Summary
The increasing age and mileage of cars and light trucks are driving growth in the internal combustion engine (ICE) and odometers aftermarket. According to Lang Marketing, U.S. light vehicles had approximately 14,000 more miles on their odometers in 2023 than a decade earlier. The average vehicle age is now 12.6 years in the U.S. and 10.5 in Canada.
Older vehicles, especially ICE models, consume more aftermarket products per mile than newer ones. In 2013, the average light vehicle’s odometer reading was about 128,000 miles, increasing by over 10% by 2023. Vehicles with higher mileage tend to require more aftermarket parts, such as filters, brakes, and engine components.
Cars accumulated miles faster than light trucks, widening the gap in their odometer readings. Domestic nameplates consistently show higher mileage than foreign ones, though the difference is narrowing. Preliminary 2024 data indicates these trends are continuing, with cars’ aftermarket product volume declining at a slower rate than their share of the vehicle population.
Not all miles driven contribute equally to aftermarket demand, as higher-mileage vehicles generate more product use per mile. The rising value and longevity of used vehicles are extending their road life, further increasing odometer readings and boosting aftermarket sales. These factors signal strong future growth for the ICE aftermarket as vehicles continue to age and accumulate mileage.
Auto Service World
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