In a recent study, IMR Inc. asked independent repair shops, “How important to you is it to use OEM parts?” The data looks at responses for the years 2008 and 2009.

We see two significant changes in opinion from 2008 to 2009, as illustrated in the chart below. The number of survey respondents who said using OEM parts was “not very important” has jumped nearly five points, from 27.5 percent in 2008 to 32.3 percent in 2009. Meanwhile, the percentage of respondents who said using OEM parts was “somewhat important” has dropped from 41.8 percent in 2008 to 39.2 percent in 2009; and the percentage of those who found it “very important” dropped less than two points. Those who found it “extremely important” dropped less than half a point. The percentage of those who maintain that using OEM parts is “not at all important” has stayed steady over the past two years.

For more information on IMR and its research capabilities, visit www.AutomotiveResearch.com or call Bill Thompson at 800-654-1079.