2026 PMA Benchmark Report Releases With Key Insights for Auto Repair Shops

Paar, Melis & Associates has released its 2026 PMA Benchmark Report, as shared in a recent press release.

Based on data collected from auto repair shops across the United States, the annual report examines the key performance indicators, business practices, and emerging trends influencing profitability and long-term growth.

This year, the report focuses on where the industry's highest-performing shops are finding opportunities for growth and profitability despite ongoing challenges, including rising costs, workforce shortages, and changing vehicle technology. It also covers the operational habits, leadership strategies, and business practices employed by top-performing shops.

In addition to benchmarking financial and operational performance, the report explores several issues shaping the future of the auto repair industry, including AI-powered profit discovery and accounts payable optimization, with insights from WickedFile, as well as technician recruitment and retention trends with data from Promotive. Changing vehicle demographics, evolving maintenance patterns, and the growing impact of emerging technologies on independent repair shops are also covered in the report.

Those interested in viewing the 2026 PMA Benchmark Report can request a copy online now.

"The most successful shop owners aren't necessarily working harder—they're making better decisions with their time, people, and resources," said Hunt Demarest, CPA/ABV, owner of Paar, Melis & Associates. "This report gives owners an opportunity to compare their business against industry benchmarks and identify where the greatest opportunities for improvement exist."