KUSTOM KULTURE LOUNGE
| SEMA 2005 Photos by Cliff Stieglitz Increasing consumer interest in automotive parts and accessories is impacting the specialty automotive industry, as well as the manufacturers who produce flashy wheels, performance parts and exterior styling accessories. Exhibitors at this year’s SEMA Show responded to increased consumer demand for accessory friendly vehicles with more products than ever for new cars and trucks. There were a total of 2,055 exhibiting companies, 552 of which were first-time exhibitors. The products on display represented every niche of the $31 billion automotive specialty equipment industry, with exhibitors unveiling performance and styling products for 49 different vehicle manufacturers.
"Members of our industry make accessories for virtually every vehicle from Acuras to Volvos," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of marketing. "There isn't a vehicle on the road today that can't be accessorized." In addition to promoting and selling products to more than 100,000 attendees on the Show floor, exhibitors were able to further publicize their products through a number of tools, such as the New Products Showcase, First-Time Exhibitors Showcase and more. "Our commitment to making the Show better has never been stronger," said MacGillivray. "From ongoing efforts to provide first-time exhibitors with valuable support, to buyer outreach programs, educational seminars and networking events, the Show gives industry professionals the tools and opportunities needed to succeed." It wasn't too long ago that performance and styling accessories were only purchased and installed by die-hard hot rodders. For decades such core enthusiasts or "gearheads" knew that they could squeeze a bit more performance out of a stock vehicle or make their vehicle look better with the parts and accessories from the industry SEMA represents. But the secret is out: mainstream consumers are redefining the market as they bolt on such hot-rodding mainstays as custom wheels, exterior styling accessories, and performance products.
"Consumers don't want to settle for stock vehicles anymore," said MacGillivray. "They now know that they can take a new car, truck or SUV and use products from our industry to make it fit their individual needs better." The impact on the industry is significant. SEMA tracks activity in 16 market niches, with thousands of the association's members doing business in the youth-driven sport compact segment, truck, and mobile electronic categories. "Soccer moms, NASCAR dads, tuners, gearheads, call them what you want," MacGillivray continued. "They're excited about their vehicles and the fantastic products now available to make them even more enjoyable." According to Cliff Stieglitz, Airbrush Action’s publisher, “If you want to see some of the world’s most outrageous paint on cool cars, trucks, bikes, cutting-edge concept vehicles, and more, treat yourself to SEMA next year.” For comprehensive information about the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAshow.com. SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $31 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,466 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org and www.enjoythedrive.com. |
Every night is filled with stiff party
competition, seemingly leaving no
room or chance for “small-friers.”
Against great odds, the 1st Annual
Airbrush Confidential Bash,
sponsored by Airbrush Action,
Artool, Coast Airbrush, and Iwata-
Medea turned out to be one of the
best parties I’ve attended at SEMA.
Staged in a sumptuous suite at the
Hard Rock Hotel, the Airbrush
Confidential bash drew a great and
diverse crowd that included worldclass
custom artists—Craig Fraser, “Airbrush Confidential drew a great and diverse crowd that included world-class custom artists and industry big-wigs.” Steve Vandemon, Mike Lavallee, Tom Pruitt, Rich Evans, Kiwi Terry, to name a few—and industry big-wigs from corporate giants 3-M, House of Kolor, Anest Iwata, and others. Gary Glass, vice president of Iwata, explained, “I believe the underlying success of the Airbrush Confidential is attributed to the great sense of intimacy generated in a suite with terrific food, an open bar, and a carefully-constructed invitation list.” “Also, you can’t discount the fun, suggestive, and provocative invitation that really drew a lot of curiosity and countless outstretched hands begging for one,” added David Monnig of Coast Airbrush. According to Will Naemura, president of Iwata, the purpose of the event was to thank all “those special artists and companies who have been so supportive of the industry and party’s sponsors.” In fact, the happening was so impressive that 3-M committed on the spot to participate as a sponsor of next year’s 2nd Annual Airbrush Confidential Bash. |
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