Questions often arise concerning the number of automotive repair facilities within the United States and the number of people employed within those facilities. Well, the latest numbers along with total sales figures are currently available.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of general mechanical repair shops, auto body shops and auto dealerships that provide parts and services increased from 1996 to 1997.

Independent repair shops increased from 66,870 shops in 1996 to 68,390 shops at the end of 1997. The number of employees within these shops also increased from 252,107 in 1996 to 265,518 in 1997. Total sales for general independent repair shops also increased from almost $29 billion to near $30.5 billion.

Collision shops also showed increases in numbers; changing from 36,095 shops in 1996 to 36,690 shops in 1997. The employee numbers also sported an increase of slightly more than 5,000 employees; changing from 194,336 employees in 1996 to 201,675 employees in 1997. Total sales for collision shops in the United States increased by $1 billion, going from near $19 billion to $20 billion.

Automotive dealerships that sell both new and used cars increased from 25,962 establishments in 1996 to 26,211 establishments in 1997. According to the NADA, 100 percent of these establishments have parts and services departments and 50 percent have collision repair facilities. The total sales for service departments of auto dealerships topped out at $60.8 billion for 1996. Unfortunately, 1997 total sales figures are not currently available.

If you are interested in specific numbers within your state, please contact Denise Caspersen, ASA's research management specialist, at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236. ASA currently has the capability to provide establishment numbers down to a county level.

Stat Corner is written by Denise Caspersen, ASA's research management specialist. She can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236.

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