AAPEX media guide says global aftermarket will reach $2.65 trillion in 2026

AAPEX released a new media guide ahead of its November 2026 show in Las Vegas, projecting continued growth in the global and U.S. automotive aftermarket. The guide says the sector supports nearly 4.9 million U.S. jobs, while Americans keep driving an aging fleet that depends on repair and maintenance.

Why it matters: - The automotive aftermarket touches vehicle upkeep, repair and parts supply for nearly every driver in the U.S. and billions of vehicles worldwide. - AAPEX says the market’s scale and steady growth make it a major economic force, not just an auto industry niche. - The sector’s size also signals continued demand for repair capacity, parts suppliers and service businesses as vehicles age.

What happened: - AAPEX published a new media guide on Sept. 22, 2026, ahead of AAPEX 2026 in November in Las Vegas. - The guide puts the global automotive aftermarket at $2.65 trillion in 2026, up $35 billion from last year’s assessment. - The U.S. aftermarket, including light- and heavy-duty vehicles, is forecast to reach $599.7 billion in 2026. - That U.S. total equals about 1.9% of the current forecast for U.S. gross domestic product. - The guide is available online and is aimed at media covering the show. - AAPEX says the guide also works as a quick reference for automotive reporters.

The details: - The U.S. light-duty aftermarket is forecast to grow 5.2% in 2026 to $457 billion. - The heavy-duty aftermarket is valued at $142.9 billion, bringing the combined U.S. total to $599.7 billion. - U.S. residents operated 294 million light vehicles in 2025 and drove 3.32 trillion miles. - That works out to a little more than one vehicle and 13,700 miles per each of the 242.3 million U.S. licensed drivers. - Another 9.8 million heavy-duty vehicles were in operation in 2025 and were driven 329.6 billion miles. - The average age of U.S. light vehicles rose to 12.94 years from 12.8 years last year. - Light trucks averaged 11.9 years old, while cars averaged 15 years old. - The automotive aftermarket provided 4,872,300 jobs in 2025 across suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and independent repair facilities. - That equals about 3.6% of the total U.S. labor force, which the BLS puts at 163 million people ages 16 and older. - Wages in many of those jobs grew in step with, or faster than, U.S. inflation. - Independent repair facilities accounted for 72% of available U.S. repair capacity in 2025. - Dealerships accounted for the other 28%. - Independent repair facilities generated $312.7 billion in sales in 2025, compared with $121.4 billion at dealerships. - There were 354 aftermarket merger and acquisition transactions in 2025, up from 337 in 2024 and 306 in 2023. - Bankers, private equity executives and analysts who attended AAPEX 2025 said they expect dealmaking to accelerate in 2026.

Between the lines: - The numbers point to an industry benefiting from an aging vehicle fleet, high mileage use and limited public transportation options in the U.S. - AAPEX is using the guide to frame the aftermarket as a broad economic ecosystem, not just a parts business. - The M&A data suggests the sector remains attractive to buyers looking for scale, consolidation and recurring demand. - Liz Goad of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers said the aftermarket is a large market with slow but reliable growth because vehicles need maintenance and repairs. - Mark Bogdansky of the Auto Care Association said the world depends on the aftermarket, especially in the U.S. because of limited public transportation.

What's next: - AAPEX 2026 is scheduled for November in Las Vegas. - Organizers say the show will include a revised exhibit floor layout and other enhancements. - Former Olympic and NCAA basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski will headline the AAPEX 2026 Keynote Breakfast. - Registration is open for automotive aftermarket professionals. - Admission costs $75 until Sept. 25 and $100 afterward. - Media can attend with a complimentary pass. - The keynote breakfast is ticketed, with a limited number of complimentary media passes available on request. - AAPEX is co-produced by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the Auto Care Association. - More information is available on the show website.