Vehicle Technology

About this product:

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 vehicles 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.

About this product:

Vehicle technologies are accelerating as rapidly as an American Le Mans Series racer exiting a hairpin onto a straightaway. The new watchwords for automotive development include vehicle electrification, hybrids, gas direct injection (GDI), clean diesels and next-generation green performance. For SEMA-member companies, the landscape is erupting with innovation and opportunity. But where is it all going? Where are we now, and where are we headed?

About this product:

Automakers spent a good deal of effort at this year’s auto shows focusing on electrics, plug-in hybrids and a range of alt-technology hopefuls. Interesting future-view sort of stuff. Here in the present tense, there is a quiet reality that warrants the focus of the performance aftermarket: the great majority of vehicles that are on the road today, and those we will be buying in the coming 5, 10 or even 15 years, will involve an internal combustion engine and a consumer looking for efficiency without sacrificing performance.

About this product:

The automotive industry landscape is very rocky right now. A rapid sales rebound is not on the horizon, and many companies are going through radical restructuring. A research report commissioned by SEMA and conducted by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) sees opportunity for SEMA members in this environment.

About this product:

Other than powertrain components that have to coexist with vehicle on-board computers, mobile-electronics components can often be the most complex specialty-equipment accessories added to a vehicle. The key to success in this market is the ability to convince enthusiasts and consumers alike that they have to have these cool products on their vehicles.

About this product:

These are tough times for automotive performance aftermarket companies. The entire paradigm on which many built their existence—the dominance of the internal-combustion engine—appears to be collapsing.

Actually, however, the best of times for some specialty-equipment companies is yet to come. The internal-combustion engine will still be the dominant powertrain technology for quite a while. Aftermarket firms can continue to benefit from demand for products to make the internal-combustion engine increasingly more fuel efficient.

About this product:

Ford was the Vehicle Manufacturer of the Show for the 2009 SEMA Show, but its support for specialty-equipment companies goes well beyond that. The Ford Licensed Accessories Program offers qualified SEMA members the chance to boost sales of their products through Ford dealerships.