Q1 2026 Automotive Aftermarket Industry Update
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GCG’s Q1 2026 Automotive Aftermarket Industry Update provides an overview of the latest trends in the sector, including recent performance, valuation multiples, and the state of the middle-market M&A environment.
Key findings include the following:
- The North American automotive aftermarket entered Q1 2026 on stable footing, as an aging vehicle fleet and normalized miles traveled sustained steady maintenance demand, while tariff clarity and the First Brands wind-down began reshaping the supplier landscape and restoring confidence across the value chain.
- M&A activity rebounded in Q1 2026 to its highest level in recent periods, with strategic buyers continuing to dominate and deal flow concentrated in collision repair, parts distributors, and service providers.
- Public aftermarket performance showed resiliency in Q1 2026, with Off-Road & Enthusiast categories leading on a discretionary rebound, while tech-enabled platforms and service providers continued to face headwinds across the quarter.
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