Of the many categories that comprise the aftermarket, powersports stands out with consumers for its ability to offer fun, utility and outdoor recreation. According to research by Global Market Insights, the industry is expected to trend upward from $11 billion in 2018 to $14.5 billion by 2025. Interestingly, much of the current growth is attributable not to motorcycles, the category’s traditional stalwarts, but to the rise of utility-task vehicles (UTVs), also commonly called side-by-sides.
While artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being applied on a massive scale to alter the very nature of how the world works, it turns out AI is also very good at making everyday drudgery disappear.
If the SEMA Show comprises the body of the automotive aftermarket, Hot Rod Alley might well be said to be its beating heart. For decades, the hot-rod and performance-street segments have led the aftermarket in leading-edge engine, drivetrain and suspension technologies. Given recent industry and technological trends, the hot-rodding market segment only figures to increase in popularity and sales in years to come.
One hundred and fifty-seven SEMA-member companies have traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the association to take part in the SEMA Middle East Business Development Program and Custom Show Emirates trade show since the inaugural trip there in 2012. While certain trends, vehicle mixes and other factors have changed in the intervening eight years since the first trip, some fundamentals are consistent, including the following.
Is today’s younger generation giving up on driving, shunning car culture and turning away from vehicle accessorization? Far from it, says a new consumer study by SEMA’s Marketing Research department. In fact, the recently released “SEMA Young Accessorizers Report” suggests that this demographic is still as car crazy as ever—just in a different way.
Mustang Hybrid: If this is the Mustang hybrid, expect it to borrow the 3.3L V6 hybrid setup from the recently debuted Explorer Hybrid.
Prototype Corvette: Here is the latest prototype of the mid-engine Corvette, with photos of the production headlights, taillights, “Batwing” and other details that we haven’t seen before.
Kia Tusker: The Kia Tusker will ride on the same platform that will underpin the next-gen Hyundai Creta.
What vehicle can be more American than a truck? Ever since Henry Ford introduced his first Model T in 1908, light trucks have been the vehicles of the masses, both at home and abroad. Powerful, sturdy, versatile and capable of almost anything, wherever they go, we work with them, play with them and return to them again and again when times are good. And right now, it seems, times are very good indeed.
Ford Explorer ST: The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade, likely for the ’20 model year.
Porsche 911 Cabriolet: Visual upgrades are rather mild, with the 992 exterior being heavily based on the outgoing model.
Land Rover Defender: The prototype shows a wealth of design cues from the Defender, as well as a few from the Discovery and Range Rover families.
Among the several distinguished honors bestowed at the annual SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, the Person of the Year award stands as perhaps the most prestigious. More than their own personal or career achievements, individuals who have received the award were selected in recognition of their tremendous service and contributions to the industry in advancing the success of the entire marketplace. At the recent 2018 SEMA Show ceremonies held in Las Vegas on Thursday night, November 1, the association named Melanie White of Hellwig Products as its 2018 Person of the Year.
The 2018 SEMA Show featured nearly 3,000 new products on display in the New Products Showcase—the No. 1 destination for attending buyers and media. All products entered were eligible for SEMA New Product Awards in 16 different categories, including street-performance, racing, off-roading and mobile-electronics, and each category had one winner and two runners-up. The annual competition recognizes the development of ground-breaking new products introduced to the automotive specialty-equipment market.