Driven by strong demand for navigation and entertainment, sales in the mobile electronics market grew 10.6% in 2006 to $6.1 billion, up from $5.5 billion in 2005, according to SEMA research. Although audio systems still comprise the greatest share of the segment, navigation and entertainment systems, defined as systems integrating audio, video, DVD players, game consoles, etc., grew to 23.5% market share in 2006, or $1.4 billion in retail sales. That’s an 11.9% and $1.1 billion increase since 1999.

Navigation and entertainment systems, in some ways, mirror the growth of the segment overall, which has seen extraordinary growth in the past seven years. Since 1999, the mobile electronics market has averaged 12.5% growth per year—up $2.8 billion.

For comparison, as the mobile electronics market grew 10.6% last year, the whole performance parts and accessories market grew 7.12%. And consider that the 2007 SEMA Show featured 218 mobile electronics exhibitors (including 74 first-timers)—up from 199 the previous year.

"People want to bring their MP3 players, mobile phones, DVD players and videogame consoles in the car with them," says SEMA News mobile electronics editor Doug Newcomb. "While more automakers offer OEM mobile electronics solutions, the specialty-equipment market levels the playing field so that anyone can integrate portable electronics into their vehicle. Hence the mobile electronics market is showing significant growth. And with portable navigation becoming more affordable, it's also fueling this growth."

Note that in many instances state law governs when and in what manner certain in-vehicle mobile electronics can be used. For further insight into the mobile electronics market, read the "Mobile Electronics" market report prepared by the SEMA Research & Information Center in the December 2007 issue of SEMA News.

From April to June, the percentage of women who planned to purchase wheels, tires or suspension components rose from 10% to 17%, outpacing the purchase plans for men during the same period, according to SEMA research.

In April, 16% of male and 10% of female consumers surveyed by research firm TechnoMetrica said they planned to buy wheels, tires or suspension components. That number spiked to 20% for men and 12% for women in May. Men cooled on their purchase plans in June, dropping to 15%, while 17% of women said they planned to buy.

Overall, 16% of consumers said they planned to seek out wheels, tires or suspension components in the following three months. Contrast this with 9% who said they planned to buy accessories and appearance products, and 8% who planned on racing and performance product purchases.

"Our surveys have shown that while men tend to customize their vehicles for performance gains, women tend to look at vehicle customization as a form of self-expression," says SEMA research analyst Ty Michael. "It comes as no surprise that there is a growing number of women planning to buy wheels and tires for their vehicles."

The data, commissioned by SEMA from market research firm TechnoMetrica, comes from a nationally representative sample of about 1,000 consumers, representing approximately 100 million U.S. households.

For more insight into the planning and purchasing habits of enthusiasts, read the "2007 Trends and Forecasts Quarterly Update-Q2," available at www.sema.org/research.

Consumers say they are changing their driving habits, according to a recent Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) survey, with 90% saying they are driving less, 31% carpooling more and 30% purchasing more fuel-efficient vehicles. Another 75% said they are better maintaining their vehicle (which could translate to more money spent on maintenance products).

AAIA surveyed 500 people during the beginning of November when the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline hovered around $3.06. Now that prices have shot up to $3.15 a gallon ($3.44 in California), will consumers continue allocating disposable income to automotive specialty equipment? Data from SEMA’s Automotive Lifestyles survey may provide answers.

A survey of automotive magazine subscribers and magazine website visitors during October and November (when the national average for a gallon of gasoline was as low as $2.81 and as high as $3.16) showed that nearly one in four would wait until prices rose another dollar before spending less on specialty equipment, while 18% said they'd hold out until gas rose another two dollars. An astounding 14% said that prices would have to surpass $4 before they'd cut their specialty-equipment spending.



Consumers were also asked to rate how they would allocate their extra spending cash as gas prices increased. A little more than one in three said that they would spend their money on custom automotive parts and accessories before going on vacations or spending money on music and portable electronics.
 


