Automotive Repair & Maintenance Services Industry Profile

Companies in this industry provide repair and maintenance services for passenger cars and light trucks. Major US companies include Firestone Complete Auto Care (a unit of Bridgestone), Jiffy Lube, Meineke, Midas International, Monro Auto Service and Tire Centers, and Safelite Group.

The global automotive repair and maintenance services industry is forecast to grow at 7.6% by 2031, according to Allied Market Research, driven by increasing vehicle production and growing demand from emerging markets, notably China and India.

The US automotive repair and maintenance services industry includes about 162,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $115 billion.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand depends on miles driven and the number of cars on the road. The increased complexity of vehicles, which makes it more difficult for vehicle owners to perform do-it-yourself repairs, is also driving demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on convenient location and good marketing. Large companies can maximize use of expensive diagnostic equipment and have advantages in purchasing, distribution, and marketing. Small companies can compete effectively by providing superior customer service or offering specialized services. The US industry is highly fragmented: the 50 largest companies generate less than 10% of revenue.

Competition includes other venues that provide automotive services, including some gas stations, car dealerships, and branches of mass merchandisers, like Sears and Kmart. An estimated 80% of all automotive repair work in the US is ...