IMR and Counterman Magazine Partner to Produce Second Annual Consumer Aftermarket Behavior Study

For the second year in a row, Counterman magazine has partnered with IMR, Inc. to provide profiles of consumer and technician product sourcing trends. Research for this year’s report has been compiled in the Consumer Aftermarket Behavior Study (CABS), which can be seen in the May issue of Counterman. Counterman magazine is read by more than 45,000 parts store, warehouse distribution and headquarter professionals each month.

Research on Consumer Behavior by Product Category, Technician Sourcing Trends to Be Featured in May Issue of Counterman Magazine

AKRON, Ohio — For the second year in a row, Counterman magazine has partnered with IMR, Inc. to provide profiles of consumer and technician product sourcing trends. Research for this year’s report has been compiled in the Consumer Aftermarket Behavior Study (CABS), which can be seen in the May issue of Counterman. Counterman magazine is read by more than 45,000 parts store, warehouse distribution and headquarter professionals each month.

Research provided in the CABS report is based on an exclusive arrangement with IMR using IMR’s Continuing Consumer Automotive Maintenance Survey (CCAMS), which takes an in-depth look at vehicle parts and services consumption by consumers at various levels. This year, the data focuses on six important product categories: Ball Joints, Oil Changes, Oil Filters, Water Pumps, Shocks and Timing Belts. Also included in the CABS report are vehicle population breakouts for each category, provided by R. L. Polk & Co.

“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Counterman magazine again this year and to provide research for their Consumer Aftermarket Behavior Study,” said Bill Thompson, president and CEO. “Counterman magazine is one of the most highly respected publications in the aftermarket industry and for them to use our research on consumer product sourcing trends is a tremendous honor for IMR. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.”

“In our opinion, IMR produces the most comprehensive and consistent consumer data available in our market,” said Jon Owens, publisher of Counterman magazine and aftermarketNews. We wouldn’t trust anyone else to help us inform our readers about product-specific consumer behavior. IMR delivers the highest quality consumer data that we’ve seen, so it makes sense that we would partner with them to deliver this valuable information to our readers.”

The CABS report complements Counterman and aftermarketNews.com’s growing list of annual research projects, which currently includes Counterman’s Parts Store Profile (published biannually), The Super Stores List (published each February), the AASA Top 100 Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers List (published each May), The Aftermarket Program Group Analysis (published each June) and the Professional Automotive Repair Technician Study (PARTS, published each September), as well as “The Pulse” data points published each Friday on aftermarketNews.

IMR conducts additional syndicated and proprietary market research studies that focus on automotive parts and services, repair shops, technicians, accessories and vehicle technology trends. IMR provides detailed data and insights that brings its clients closer to their customers, distribution channels and market opportunities. IMR research is frequently referenced in industry association fact books, status reports and industry magazines.

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

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