First-time exhibitors are often of special interest to SEMA Show attendees because they bring never-before-seen products and services to the industry. In fact, first-time exhibitors are great sources of innovation and the latest product-line opportunities for installers, jobbers and retailers. They can even introduce attendees to potential crossover markets.
The proliferation of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) on OE vehicles since the turn of the 21st century has posed numerous challenges to the automotive industry. That has been especially true for the automotive aftermarket, where modification and customization are the coin of the realm. Even the slightest modification to any ADAS-equipped vehicle—a new layer of window film or a freshly painted bumper, for example—can potentially affect an ADAS system’s ability to function as intended by the manufacturer. Further complicating matters is the lack of any standardized industry protocols regarding sourcing, positioning and calibrating these systems. The learning curve can seem steep indeed to an aftermarket manufacturer looking to R&D new products to integrate with ADAS sensors or a repair shop tasked with installing them.
Porsche 992 GT3 RS: Yet another prototype of the 992 GT3 RS has been spotted at the German Nürburgring race circuit.
’23 Ford Bronco Raptor: All the expected workings of a Raptor are present and accounted for, including significantly higher ground clearance, wider wheel arches, and a wider, more aggressive stance.
Techart GTStreet R: The GTStreet R performance model of the Porsche tuning company Techart was spotted parked in downtown Stuttgart.
Industry news from SEMA-member companies, including Speedway Motors, Banks Power, Holley and more.
The current outlook of the U.S. economy remains positive, with several tailwinds helping to drive the recovery, according to the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators.” States have lifted many COVID-19 restrictions as vaccination rates rise and consumers are responding. This, combined with loose federal monetary policy and stimulus payments, is spurring consumer spending.
The SEMA Show is back for 2021! Attracting more than 150,000 industry leaders, including 60,000 buyers from around the world, the annual Show, to be held November 2–5 in Las Vegas, is still growing. This year, it will expand into the Las Vegas Convention Center’s brand-new West Hall, providing an additional 1.4 million sq. ft. of exhibit space. Despite the Show having been canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies industry-wide (including those that were first-time exhibitors in 2019) are reporting record sales over the past year, and those that struggled are now starting to bounce back.
Even in the face of a pandemic that ravaged livelihoods and economies globally, the automotive specialty-equipment market somehow managed to continue its steady growth trend, up to $47.89 billion in 2020—a 4% increase over 2019, according to the recently released “2021 SEMA Market Report.” Slower growth is expected to continue into 2022 as more businesses reopen and compete for consumer dollars before taking off again in late 2022 or early 2023.
The Illinois Senate passed SEMA-supported legislation to allow expanded-use antique vehicles to be driven without limitation for two additional months. Currently, expanded-use antique vehicles are defined as being more than 25 years old or “a bona fide replica” and are limited to traveling to and from auto shows, exhibitions, service stations and demonstrations during the colder months (November through March), but they can be driven without limitation during the warmer months (April through October). The bill proposes that the months without driving limitations to be expanded to March through November. The legislation awaits final approval or veto by Governor J.B. Pritzker.
SEMA members are invited to join a live webinar on September 15, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT) to learn about the future of electric vehicles, other alternative fuels and emerging technology.
SEMA members are invited to an upcoming webinar to learn how individuals with disabilities can bring valuable diversity to the workplace, and how to support and respond when a direct report discloses that they have disabilities.