MorrisAnderson

Americans are keeping new and used vehicles longer because of better quality, concern about debt and economic uncertainty, according to a report Tuesday by researcher R.L. Polk.

Based on data collected in the third quarter of 2011, owners kept new vehicles an average of 71.4 months, nearly six years, the longest in the eight years Polk has done the survey. It's nearly two years longer than in 2003.

The trend was similar for used vehicles, which consumers kept an average of 49.9 months, also a record, and up from 32.2 months in 2003.

Factors Polk cited in the trend:

Consumer spending remains conservative in a still-weak job market.

Many buyers have taken longer-term loans for affordable payments.

Vehicles from recent years have been more durable and reliable.

Does this mean pent-up demand, or will car owners remain more budget-minded? Polk says the study's results don't necessarily foretell future sales, but they definitely show an opportunity for replacement parts companies.

"As the aftermarket prepares to service this aging vehicle population we're currently working with customers in the aftermarket to help them prepare for increasing demand throughout the entire supply chain," said Mark Seng, global aftermarket practice leader at Polk. Last month in a separate report, Polk found that the average age of cars and light trucks on U.S. roads was a record 10.8 years.

NHTSA probes air bag defect

A side air bag defect that already has caused Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Subaru recalls is being probed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and recalls by more makers may follow.

The four makers have recalled a total of 2,700 vehicles so far because the bags might not inflate, and all four told NHTSA that their problem inflators came from the Americas unit of Swedish parts maker Autoliv.

The Associated Press reported that NHTSA posted documents about the probe of the Autoliv parts on its website last weekend. The defect involves a bad gas mixture for side curtain bags that could result in their not inflating, according to the documents.

Autoliv told NHTSA it shipped 10,500 problem inflators to automakers and two other air bag makers.

In addition to the four companies with recalls, parts went to Chrysler Group, Ford Motor, General Motors, Kia Motors America and Suzuki Motor. GM and Ford spokesmen told the AP their inflators are designed differently and have not failed in extensive testing, and that they don't expect recalls. Chrysler and Kia did not return messages. Suzuki said it could not comment because it had not received NHTSA notification.

Autoliv spokesman Mats dman told the AP in an e-mail that the problem occurred once in production parts tests at minus-22 degrees Fahrenheit, but further tests showed a risk at low temperatures. Toyota and Honda first reported the defect to NHTSA on Jan. 31.

Models recalled so far include limited numbers of 2011 Toyota RAV-4s, 2012 Honda Accords, Civics and Crosstours, 2012 Acura MDXs, 2012 Subaru Legacys and Outbacks, and 2012 Nissan Altimas and Versas.

Gardner also reports for the Detroit Free Press

Subject

TRENDS (90%); MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT (89%); ROAD TRANSPORTATION SAFETY (89%); VEHICLE AIRBAGS (89%); AUTOMOTIVE RECALLS (89%); AIRBAG MFG (89%); MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS MFG (87%); MOTOR VEHICLES (78%); BUDGETS (78%); AUTOMAKERS (73%); AUTOMOBILE MFG (73%); AUTOMOTIVE MFG (73%); EMPLOYMENT (71%)

Industry

NAICS336111 AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURING (81%); NAICS336112 LIGHT TRUCK & UTILITY VEHICLE MANUFACTURING (58%); SIC3711 MOTOR VEHICLES & PASSENGER CAR BODIES (58%); NAICS336991 MOTORCYCLE, BICYCLE & PARTS MANUFACTURING (51%); NAICS336211 MOTOR VEHICLE BODY MANUFACTURING (51%)

Ticker

FORDP (PAR) (58%); F (NYSE) (58%); GM (NYSE) (51%); 7269 (TSE) (51%)

Geographic

UNITED STATES (93%)