Rise in light truck sales puts accessories in high gear

The truck accessory market is booming as light truck sales increase. Light trucks made up 44% of all vehicle sales in 1996, compared to 22% in 1983, and sales are predicted to reach 6.5 million in 1997. Light truck owners spend approximately $1,700 on accessories, including mats, bed caps, tonneau covers, and bed liners. Between 1985 and 1995, sales of truck accessories grew from $13.3 billion to $26.2 billion, but discount stores have only a 14.2% share of the market.
Fueled by the boom in light truck sales, truck accessories sales more than doubled over the past decade, while passenger car accessories rose only 10%. Including pickup trucks, sports utility [...]