Consumer Behavior

DIY efforts, recreation activity driving auto product sales

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June 15, 2020

Warm weather, stay-at-home mandates and social distancing is proving to be a win for those selling automotive products as consumers are busy with DIY projects and seeking out more recreational opportunities such as boating and jet ski fun.

That's the prime finding of research from The NPD Group. Dollar sales of DIY needs (including painting, tire care, car wash and car wax) spiked 44% between April and May, according to a Market Watch report.

Additional categories that saw growth include body repair (+44%), body fillers (+43%), paint restoration (+23%), and cleaners for parts including brake cleaners and engine degreasers (+22%).   

"Consumers may be driving less over the past few months, but with more time spent at home and limited places to go, the otherwise time-consuming tasks of working on their vehicles or pulling the cover off a project car in the garage have become leisurely ways for car owners to seek enjoyment," said Nathan Shipley, NPD automotive analyst, according to Market Watch. "The aftermarket industry has long been worried that enthusiasm for DIY car repair and projects is waning, but today we have a huge opportunity to encourage and reinvigorate this behavior."