RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (May 9, 2006) — U.S. motorists neglected their vehicles' maintenance in 2005 to the tune of $52 billion, according to a new report from the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).
While this actually is $4 billion less than the $56 billion worth of unperformed maintenance recorded in 2004, the AASA said, this still demonstrates that U.S. drivers ignore even the most basic upkeep to ensure their cars operate safely.
The $4 billion drop may signify that industry efforts to educate consumers on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance are finally paying off, AASA Executive Director Steve Handschuh said in a prepared statement.
The AASA, a market segment association within the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), has been reporting unperformed maintenance figures since 2002; it took over that job from MEMA, which began reporting those figures in 1978.