Bloomberg Businessweek The US Auto Business Through the Aftermarket's Eyes
Jan 20, 2026
Brian Maciak, CEO of FullSpeed Automotive, dives into the booming $500 billion automotive aftermarket industry. He highlights how customers are increasingly valuing efficiency and transparency in their service experiences. Maciak notes a shift in vehicle maintenance habits, with oil change intervals stretching significantly. He also discusses the importance of digital inspections for building trust and the ongoing demand for skilled mechanics amidst evolving consumer needs. Interestingly, he points out that electric vehicles haven't diminished demand for quick-lube services.
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Customers View Maintenance As A Chore
- Customers prioritize value and speed and view maintenance as a grudge purchase.
- Full Speed focuses on efficient, hospitable service to make necessary visits painless.
Longer Car Ownership Boosts Aftermarket Demand
- Vehicle owners are keeping cars longer because new cars and payments are expensive.
- Older fleets increase demand for preventative maintenance and aftermarket services.
Oil-Change Intervals Have Lengthened
- Oil-change frequency has stretched from roughly three months to five or six months.
- Full Speed saw the change beginning about 12 to 18 months ago as consumers tightened spending.