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Frost & Sullivan Executive Summary:
U.S. Spark Plug Aftermarket

 

 

30 June 1998

 

Introduction to the United States Spark Plug Aftermarket

Manufacturers' revenues for the total U.S. spark plug aftermarket were approximately $507.28 billion in 1996. The spark plug aftermarket has experienced a decline in total unit numbers, but revenues have still managed to increase gradually. This is primarily because of a shift toward more expensive spark plugs.

Overview

This study is divided into two primary sections. The first section contains market engineering data, and the second section contains end-user data.

The market engineering section provides revenue and unit forecasts as well as a discussion concerning industry trends and developments. The end-user section highlights some of the

major issues affecting the spark plug aftermarket. The issues that are covered in this second section include, but are not limited to, distribution, customer preferences, and brand perceptions.

Taken as a whole, this study, which was completed by Frost & Sullivan's Automotive Industry Research Group, provides a comprehensive overview of the spark plug aftermarket.

Objectives

The primary objectives of conducting this study were:

  • To better understand:
    • Consumers' usage characteristics
    • Installers' usage characteristics
    • Consumers' purchase preference
    • Installers' purchase preference
    • The role of brands in usage and purchase
    • Installer brand preferences
    • Consumer brand preferences
  • To profile do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) and non-DIYers
  • To measure the impact of platinum spark plugs

Scope of the Study

The focus of this study is exclusively on the U.S. aftermarket. Consequently, this report tends to be rather

limited in geographic scope but thorough in its area of focus. In addition to the normal market engineering coverage, the study also explores the preferences and attitudes of installers and consumers. Some of the more significant end-user topics are:

  • DIYer profile
  • Do-it-for-me-er (DIFMer) profile
  • Installer profile
  • Tune-up frequencies (DIYers and non-DIYers)
  • Supplier information (DIYer and installer)
  • Purchasing criteria (consumer and installer)
  • Brand preferences (consumer and installer)
  • Brand ranking by category (such as quality, price, and vendor support)
  • Brand popularity (consumer)
  • Platinum popularity (installers)
  • Platinum familiarity (consumer)
  • Price sensitivity (consumer and installer)

Breakdown of the Study

Although this report contains two primary sections, a market engineering section and an end-user section, the end-user data appear in two separate chapters. The reason for this is to make the data more presentable.

The following is a breakdown of each individual chapter.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 provides an introduction to the U.S. spark plug aftermarket. Topics of discussion include:

  • Introduction to the Spark Plug Industry
    • Industry Definitions
    • Industry Development
    • Industry Structure
    • Total Number of Market Participants
    • Basic End-User Findings
  • Introduction to the U.S. Aftermarket
    • Vehicle Population
    • Average Vehicle Age
    • Average Miles Driven
  • U.S. Aftermarket Channel Analysis
    • Specialty Retailers
    • Mass Merchants
    • Membership Warehouse Clubs
    • Dealers
    • Service Stations
  • Industry Organizations
    • Automobile Parts and Accessories Association (APAA)
    • Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA)
    • SAE
  • Glossary of Terms

Chapter 3

Chapter 3 pertains to the study's background and methodology. Included in this chapter are the following sections:

  • Overview
  • Objectives
  • Methodology

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 contains a market engineering analysis of the U.S. spark plug aftermarket. Included in this analysis are:

  • Forecasts of the Total Market
  • Factors Affecting Forecasts
  • Pricing Analysis
  • Market Structure and Market Share
  • Recent Events

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 analyzes installer data. The questionnaire that was used for this section appears in the appendix at the end of the study.

The main topics of analysis include:

  • Installer Profile
  • Installer Tune-Up Business
  • Distributor Analysis
  • Brand Analysis
  • Platinum Vs. Nonplatinum Spark Plugs
  • Customer Preferences
  • Platinum Spark Plug Market

Chapter 6

Chapter 6 analyzes consumer data. The questionnaire that was used for this section appears in the appendix at the end of the study.

The main topics of analysis include:

  • Respondent Profile
  • Profile of Primary Vehicle
  • DIYer Profile
  • DIFMer Profile
  • Platinum Vs. Nonplatinum
  • Consumer Attitudes About Price