Market Snapshot

Four, it turns out, is the magic number.

That’s the amount, in dollars, that 72% of auto enthusiasts will have to start paying for a gallon of gas before seriously considering the purchase of an alternative fuel vehicle.

Street performance isn't just about straightline speed anymore. Most enthusiasts today favor a balanced approach to power, handling and braking.

The February version of SEMA’s Consumer Demand Index is now available at www.sema.org/research/padi. The index this month rose to 35, up four points from January 2010. Overall, 9% of respondents indicated that they have plans to purchase specialty-equipment products sometime in the next three months.

Truck and SUV enthusiasts remain unfazed by gas prices, according to a survey of truck, off-road and SUV enthusiasts at the 2009 SEMA Show. Most surveyed said they were "not at all likely" to get rid of their big vehicle even if gas prices rise.

The January 2010 SEMA Consumer Demand Index for Performance Products and Accessories (formerly PADI) is now available for download at www.sema.org/research/padi.

SEMA and Ford coordinated on the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program at the 2009 SEMA Show, asking more than 500 enthusiasts to report on interesting products and trends to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Forty-one percent of manufacturers and 44% of retailers expect business to stay flat in 2010, compard with the same period last year.

No single element can change a car or truck's look like a set of wheels and tires, which makes it the first purchase for many enthusiasts. Learn more about changing trends in rolling stock for this year.

Ford plans to re-introduce its 5.0L V8 in the 2011 Mustang GT, offering an update to the iconic engine with increased horsepower and fuel economy.

The SEMA Financial Benchmarking Report is a new program that allows your company to benchmark key sales performance indicators against industry averages. Three reports are available, one each for manufacturers, WDs and retailers.