Bethesda, MD – Sept. 17, 2007 – Total collision repair industry sales grew 5.8 percent to $40.4 billion in 2006, according to the 2007 Collision Repair Trends: Industry Statistics & Analysis, recently published by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Independent paint and body repair shops accounted for more than half of the collision repair market at $22.2 billion.

"Collision repair shop sales for the past five years have been averaging about 5.9 percent annually," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. "This steady growth has been driven by several factors, including increases in the number of registered vehicles, miles driven on U.S. roads, increased road congestion and the higher cost of collision repair per vehicle."

Collision Repair Trends: Industry Statistics & Analysis combines the latest available industry data from original AAIA research, government sources and independent research suppliers about the size and scope of the collision repair segment of the industry and the paint and body equipment aftermarket.

The report includes data on the following:
Roadway congestion.
Vehicle collisions.
Size of the collision repair industry.
Collision repair: body shop profile.
Retail distribution of PBE products.
State summary statistics.
Canadian collision repair industry.

The report is available for $125 for AAIA members and $250 for non-members. To purchase the report, contact AAIA at 301-654-6664 or visit the AAIA Commerce Center at www.aftermarket.org.

About AAIA
AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 23,000 member and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tool, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.