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SEMA Show 2009
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Every first week of November, all eyes focus on the SEMA show, the largest automotive vehicle specialty equipment show that's held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) showcases new products, trends, and provides the arena to connect manufacturers with jobbers, retailers and the media.
Because the show is not open to the public, many car and truck enthusiasts anxiously wait to hear and see what the newest trends and products are, so they can keep their vehicles on the cutting edge of what's "cool." In the past, the show was the launch pad for 24-inch wheels, Donks (cars that are lifted to accommodate larger wheels and tires that don't normally fit within the vehicle's wheel wells), extremely lifted pickup trucks, hot import street racers and a host of high-performance early and late-model muscle cars. While trucks and import cars have dominated in past years, it's the excitement of late-model muscle that was the platform to introduce an abundance of new performance parts and customizing items for this growing segment. This was showcased by the amount of modified and customized Dodge Challengers and 2010 Ford Mustangs and Chevy Camaros displayed throughout the show.
If it's trucks you like, the obvious choice for aftermarket manufacturers to conceive new products for, was the new 2009 model Ford F-150. Several were outfitted with suspension lifts, new bumpers, and an abundance of accessories that many truck owners are anxious to get their hands on to personalize their vehicles. But another popular vehicle at the show were Jeeps. The JK four-door Jeep is extremely popular with off-road enthusiasts and aftermarket manufacturers. New products for the JK were abundant, including full suspension systems, and heavy-duty rock crawling gear.
Many had thought that the automotive aftermarket may have suffered an extreme blow during this economy, but car and truck enthusiasts still represent a $31 billion dollar industry, proving that we'd rather pass on our daily Starbucks coffee and eating out, than giving up a hobby that's truly in the heart of many Americans. This year's SEMA show was a case in point. Many manufacturers said that sales are down, but instead of cutting corners and using cheaper materials, many have focused on higher-quality, and U.S. manufacturing to gain consumer confidence for the dollars that are spent in this marketplace. With 2010 just around the corner, the automotive aftermarket looks like it will succeed in the months to come and continue to reach at the heart of many who love and cherish their automobiles.
For more info: Visit www.semashow.org.
Parnelli Jones checks out this Viper powered Baja buggy at the 2009 SEMA Show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Photo by Dan Sanchez
One of many customized and modified Dodge Challengers at the SEMA Show. Photo by Dan Sanchez
Old muscle cars just seem to get better and better. This 1970 Mustang features modern 570 cubic inch muscle under the hood. Photo by Dan Sanchez
The SEMA Green Zone was an area of the show dedicated to promoting alternative fuels mixed with performance. Photo By Dan Sanchez
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