CHICAGO –The results of a new aftermarket consumer study will be revealed during the 2009 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), which takes place May 6-7 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill., near Chicago. This timely new research is being compiled by NPD specifically for GAAS and will be presented by David Portalatin, the company’s director of industry analysis. He will address “Consumer Insights: Just Ask!”
“I’m sure aftermarket leaders have many burning questions about what aftermarket consumers really think,” explained Portalatin. “My presentation will include the answers to some of those questions in data that will be coming back to our office just a few weeks before GAAS. This means the research we present at the symposium will be the most timely and current information available in the aftermarket.”
Among this issues NPD is surveying consumers about include: understanding changing consumer attitudes due to the aging vehicle trend; gauging how declining new car sales might impact repair and maintenance trends; gaining insights into whether DIY is a more attractive value proposition in the current economy; documenting levels of past deferred maintenance and establishing an outlook on future deferral and more.
Portalatin noted that the survey results will be interpreted in context of NPD’s Car Care Trac monthly tracking of more than 70,000 consumers and analysis of actual point-of-sale data from more than 18,000 auto parts stores that report sales in the company’s Aftermarket Industry Monitor. “The information will be presented in a way that helps manufacturers and retailers think about emerging trends and helps identify growth opportunities,” said Portalatin.
Portalatin has spent the past 14 years studying consumer purchase patterns and identifying trends in consumer behavior. He helps companies understand the marketplace and how consumer trends can impact their business. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and corporate meetings with retailers and manufacturers in the automotive aftermarket, motor fuels and convenience retailing industries.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Stay tuned tomorrow for our exclusive interview with Portalatin who will talk more about his upcoming GAAS presentation.
Registration for the 2009 symposium, “Winning Strategies in a Changing Aftermarket,” is available at www.globalsymposium.org or phone (301) 654-6664.
The early bird registration deadline for GAAS 2009 has been extended until Monday, April 13. By taking advantage of the early bird rate, attendees can save $200 off regular registration rates. In addition, the deadline to make reservations at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare has been extended until April 13. Rates of $182 (single or double) plus tax are guaranteed through that date. Reservations can be made by calling Hyatt Central Reservations at (800) 233-1234 or the hotel directly at (847) 696-1234.
