Dealers, distributors, independent garages, auto parts stores and others weigh in on the medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle market
Lombard, Ill.—Shifts are occurring within the medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle aftermarket distribution channels, according to a new report by MacKay & Company.
The annual study, 2026 DataMac U.S. Distribution Report, provides insights from 260-plus businesses — dealers, distributors, independent garages, auto parts stores and others — and offers a detailed view into parts and service labor sales, inventory strategies and parts sourcing behaviors.
Here are a few highlights from the analysis.
• Genuine OE brands account for over 60% of all parts purchased for resale or installation, and dealers and engine distributors hold the largest shares among channels.
• Some shifts are evident: engine distributors and auto parts stores are seeing increased adoption of aftermarket and non-OE parts in 2025 compared to prior years. In contrast, dealers and HDD/specialists are moving more toward OE.
• When asked, distribution channels identify parts availability as the top challenge the industry faced in 2025. Not surprising, when channels were asked how manufacturers can support channels, part availability is cited by 34% of respondents.
• Cost and pricing pressure came in as the No. 3 challenge of 2025, but this is the area where the largest percentage, 38%, of distribution channels called for greater manufacturer support to manage ongoing cost pressures. The No. 2 challenge is labor constraints.
• Parts pricing rose an average of 4.0% in 2025 compared to 2024 — still elevated relative to long-term trends but significantly lower than the sharp 10.2% increase seen in 2022. Pricing varies across distribution channels, ranging from approximately 3.3% to 4.6%, reflecting differences in channel dynamics and shifts in the retail sales mix.
• Overall, the OE channel commands the largest portion of the aftermarket parts purchases for both first owners (53%) and subsequent owners (46%). As vehicles age, drop out of warranty or change ownership, parts and service sourcing tends to shift away from OE channels.
• A larger percent of parts are purchased through the HDD/Specialist and the Independent Garage channels. This shift is influenced in part by price sensitivity, with further changes likely driven by availability and evolving customer preferences.
• At 25%, The HDD/Specialist channel has the second largest average parts market share for subsequent owners (23% for new vehicle owners). Independent Garages hold 6% for new vehicle owners and 14% for subsequent owners.
The full report is available by contacting John Blodgett at john.blodgett@mackayco.com.
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