Market Snapshot

Every modern vehicle is dependent upon electronics. From the engine's ignition to sound systems, from safety sensors to climate controls, electronics have become integral to how vehicle operate and how their drivers perceive the on-road experience. And now electronics from outside the vehicle are resulting in a whole new wave of connectivity.

For the past several years, SEMA has been working to provide added value to participation in the annual industry trade show in Las Vegas. This past year, the association conducted a first-ever Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program at the SEMA Show that was intended to promote new products beyond the walls of the Las Vegas Convention Center and provide meaningful feedback to both exhibitor and attendee member companies.

The entire automotive landscape has changed over the past two years, but the effects of higher fuel prices and a deep recession may be most evident in the truck , sport-utility and off-road segments of the industry. Super-sized SUVs have been particularly hard hit, with sales dropping precipitously and one previously vaunted brand vanishing into the dust of a receding market.

Still, while ruts and rocks obscure the way, brighter vistas are coming into view.

Recently introduced at the 2010 New York Auto Show and ready to launch later this year, the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon offers performance enthusiasts yet another opportunity to accessorize.

Good news for the automotive aftermarket: recent market research shows the industry growing between three and four percent in 2010 and beyond.

Named Most Accessory-Friendly Vehicle at the 2009 SEMA Show for the second straight year by SEMA members, the Chevrolet Camaro has also been awarded the 2010 World Car Design of the Year at the New York International Auto Show.

Super-tuned versions of popular enthusiast cars, including the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X, are still potentially strong sellers despite the current economic state.

Demonstrating the specialty-equipment industry's growing global reach, international buyer and attendee attendance continues to climb. Hailing from 140 countries and U.S. territories, 2009 SEMA Show international attendees increased to 25%, a 5% rise from 2008, according Hedges & Company data.

It may seem like an empty buzzword, but 68% of your industry peers are using social media to connect with customers, suppliers and competitors. Can you afford to ignore it?

At the 2009 SEMA Show, 57% of American buyers in attendance had been in business 11 years or longer—a five percent increase from 2008.