The first State of the Auto Care Industry Report shines a spotlight on the sheer force of the industry, and how production of auto parts, accessories and tires in America reaches across the entire globe.
The report, available here, provides a snapshot of the auto care industry. It’s a network of more than 500,000 businesses that manufacture, distribute or sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies, or perform vehicle service and repair. The industry employs 4.2 million professionals, more than the combination of the architecture, engineering, arts, design, entertainment, sports and media fields. The industry cares for 265.2 million vehicles on the road and is a $328 billion industry.
In terms of tires, the report notes that 80% of U.S. auto parts exports go to free trade agreement countries. Tires and tubes accounted for more than $4.2 billion of exported products in 2014.
The report, created by the Auto Care Association, is part of an effort to promote the industry. It was unveiled during a forum at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (DOC) in Washington, D.C. which featured presentations by executives at Google, UPS, AAA and IHS Automotive, as well as NASCAR driver and team owner Michael Waltrip. The keynote speech was presented by Marcus Jadotte, assistant secretary of commerce for industry and analysis for the International Trade Administration in the DOC.
“The overwhelming feedback from attendees and participants at the forum about the valuable content of the report, and the high quality and insightful presentations by the industry thought leaders, makes a very strong case for the State of the Auto Care Industry Forum to become an annual event,” says Kathleen Schmatz, CEO and president of the Auto Care Association.
The forum was attended by policymakers and regulators, automotive-related trade association leaders, business and financial experts and media. Preceding the forum were two key events designed to promote the auto care industry including a Congressional briefing hosted by Rep. Robert Pittenger, Rep-N.C. at the Cannon House Office Building, and a Congressional reception, hosted by the association at the Rayburn House Office Building.
Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip was a featured speaker at the briefing and was the special guest at the reception, where he took photos with hill staffers and guests and signed autographs. More than 250 people attended the reception, the association says.
For more information about the Auto Care Association, visit www.autocare.org.
