Rises in Consumer Education and Installed Base to Steadily Drive the North American Cabin Air Filters Aftermarket

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 1 -- The North American Cabin Air Filters (CAFs) aftermarket is likely to witness consistent growth due to improving sales of vehicles fitted with CAFs and an increasing number of vehicle owners realizing the importance of CAFs in enhancing air quality.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.transportation.frost.com/ ) reveals that the North American Cabin Air Filters Aftermarket earned revenues of $44.1 million in 2005 and estimates to reach $178.3 million in 2012.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants an overview of the latest analysis of the North American Cabin Air Filters Aftermarket, then send an e-mail to Tolu Babalola - Corporate Communications at tolu.babalola@frost.com with the following information: full name, company name, title, telephone number, e- mail address, city, state, and country. The brochure will be e-mailed to you upon receipt of this information.

"Revenues for the CAF aftermarket are likely to increase as vehicle owners and service technicians become aware of the existence of CAFs in their vehicles and replace these filters regularly," states Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Stephen Spivey. "Integrating the replacement of CAFs with routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes can drive the aftermarket without a corresponding change in the installed base."

However, market development is limited due to low consumer awareness. To achieve a significant growth rate, manufacturers can proactively educate distributors as well as installers, who can in turn educate vehicle owners about the maintenance needs for CAFs.

"This can be accomplished through sales training, consumer-oriented web sites and installation instructions to help service technicians locate the filters and change them in real time," notes Spivey.

Currently, cars and trucks are not factory equipped with CAFs due to cost and space constraints, while leading automakers only offer CAFs as an option in select models. This is adversely affecting the growth of the installed base.

The decline is likely to gradually change since a majority of consumers prefer dealer options that include a CAF as standard equipment in the purchased vehicle.

"Growth rates are likely to increase as automakers respond to consumer preferences for interior cabin filtration, which are available in imported vehicles," states Spivey.

North American Cabin Air Filters Aftermarket, part of the North American Automotive Aftermarket Subscription, includes research in the following markets:

   * North American Brake System Parts Aftermarket
   * North American Lighting Aftermarket
   * North American HVAC Parts Aftermarket

The study provides an overview of the market size, a discussion of drivers, restraints and an in-depth analysis of market share. It includes detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. For additional commentary, analyst interviews with the press are available.

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com/ .