SEMA News—January 2020
INDUSTRY NEWS
 At the MPMC Media Trade Conference, journalists have the opportunity over three days to network with dozens of industry representatives from some of the world’s leading motorsports parts manufacturers. |
Registration Now Open for 2020 MPMC Media Trade Conference
Journalists are invited to sign up for the 2020 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place January 21–23, 2020, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California. During the event, journalists will sit down in up to 42 (14 each day) private, uninterrupted meetings with executives from top motorsports parts manufacturers in the industry.
Company representatives come to the meetings with editors to discuss everything from their newest product lines to changes at their companies as well as industry trends. Lunches and breaks also provide further opportunities for meetings and networking.
Media participation is free for all editorial representatives, making it an affordable and efficient way for reporters to get information specific to their audiences’ interests while gathering a year’s worth of content.
Early registration guarantees that reporters will receive the best possible schedules prior to the event. Meetings are scheduled based on the companies that journalists select on their applications, so participants are encouraged to pay close attention to the companies they select. Journalists should also mark “Do Not Meet” for the companies outside of their editorial needs.
For questions regarding the event, visit www.sema.org or contact Juan Torres, SEMA media relations specialist at juant@sema.org or 909-978-6722.
 California-based SEMA-member companies can qualify for a $1,500 grant from the state to participate in the upcoming SEMA Middle East Business Development Program. Twenty-six other states have set aside funds as well. |
State Grant Moneys Available for Companies to Attend 2020 SEMA Middle East Trip
SEMA has won a $50,000 grant from the state of California. That is good news for California-based businesses, as qualified SEMA-member companies are eligible for $1,500 to help defray the cost of participating in the upcoming SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, March 31–April 7, 2020. Additionally, 26 other states have confirmed with SEMA that they have also set aside funds for qualified SEMA-member companies that are based in their respective states.
The California grant money is in addition to the $1,250 available from the federal government for a total grant of $2,750 to exhibit in a turnkey booth at Custom Show Emirates in the United Arab Emirates and to participate in the first-ever SEMA trip to Saudi Arabia to meet with trade buyers, attend networking events and tour specialty-equipment shops in Riyadh.
More information on grant eligibility and event schedules is available on SEMA’s website (www.sema.org) or by contacting Linda Spencer via email at lindas@sema.org.
 While CUVs are currently the fastest-growing new-vehicle segment, pickups still present the greatest opportunities for accessorization, according to the latest “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report.” |
CUVs Represent Fastest-Growing Vehicle Segment, Untapped Market for Accessorization
Even as the vehicle landscape is changing, the market for parts to modify those vehicles is growing, according to the new SEMA research report, “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report: Top Cars and Trucks,” which provides data-driven insights into the opportunities available to the automotive aftermarket. Designed to help businesses understand which cars and trucks consumers are choosing to personalize, the “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report” provides an overview of the top vehicles for accessorizing and outlines emerging segments within the $44.6 billion industry.
“The new SEMA report represents the first time we’ve been able to quantify the best opportunities for vehicle customization,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research. “Manufacturers and resellers can use this report to understand the current hot vehicles and emerging opportunities.”
The report shows that fullsize pickups, the Jeep Wrangler and musclecars—traditionally popular in the industry—remain highly desired accessory vehicles. Meanwhile, CUVs are the fastest-selling vehicle segment and may present a growth opportunity for the industry.
Although sales for traditional passenger cars have decreased over recent years, more than 20 million are projected to be sold from 2020–2026. Automotive aftermarket businesses will benefit by understanding where the industry is headed.
To learn more about where the opportunity is for your business and to understand the top-ranked vehicle models for accessorizing, download the report for free at www.sema.org/research.
 Auto-shop students from Santa Fe, New Mexico, built and auctioned a ’15 Wrangler in SEMA’s inaugural High School Vehicle Build Program in 2018. For 2020, the program will expand to 10 high schools. |
SEMA High School Build Program Expands From One to 10 in Just Two Years
The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, now entering its third year, will provide 10 high schools with hands-on learning opportunities and expose hundreds of students to the $44.6 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry. The program will include 10 schools and 10 vehicles, consisting of Jeep Wrangler TJs and Toyota 4Runners. The program aims to engage students in the customization lifestyle and introduce them to career paths within the automotive aftermarket industry.
“We launched this program with the goal of offering students a hands-on learning experience while enhancing existing curriculum in high-school automotive shop courses,” said Katie Hurst, SEMA youth engagement programs manager. “Not only did we reach that goal, but also the program was so successful that now we are expanding it to reach even more high-school automotive shop students.”
Companies interested in donating parts for the builds or learning more about the High School Vehicle Build Program can visit www.sema.org/student-builds or contact Hurst via email at katieh@sema.org.
