In a recent survey conducted by IMR, technicians were asked the following two questions: Generally speaking, what percentage of the parts you use are premium line parts? What percent of the parts you use are second line parts?
 
The use of premium line parts has continued to increase for the second month in a row – rising two points from 68 percent in June to 70 percent in July. This is still about 4 points lower than in July of the prior year, which was at nearly 74 percent.
 
The percentage of second line parts is also continuing a two-month trend, however this time it’s downward. The percentage of second line parts fell from 34 percent in June to 32 percent in July. Comparing year to year, we don’t see a lot of change. The percentage of second line parts used in July 2008 was 33.5 percent compared to 32 percent in July of this year.
 

Editor’s Note: The graph above reflects combined responses to the two questions and therefore does not equal 100 percent.
 
For more information on IMR and its research capabilities, visit IMR at www.AutomotiveResearch.com or call Bill Thompson at 800-654-1079.