BETHESDA, MD -- Paint and body equipment (PBE) jobbers are bullish on the future collision repair market with 92 percent of those surveyed expecting an increase in sales for the next 12 months, according to the 2005 edition of Collision Repair Trends: Industry Statistics & Analysis, published by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

PBE jobber specialists' sales in paint and body equipment totaled more than $3 billion in 2004, with independent paint and body repair shops accounting for more than half of their business. Total collision industry sales in 2004 was $36 billion, AAIA reported.

"We found it interesting that while the majority of parts used by both independent and dealership body shops for collision repair is new OE parts, the use of non-OE body parts is becoming more prevalent," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. "Additionally, more than half of collision repair shops surveyed believe that the quality of non-OE body parts is improving."

Collision Repair Trends: Industry Statistics & Analysis combines the latest available industry data from original AAIA research, government sources and independent research suppliers about the size and scope of the collision repair segment of the industry and the paint and body equipment aftermarket.

The report includes data on the following: collision repair shop sales, PBE jobber sales and profile, collision repair shop profile, collision repair shop materials purchased and other statistics.

The report is available for $99 for AAIA members and $199 for non-members. To purchase the report, contact AAIA at 301-654-6664 or aftermarket.org.

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