The North American Cabin Air Filters (CAF) 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 reveals that the North American Cabin Air Filters Aftermarket earned revenues of $44.1 million in 2005 and estimates it will reach $178.3 million in 2012.

"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," said 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 websites and installation instructions to help service technicians locate the filters and change them in real time," said 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 change gradually 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," said Spivey.

To learn more, visit Frost & Sullivan’s website: www.frost.com.