In Down Economy, Consumers Need Their Cars to Go the Extra Mile

HORSHAM, PA--(Marketwire - April 2, 2009) - According to a national survey commissioned by AAMCO, the recent economic instability has caused American car owners to put off car purchases, postpone some repairs, and depend more on their local auto mechanics. Conducted by Washington, D.C.-based Clarus Research Group on behalf of AAMCO, the survey revealed that the economic downturn has caused 63 percent of car owners to reconsider their plans to purchase a new car.

"Consumers clearly prefer maintaining and repairing their cars rather than buying new ones," said Mike Ganjei, president of the National AAMCO Dealers Association. "Buying a new car is a major investment and perhaps not an option at this time for some consumers because of the troubled economy and uncertainty in the job market."

The survey also found that 44 percent of consumers would, if possible, postpone needed repair work for at least a few months because of current economic conditions and personal finances. More than half of consumers would repair their cars at a cost of up to $2,000, but if repairs would cost $3,000 or more, more than half would be inclined to get rid of their cars instead.

"When times are tough and money is tight, simple car care and maintenance can go a long way toward keeping a car on the road, running smoothly and avoiding major repair costs in the future," said Todd Leff, AAMCO president and CEO. "The survey clearly revealed that car owners are placing a higher priority on extending the lives of their cars. These feelings are shared by AAMCO customers, who are seeking quality total car care and expert service to keep their cars going that extra mile."

Consumers aren't the only ones impacted by the down economy: According to a Grant Thornton LLP study published last October, as many as 3,800 car dealerships will close in 2009. The AAMCO study showed that fifty percent of consumers would take their cars to a national car care chain or an independent general repair shop such as AAMCO if their local dealership was to close.

When it comes to selecting a specialist, consumers are seeking people they know and trust to provide quality car care service. The most important factors for consumers when choosing a mechanic are that they only make repairs that are necessary, get the work done right the first time, and have well trained and well qualified service technicians.

In honor of National Car Care Month, AAMCO will release total car care tips each week in April with steps that car owners can take to prolong the lives of their cars. Starting April 8, the tips and additional information can be found at www.aamco.com.

The telephone survey of 2,900 U.S. adult consumers was conducted between February 14 and March 3, 2009. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 1.82 percent.

About AAMCO

AAMCO is the world's largest chain of transmission specialists and one of the leaders in complete car care services. AAMCO has nearly 900 automotive centers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Established in 1962, AAMCO is proud to have served over 45 million drivers. For more information, visit www.aamco.com.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Jake Ward Qorvis Communications 202-683-3156 jward@qorvis.com