The proliferation of new car features, including advanced driver assistance systems, telematics/infotainment modules, and alternative powertrains, requires automotive repair shops to continually invest in new handheld diagnostic tools that can read the latest vehicle fault codes. Without up-to-date tools, service providers in the automotive aftermarket are at a competitive disadvantage.
The total handheld scan tools market will grow from approximately $365.0 million in 2019 to an estimated $409.2 million by 2026; however, growth rates will be higher for more advanced tools.
Research Scope
The research presents the current market size for two product segments:
- Handheld scan tools
- Multifunctional diagnostics
Unit shipment and revenue are presented where the product enters one of the tracked distribution channels, which include manufacturers, warehouse distributors, auto parts retailers, and online sellers. The study also estimates market shares for the top suppliers: Snap-on, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, Launch Tech USA, and Autel Intelligent Technologies.
It also identifies the major growth opportunities and trends, including private labeling, brand licensing, direct importing, and joint ventures.
A handheld scan tool is a device that reads multiple systems and performs bi-directional controls. It performs functional tests and connects through OBD or proprietary connectors. Multifunctional diagnostics can do full-function scans as well as higher-level readings. It may come equipped with a lab scope and is Internet capable.
Research Highlights
This research covers handheld scan tools and multifunctional diagnostics sold by manufacturers/suppliers in the United States and Canada. The methodology includes primary research with diagnostic tool manufacturers/distributors and customer surveys with automotive mechanics, as well as secondary data sources. It includes unit shipment and revenue forecasts at the end-user level, pricing measurements, percent of dollars by distribution channel, and market share analyses. The base year is 2019. Historical data covers the 2016 to 2018 period, and the forecast extends to 2026. The vehicle scope includes passenger cars and light trucks. Code readers and app-based scan tools are excluded from this analysis.
Key Issues Addressed
- What is the market size by units shipped and revenue? By how much will the market grow over the forecast period?
- Which product segments will drive growth and offer new opportunities to suppliers?
- Which distribution channels account for the most sales? How is changing customer behavior affecting the growth outlook of various distributors?
- How is pricing for handheld scan tools changing? What are the factors that influence pricing?
- Which suppliers are poised for market share growth over the short term?
Author: Stephen Spivey

Key Findings
Market Engineering Measurements
Unit Shipment and Revenue Forecast
Research Scope
Vehicle Segmentation
Product Segmentation and Definitions
Market Definitions
Economic Outlook for Canada and the US
Vehicles in Operation Forecast by Age
Annual Vehicle Miles Travelled Forecast
Unit Shipment Forecast by Product Type
Revenue Forecast by Product Type
Percent of Revenue Forecast by Distribution Channel
Competitive Analysis—Market Share
Unit Shipment and Revenue Forecast
Unit Shipment Forecast by Country
Retail Price Comparison by Brand
Competitive Analysis—Market Share
Unit Shipment and Revenue Forecast
Unit Shipment Forecast by Country
Retail Price Comparison by Brand
Competitive Analysis—Market Share
Supplier Benchmarking
Competitor Profile—Autel Intelligent Technology Corp., Ltd.
Competitor Profile—Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc.
Competitor Profile—Launch Tech USA
Competitor Profile—Matco Tools Corporation
Competitor Profile—Mac Tools
Competitor Profile—Snap-on Incorporated
Automotive Market Trends—Impact on Diagnostic Tools
Over-the-Air Updates
Mobile Scan Apps
Telematics and Data Access
Connectivity—Prognostics and Remote Diagnostics
Electric Vehicles
Vehicle Complexity
Growth Opportunity—Private Labeling
Strategic Imperatives for Automotive Handheld Diagnostic Tool Suppliers
3 Big Predictions
Legal Disclaimer
Market Engineering Methodology
Table of Acronyms Used
List of Exhibits
List of Exhibits (continued)
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Research Scope
The research presents the current market size for two product segments:
- Handheld scan tools
- Multifunctional diagnostics
Unit shipment and revenue are presented where the product enters one of the tracked distribution channels, which include manufacturers, warehouse distributors, auto parts retailers, and online sellers. The study also estimates market shares for the top suppliers: Snap-on, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, Launch Tech USA, and Autel Intelligent Technologies.
It also identifies the major growth opportunities and trends, including private labeling, brand licensing, direct importing, and joint ventures.
A handheld scan tool is a device that reads multiple systems and performs bi-directional controls. It performs functional tests and connects through OBD or proprietary connectors. Multifunctional diagnostics can do full-function scans as well as higher-level readings. It may come equipped with a lab scope and is Internet capable.
Research Highlights
This research covers handheld scan tools and multifunctional diagnostics sold by manufacturers/suppliers in the United States and Canada. The methodology includes primary research with diagnostic tool manufacturers/distributors and customer surveys with automotive mechanics, as well as secondary data sources. It includes unit shipment and revenue forecasts at the end-user level, pricing measurements, percent of dollars by distribution channel, and market share analyses. The base year is 2019. Historical data covers the 2016 to 2018 period, and the forecast extends to 2026. The vehicle scope includes passenger cars and light trucks. Code readers and app-based scan tools are excluded from this analysis.
Key Issues Addressed
- What is the market size by units shipped and revenue? By how much will the market grow over the forecast period?
- Which product segments will drive growth and offer new opportunities to suppliers?
- Which distribution channels account for the most sales? How is changing customer behavior affecting the growth outlook of various distributors?
- How is pricing for handheld scan tools changing? What are the factors that influence pricing?
- Which suppliers are poised for market share growth over the short term?
Author: Stephen Spivey
| Deliverable Type | Market Research |
|---|---|
| No Index | No |
| Podcast | No |
| Author | Stephen Spivey |
| Industries | Automotive |
| WIP Number | K2D4-01-00-00-00 |
| Is Prebook | No |
| GPS Codes | 9800-A6,9801-A6,9AF6-A6 |
Demand Analysis for Handheld Diagnostic Tools in North America, Forecast to 2026
Vehicle Complexity Driving Migration to More Advanced Diagnostics Devices
06-Mar-2020
North America
Market Research
