After witnessing the vast array of specialty-equipment products available to all vehicles at the 2008 SEMA Show, Jim Hitchcock, general sales manager for Auburn Honda, now realizes the value of pushing aftermarket sales.

SEMA Show New Product: Gibson Exhaust - 2009 Dodge Challenger Cat Back System

Rough Country Suspension Toyota Tundra Pickups finished off 2008 with 1,958,336 in total sales, declining 27% from 2007. Although gas prices during October–December recovered from the record-breaking highs of the summer, consumers are still shying away from big pickups.

Responses from SEMA’s latest enthusiast survey indicate their everyday vehicles, or “daily drivers,” are being held onto longer than expected; a claim made by 64% of the respondents. This, however, is likely to lead to an opportunity for SEMA members.

ProPledge™, the ground-breaking warranty assurance initiative designed to increase sales of specialty auto products through new-car dealers, has concluded its extensive testing phase and begins rolling out nationwide in January 2009.

SEMA’s grassroots efforts to prevent Congress from including a nationwide “Cash for Clunkers” program in the economic stimulus package has been successful—so far. At SEMA’s request, thousands of SEMA members and SEMA Action Network (SAN) enthusiasts contacted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in opposition...

The Green Rod project, a collaboration between SEMA member companies and the association, has yielded a retrofit kit of emissions-related aftermarket parts capable of meeting 2008 California smog-check standards. The kit was tested on a mid-80's fuel-injected 5.7L Chevy small block, a descendant of...

Now more than ever, the specialty-equipment industry needs strong, visionary leadership. SEMA's 2009 Board of Directors Nominating Committee is asking you to identify the industry's most talented leaders and nominate them for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors. Take a few minutes to tell us about...

Filler for eNews