David Portalatin is the industry analyst for The NPD Group’s automotive aftermarket division. David’s diverse background and experience gives him an in-depth understanding of consumer purchase patterns and trends in the automotive aftermarket, motor fuels, and convenience retailing industries.

He has observed that the American consumer’s dependence upon the automobile is a key driver impacting how their dollars are spent. Whether fueling, maintaining, or accessorizing their cars, or stopping at a convenience store to fuel up or make a quick purchase, consumers’ driving behaviors are influencing a significant portion of their total buying power. Prior to joining NPD in 1999, David held various positions in petroleum marketing, convenience retailing, and foodservice wholesale distribution

David is available to offer expert insight and commentary on these and many other industry-related topics:

• Consumer behavior and trends in the U.S. gasoline marketplace
• Car care product purchasing behavior 
• Automotive aftermarket sales trends
• Consumer purchasing behavior at convenience stores

He is often a featured speaker at industry events, such as the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), Convenience Retailing Conference and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), and corporate meetings with retailers and manufacturers in the automotive aftermarket, motor fuels, and convenience retailing industries. David serves as a media source for articles on gas prices, consumer driving behavior and aftermarket topics. His comments have appeared in USA Today, CNBC, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times and other national recognized media outlets.