The size of the U.S. motor vehicle aftermarket grew by 5.2 percent in 2000 to $245.6 billion, with the automotive segment recording the largest growth at 5.8 percent, according to the AAIA 2001 Aftermarket Factbook, just published by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

"The newly expanded Factbook is AAIA's most sought-after research publication. Year after year, aftermarket business executives, industry experts, analysts, journalists, PR and ad agencies refer to the Factbook for motor vehicle aftermarket data," said Alfred L. Gaspar, AAIA president and CEO.

Highlights of the comprehensive information reported in the 56-page 2001 Factbook include:

- Vehicle service repair, accounting for two-thirds of total aftermarket sales, rose five percent to $112 billion in 2000.

- Sales of new passenger cars and light trucks reached an all-time high of 17.4 million.

- Total sales at the 38,000 paint, body and glass repair shops continues to decline.

- Medium and heavy duty aftermarket product sales increased 4.9 percent to $61.5 billion.

- The service station segment of the aftermarket distribution channel lost 5,500 outlets since 1995.

- Automotive chemicals and motor oil increased to $8.8 billion, with "do-it-for-me's" dominating the $5 billion motor oil market.

The 2001 Factbook includes statistical tables, charts, analysis and trends in the U.S. and key international markets covering:

- The size of the industry and its segments

- Service repair, chemicals, accessories and replacement parts markets

- Trends in motor vehicle sales and registrations

- Heavy duty, paint and body equipment, trim, and tool and equipment market

- Highlights from latest do-it-yourself consumer research

- Wholesale distribution channel

- Aftermarket mergers and acquisitions

- International market growth prospects

The 56-page, four-color Factbook is available for $75 for AAIA members and $150 for non-members. To order by phone, call (301) 654-6664 or order online at www.aftermarket.org.

About the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose member companies manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies.

The organization is comprised of manufacturers, distributors, jobbers, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturer's representatives and other companies doing business in the automotive aftermarket. AAIA formerly served the aftermarket as APAA and ASIA.