According to the latest data from IMR Inc., in 2011, new car dealer share of DIFM service and repair was 25.3 percent. Compared to 2010, dealer share of DIFM repairs and service for vehicles 6 years old and older rose 5 percent. The chart featured here shows why consumers go to the dealership for parts and service.
 

At the 2012 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium in Chicago, Bill Thompson, president and CEO of IMR Inc., was part of a panel discussion titled, "Who Will Win the Battle for the Vehicle Owner’s Business." During the discussion, Thompson noted that dealership levels and their share of the service market have bounced back from the closures that took place in 2009. "They will try to be the first touch point and maintain that touch point as long as they can," Thompson said.
 
For more information on IMR Inc. and its 2012 Repair Shop Syndicated Research, go to www.automotiveresearch.com.