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ARA is calling on vehicle owners, repair facilities and insurance companies to increase utilization of ROE - Recycled Original Equipment® automotive parts as the average age of light vehicles in operation rises to 12.1 years. In response to new research from IHS Market, a research firm that delivers an annual report on the age of vehicles on the road in the United States, ARA Executive Director, Sandy Blalock took the opportunity to remind consumers that they have a choice when it comes to how their vehicle is repaired. “The age of vehicles on the road is at an historic high, increasing from 11.9 years in 2020. Professional automotive recyclers play a vital role in keeping these vehicles in road worthy condition,” stated Blalock. IHS cites the impact of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting reduction in new vehicle sales as well as increase in vehicle scrappage as primary factors in driving up the average age of light vehicles. The shortage of new cars and increasing value of used cars presents an opportunity for the recycled parts market. “ROE parts can meet the demand for quality, safe replacement parts as these older vehicles are maintained,” said ARA President, Scott Robertson. “In many cases, new OEM parts may not be available either because the automaker stopped manufacturing the parts or disruptions in the supply chain linger. Even before COVID, the average age of vehicles on the road has been trending up. Every day over 500,000 ROE parts are sold to consumers who want to protect the residual value of their vehicle. ROE parts are the smart choice in today’s replacement parts market.”