Dealers Strike Gold with Accessories Sales

In the January 29th issue of Automotive News, Laura Clark Geist explored the opportunities for dealers in the accessory market. “Dealerships are using the steady growth of automotive accessories to attract customers and shore up weak margins on new vehicles. U.S. consumers spent $34.2 billion on automotive accessories in 2005, up 8.7% from 2004.” Peter MacGillivray, SEMA’s vice president of marketing and communications, explained these rapidly increasing statistics: “Collaboration with automakers and dealers is creating new opportunities for the accessories industry. Unlike a fan belt or spark plug, these are passion-based purchases. There is a need for consumers to have a vehicle that fits them like a glove.”