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 percentage of the parts you use are second line parts?

As the chart below shows, in almost every instance when the use of premium line parts goes down in a particular month, the use of second line parts goes up. This was the case in August 2009. The use of premium line parts dropped six points, from 70 percent to 64 percent. At the same time, the use of second line parts rose seven points, from 32 percent to 39 percent.

Comparing year-to-year, the use of premium line parts dropped from this perspective as well – falling from 72 percent in August 2008 to 64 percent in August 2009. The percentage of second line parts increased,  – year-to-year – from 33 percent in August 2008 to 39 percent in August 2009.

Use the scroll bar to view August results.

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.