From shifting consumer preferences to aging vehicles reshaping service demand, data from the second quarter of 2025 revealed a dynamic landscape where new and used vehicle registrations grow, and the aftermarket “Sweet Spot” becomes a rich source for service providers.
Experian’s Automotive Market Trends Report: Q2 2025 found that light-duty vehicles reached 293.5 million, up from 291.1 million through Q2 2024. This growth can be attributed to the 16.3 million new vehicle registrations and 39.5 million used vehicle ownership changes, demonstrating a healthy turnover in the market.
Taking a closer look at the registration trends, new vehicle registrations saw a 7.7% year-over-year increase, reaching 4.2 million through Q2 2025. Meanwhile, used vehicle registrations also slightly increased by 2% from last year, rising to 10.2 million this quarter, as buyers continued to seek pre-owned options amid conversations around affordability.
Leveraging aftermarket trends for service opportunities
As vehicles age and warranties expire, there is a natural shift to aftermarket services, and the continuous growth in the aftermarket sweet spot shows that consumers are willing to keep their vehicles for longer periods of time, as long as they’re still functional.
The aftermarket sweet spot is made up of vehicles aged 6-to-12-years old and are typically out of manufacturer warranty, making them prime candidates for aftermarket services. For instance, 35.5% of all light-duty vehicles on the road fell into this category through Q2 2025, signaling an opportunity for service providers and parts manufacturers.
With total vehicle registrations on the rise and more vehicles entering the aftermarket sweet spot, it gives automotive professionals in all stages of the buying journey an opportunity to capitalize on these positive trends and meet consumers where they are needed the most.
To learn more about vehicle market trends, view the full Automotive Market Trends Report: Q2 2025 presentation on demand.
