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January 12, 2022
Auto Care Mailbag – Regional Aspects of Aftermarket
In this issue of Market Insights with Mike, we use now-available regional data in TrendLens to explore how increasing COVID-19 incidence in the South may affect the aftermarket. This was prompted by questions sent in by members. TrendLens is an interactive economic and industry data platform available exclusively to Auto Care Association members. Learn how these new features can inform your company's operations and strategy.
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December 15, 2021
Positive Outlook for 2022 In Spite of Supply Chain and Labor Concerns
In this year-end wrap-up, Mike Chung, director, market intelligence, Auto Care Association, highlights results of the 2022 Auto Care Outlook Study. We look at the top concerns across the automotive aftermarket based on member feedback. While aftermarket leaders are most concerned with supply chain/sourcing and worker recruitment/retention, the industry is overwhelmingly bullish in its outlook for 2022. This is a testament to the strong fundamentals - sustained high demand, an aging car parc - and the resilience and adaptability of the industry.
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November 19, 2021
Planning for the New Year
Happy Thanksgiving! Can you believe it’s already that time of the year? Time has always been mysterious, and even more so throughout the pandemic. I had the pleasure of meeting several of you for the first time in Las Vegas a few weeks ago – thanks so much for making the effort to attend! As I walked the show floor and met people, a few thoughts ran through my head...
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October 14, 2021
Pricing Trends and Influences Amidst a Shocked Supply Chain
In this edition of Market Insights with Mike, we look at recent trends in commodity prices, and how global supply chain disruptions continue to affect the automotive aftermarket. We'll give a preview of new data in TrendLens that will inform your business decisions as you navigate a continually evolving market, and point to a recent webinar where an industry-wide panel discusses how they have been looking at data in different ways since the pandemic started to adapt their corporate strategies and operations in real time.
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July 8, 2021
Vehicle Miles Traveled - Trends and Drivers
In this article we look at VMT trends, particularly why Arity VMT has exceeded monthly USDOT VMT figures. We then discuss the reasons driving these discrepancies.
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April 28, 2021
On the Road Again
VMT rose to a recent high in March 2021, but will the increased driving continue? Numerous external forces continue to impact consumer behavior amidst a fluid economy. This edition of Market Insights notes a few of these influencers, and shares data on selected industry indicators to shed light on various inputs that are affecting the automotive aftermarket and related industries.
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March 4, 2021
Navigate the Economic Snow Globe with Weekly Vehicle Miles Traveled Data
Highlights of new features in TrendLens - weekly Arity Vehicle Miles Traveled, reference videos. Discussion of continued industry uncertainties and identification of disposable income as a possible leading indicator for automotive aftermarket retail sales in the context of emerging coronavirus relief stimulus.
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February 5, 2021
New Data Trends for 2021
In this blog, director of market intelligence Mike Chung highlights recent data to guide your trend-watching as 2021 finds its footing. Chung highlights manufacturing and logistics headlines, VMT and COVID-related trends, work/school from home stats, and other observations across the industry and society as a whole.
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December 8, 2020
2020: A Ride Like No Other
Remember roller coasters? In the “Before COVID” (BC) era, I took my son and his best friend to Kings Dominion in Virginia every summer for a day at the amusement park. We didn’t go this year, but in a year with so many developments, who needs a wooden coaster for thrills? After all, 2020 is the ride with no apparent end in sight. To wrap up the year’s developments in the automotive aftermarket, I welcome you to the “Indicators Amusement Park” with more twists, turns, and drops than the Intimidator 305. Let’s start at the “Work/School from Home” area.
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November 2, 2020
Positioning for Advocacy in a Changing Environment
As another election season comes and goes, there will be much discussion among pundits and politicos in the coming weeks about their predictions for the next two years (until the next election cycle). This edition of Market Insights with Mike focuses on cutting through the noise and instead examines the data most important to aftermarket professionals for continued success in an ever-evolving economy.
I'm Mike
Ready to dive into market research? I provide the industry with timely information on key factors and trends influencing the health of the automotive aftermarket and serving as a critical resource by helping businesses throughout the supply chain to make better business decisions.
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