Sneak Peek: Q1 2026 Wholesale Trends Report

YoY Mechanical Parts Sales Trends

While economic headwinds remained persistent in late 2025 and into 2026, RepairLink experienced a 24% increase in mechanical parts sales in Q1 year-over-year. Given the significant growth, especially when 49%* of shops believe customers are more cost conscious, the uptick may reflect increased repair complexity related to vehicle technology as well as the economic impact on parts availability.

YoY Collision Parts Sales Trends

Despite similar headwinds and challenges in the collision repair industry, including increases in total losses and vehicle complexity, CollisionLink experienced a 9% increase in part sales (vs. Q1 2025). Like the mechanical trends, performance may reflect growing repair complexity, varying economic impacts on parts and availability, and insurance and OE part requirements.

YoY Mechanical Parts Order Volume Trends

Mechanical parts order volume, like sales trends, showed a 16+% increase YoY in Q1 2026 vs. 2025. Similar factors may be contributing to the upward trend in order volume, including increasing average vehicle age, expanding OE parts & rebates programs, and consumer sentiment (repair rather than replace).

YoY Collision Parts Order Volume Trends

While compared to mechanical, collision parts sales showed softer (but not insignificant) growth over Q1 2025. That said, collision parts order volume still increased 15.5% YoY. The YoY growth may be attributed to several factors, such as harsher winter, OEM repair & certification requirements, and EV & hybrid repair costs.