include:
• Friends/family (57%);
• Repair manuals (46%);
• Mechanic (42%);
• Internet (including videos and social networks) (42%); and
• Store personnel (16%).
Source: “2011 Aftermarket Outlook Survey,” The NPD Group, David Portalatin, Industry Analyst, Automotive Aftermarket, 900 West Shore Rd., Port Washington, NY 11050; 516-625-0700; contactnpd@npd.com; www.npd.com. Price: Contact for information.
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