Offering Access to Hard-to-Obtain Vehicles What do a Toyota HiLux, a Ford Ranger T6, an UAZ Hunter and a Mitsubishi L200 have in common? For one thing these vehicles are known for being aftermarket-accessory friendly, are extremely popular with enthusiasts and are typically upgraded by owners who seek to take them off-roading. Another thing they have in common is that none of these vehicles are sold in the United States, but being very popular throughout the much of the rest of the world, they offer export marketing potential for U.S. companies.
Brazil has long been on a short list of automotive specialty-equipment
markets that SEMA is tracking as having the potential to develop into
one of the world’s most important.
An often-overlooked resource for SEMA members seeking new overseas markets for their products are export management companies (EMCs). A growing number of SEMA members are already selling their products directly overseas, many with great success. But an even larger number are not fully tapping their export potential.
A great product mixed with great service is the key factor identified by Bob Scheid, vice president of export-savvy flywheel and clutch manufacturer Fidanza Engineering Corp., in the company’s growing overseas sales.
More than 50 personnel from SEMA-member companies as well as association executives visited Dubai recently to explore business opportunities.
Selling products to overseas markets is an important opportunity often overlooked by manufacturers seeking new customers to help weather the economic storm.
SEMA interviewed eight leading distributor/retail centers in China to learn about each shop's most modified vehicles, top brands and products and installation capacity.
