This survey of automotive aftermarket vehicle service technicians’ tool choices was conducted in 2022 using a computer-assisted telephone interview methodology. In total, 400 automotive technicians were surveyed for this research. To qualify as a respondent, a technician had to be working at least 32 hours per week and physically working on vehicles on at least a weekly basis. Respondents represent automotive repair shops throughout the United States: dealership (new vehicle) service departments, franchised auto repair shops, and independent auto repair shops. Frost & Sullivan has been tracking the automotive repair tool industry through automotive technicians since 2008. When applicable, this research compares data trending as far back as 2008.
This survey covers the following tool categories:
Power tools
Hand tools
Handheld diagnostic tools
Pneumatic/air tools
Tool storage devices
Qualitative areas covered in this research include the following:
Quality: A measure of original equipment fit, form, and function; the closer something matches the original part, the higher the perceived quality.
Reliability: Relates to service life. A reliable product is less susceptible to premature failure and has comparatively low warranty claims.
Innovation: Manufacturers coming up with new ideas or products and making continual improvements.
Tool purchases in 2021, purchase decision factors, dominant brands, key challengers (brands), strategic drivers, performance index, brand ownership trends, and brand reputation gap are also explored.
Research Objectives and Methodology
Research Methodology
Methodology-Sample Sizes of Past and Current Research
Automotive Technician Profile-Shop Type and Region
Growth Environment
Automotive Tool Purchases
Decision-Making Criteria
Dominant Brand vs. Key Challengers-Ownership Gap
Automotive Tool Purchase Channel
Auto Tools Purchase Channel-Online Platforms
Most Prevalent Purchase Channel-Mobile Tool Distributor
Power Tools
2021 Purchases
Distribution Channels Over Time
Market Performance Index
Brand Ownership
Brand Reputation
Attribute Analysis of Top 5 Competitors
Why Snap-on Is the Best Brand
Hand Tools
2021 Purchases
Distribution Channels Over Time
Market Performance Index
Brand Ownership
Brand Reputation
Attribute Analysis of Top 5 Competitors
Why Snap-on Is the Best Brand
Handheld Diagnostic Tools
2021 Purchases
Distribution Channels Over Time
Market Performance Index
Brand Ownership
Brand Reputation
Attribute Analysis of Top 5 Competitors
Why Snap-on Is the Best Brand
Pneumatic/Air Tools
2021 Purchases
Distribution Channels Over Time
Market Performance Index
Brand Ownership
Brand Reputation
Attribute Analysis of Top 5 Competitors
Why Snap-on Is the Best Brand
Tool Storage Devices
2021 Purchases
Distribution Channels Over Time
Market Performance Index
Brand Ownership
Brand Reputation
Attribute Analysis of Top 5 Competitors
Why Snap-on is the Best Brand
Respondent Profile
Shop and Technician Profile
Use of Insulated Handheld Tools to Service Electric Vehicles
Appendix
Definitions
Why is it Increasingly Difficult to Grow?
The Strategic Imperative 8
Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine