I never operated an automotive shop, but I did run my own business for a little over 20 years. I think every business is cyclic in nature. Some cycles are deeper than others too. Some businesses closely follow the country's economy while others lag behind it, both up and down. The business owner/operator should consider the potential of cycles in his business plan. If he doesn't, and spends all his profit in the boom times, he will be in trouble when times get tight. In a way, this is good overall for the economy. The stronger, healthier businesses will weather the storm, while the weaker, poorly-operated ones will fall by the wayside.

Just my $.02,
Wes