The global automotive aftermarket is expected to reach $2.65 trillion in 2026, according to data featured in the newly released 2026 AAPEX Media Guide.
The forecast represents a $35 billion increase from last year’s assessment. In the U.S., the aftermarket for light- and heavy-duty vehicles is expected to reach $599.7 billion, including $457 billion in light-duty and $142.9 billion in heavy-duty.
The figures are drawn from the 2026 Auto Care Factbook and MEMA Aftermarket’s 2026 Aftermarket Size & Forecast Report, which use government data and research from academics, bankers and market research organizations.
“The aftermarket is defined as the products and services that safely maintain or repair vehicles after the initial sale,” said MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Vice President of Events Liz Goad. “It is an enormous market known for slow but reliably steady growth because there are 1.61 billion vehicles in operation around the world – and all of them require maintenance and repairs.”
The guide also reports that U.S. light vehicles averaged 12.94 years old in 2026, up from 12.8 years in the previous assessment. Light trucks averaged 11.9 years while cars averaged 15 years.
Independent repair facilities accounted for 72% of available U.S. repair capacity in 2025, compared with 28% for dealerships. Independent facilities generated $312.7 billion in aggregate sales, compared with $121.4 billion for dealerships.
The U.S. aftermarket also supported 4,872,300 jobs in 2025, representing about 3.6% of the country’s labour force, according to the guide.
The data comes ahead of AAPEX 2026, scheduled for November in Las Vegas. Registration is open, with attendance priced at $75 through Sept. 25 and $100 afterward.
AAPEX is co-produced by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the Auto Care Association and is a trade-only event.
