5 Car Business Ideas for Auto-Loving Entrepreneurs

There are more than 284 million light vehicles on our nation’s roadways, making car businesses a lucrative market for entrepreneurs. Explore car business ideas and find the perfect fit for your future in the auto world.

Cars play a central role in the lives of most Americans. Purchasing a new car is often a rite of passage and our vehicles often reflect our personalities and passions. Our vehicles enable us to work, live, and play. Not surprisingly more than half of Americans are “in love” with their cars, because of their comfort, reliability, and safety, according to a survey by TrueCar. As a result, the U.S. aftermarket auto industry is recession-resilient and generated $218.82 billion in 2023. Precedence Research estimates it will be worth more than $336.79 billion by 2033. Even as the industry evolves and the sale of electric cars inches up, demand for auto repair and other auto-related services remains strong.

If you love cars and want a career where you can work with automobiles, a car franchise allows you to open a turnkey business with a proven brand, training, and support. To find your franchise match, here are five in-demand automotive business ideas:

1. Auto repair: With the average age of cars on the road hitting 12.5 years in 2023, an auto repair franchise can be a thriving option. Auto repair franchises require a hefty real estate investment and you’ll need to find skilled mechanics to ensure you meet customer demands.
2. Window tinting: As temperatures continue to rise, a window tinting franchise holds promise. Window tinting franchises typically provide automotive window tint, paint protection, and architectural tinting, providing multiple revenue streams. Window tinting is subject to state-by-state regulations, which may limit your lineup of services.
3. Quick-lube: Even as electric vehicle (EV) sales grow, quick-lube shops remain a viable business with strong potential. By focusing on convenience and speed, quick-lube shops drive repeat business. Offering limited services enables quick-lube operators to use on-the-job training to boost retention. But you’ll face heavy competition and limited upselling opportunities.
4. Car chargers: Business opportunities in the charging industry are ramping up. An EV charging franchise may be a great opportunity to capitalize on sustainability trends, but the number of existing franchise options is still small. EV chargers are a better choice for existing businesses, such as restaurants, gas stations, and retail locations, to drive traffic and add another source of income.
5. Auto restoration: If you’re looking for a small business idea in the automotive field, a car restoration business is a low-investment, high-reward option. You can take advantage of both a B2B and B2C customer base by providing services to dealerships and car owners. As new car prices skyrocket, restoration can be a valuable alternative.

CCI: An Auto Franchise Alternative

CCI is a car business idea focused on the specialized repair and restoration of leather and vinyl. In addition to leather furniture and vinyl flooring, we restore cars, RVs, boats, and airplanes. Our mobile business model enables us to visit customers at their locations, providing convenience and personalized service. We can save customers up to 90% of replacement costs.

Here are some of the benefits of partnering with CCI:

• To help you get started, we assist with establishing your client base and have national accounts to drive sales.
• Our franchisees attend an intensive four-week training program and receive ongoing consultation services to keep your business at peak performance.
• Each franchisee has an exclusive and protected territory.
• We have an equipment package for operator convenience and each of our vans is equipped with all the tools you need to serve customers.

Request franchise information to learn more about partnering with CCI to launch your car business.