Mark Purtilar, vp and general manager for ArvinMeritor's aftermarket division, believes that the current glut of used trucks may have a silver lining for providers of aftermarket components.
“Demand for aftermarket parts has been dampened in recent years as we developed more durable truck components and extended service intervals,” he said at a press conference last month. “However, as the residual value of used trucks has declined in the last year in the face of a market glut, fleets are trying to extend the useful life of their equipment.”
Bakhus Isaac, director of aftermarket marketing, said while aftermarket sales should decline slightly in 2002, they should enjoy a “strong rebound” in 2003.
“Parts consumption by carriers will rebound simply because they are holding onto their trucks longer,” he said. “More trucks will be hitting that ‘sweet spot’ between six and ten years of age when major components will need to be replaced.”
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