This article by Tom Venetis for Cars Magazine discusses recent studies from Canada and the U.S. that point to positive trends for the North American Aftermarket.
People are holding onto their vehicles longer and longer: the average age of common vehicles on Canadian roads is 9.26 years. Although the rate of vehicle purchases continues to increase, it is doing so more gradually than previous years, and research groups observe that car purchases are more often previously-owned vehicles, rather than new vehicle purchases.
This bodes well for the aftermarket. Industries like vehicle re-sale, maintenance, repair, and preventative care are thriving from the increased quality-consciousness and frugality of modern consumers.