Have you been noticing more cars on the road than in the past? Your eyes are not deceiving you - the number of vehicles taking to the streets is on the rise. According to Experian Automotive, the total amount of cars and light trucks on the road hit 247.9 million by the end of October 2013, which is the highest number since 2009.
Not only are more cars on the road, but the vehicles are also getting older. The average age of cars was 10.9 years by the end of the third quarter of 2013, which is almost a full year older than the recorded age at the same time in 2009, Experian Automotive reported. Much of this is due to easy access to auto repair, as well as improved vehicle maintenance on newer model cars.
"During the recession, new vehicle sales dropped, causing challenges for aftermarket companies," said Marty Miller, senior manager for Experian Automotive. "However, the recent uptick in new vehicle sales, combined with more aging vehicles on the road, means these challenges will only be in the short term. As new vehicles begin to age and enter the prime aftermarket repair years, growth opportunities will rebound."
Of all the vehicles on the road, many came from General Motors. The manufacturer had a share of 26.6 percent of all cars being driven, which was easily the largest percentage of any automaker.