Consumers may alter their driving habits during times of rising prices at the pump, but it seems that for enthusiasts the desire to customize one's car or truck takes precedence.

For more information, contact the SEMA Research & Information Center at 909/396-0289, ext. 118. Check out of the research reports available online at www.sema.org/research.

The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business insight featured during the SEMA Show Education Week right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly being added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers. Plus, all sessions are recorded and ready for download anytime. Click on the categories below to view available sessions, then simply download and play.

Webinars by Category
Government & Legal Issues
Human Resources
International
Internet
Jobber/Installer
Management
Marketing/Advertising/PR
Sales
SEMA Member Benefits
SEMA Show

All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone.

For complete information on the webinar program and to view information on upcoming sessions, visit www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?id=51488. 

For additional information about webinars or to learn about SEMA’s other education initiatives, contact Pat Benson at patt@sema.org.

Filler for eNews

Each year, the specialty-equipment industry puts together 30-second clips for the SEMA Show Awards Banquet, featuring the products, people and technology from our industry. Here's your chance to vote for the most innovative marketing ideas and concepts from the creative minds of the industry. Favorite clips will win a free table at the 2008 SEMA Show Awards Banquet.

View the clips here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8795748374102081795

Vote for your favorite by sending an e-mail to peterm@sema.org.

Paint your latest creation in one of 12 Hot Wheels Spectraflame colors from PPG’s Vibrance Collection and you could win the opportunity to have your prized possession showcased at the 2008 SEMA Show as a guest of PPG Refinish. The Grand Prize winner will also receive an exclusive Hot Wheels 1/18th-scale award trophy featuring the winning paint scheme, and have the wining paint scheme featured on a production Hot Wheels toy car to be introduced in 2009. The Grand-Prize-winning vehicle will also be featured on the cover of a 2009 PPG calendar and a feature spot in PPG's Repaint Reporter magazine.

For more information and to fill out an entry form, visit http://corporateportal.ppg.com/NA/Refinish/PPGRefinish/Features/Hot_Wheels_Contest.htm

The following is a press release from Kinderhook Industries LLC announcing its acquisitions of Extang Corp. and TruXedo, a division of Shur-Co.

Extang Corporation of Ann Arbor, Michigan, along with TruXedo, a division of Shur-Co. based in Yankton, South Dakota, are pleased to announce that they have been acquired by Kinderhook Industries LLC, a highly respected New York based private equity firm. Kinderhook Industries completed the transactions through THI, an investment vehicle created to pursue opportunities in the truck aftermarket.

Extang and TruXedo are the two leading manufacturers of soft tonneau covers historically recognized for their high quality and innovative products. Both companies bring tremendous brand reputation and market strength to the $38 billion automotive aftermarket.

“I am very excited to be working with Bill Reminder and Kelly Kneifl as they lead the combined Extang/TruXedo organization to the next level. Kinderhook intends to support a vigorous investment program in marketing and new product development to expand the tonneau market. Additionally, we believe the consolidation of the Extang/TruXedo businesses will serve as a platform for further acquisitions in the truck aftermarket,” said Thomas Tuttle, Managing Director of Kinderhook.

As part of this merger, both companies will combine their existing management teams and lay the foundation for further expansion into the next generation of truck bed covers and other related product categories. The companies will strive to leverage their respective best practices and operational strengths, while retaining the creativity, innovation and commitment to quality that has made their products the “best in class” in the tonneau market.

“Kinderhook brings the capital, experience and resources needed to grow our two businesses and supports our continued efforts to be at the forefront of the tonneau cover market. With the capital provided by Kinderhook, we will be able to accelerate our new development initiatives to expand our product offering and selectively pursue acquisition opportunities in related accessories,” said Bill Reminder, CEO of THI.

“TruXedo and Extang are a perfect match. Combining the operational excellence and extensive product offerings of both companies will have a tremendous impact in the marketplace. This is an exciting new chapter in the history of Extang and TruXedo,” said Kelly Kneifl, COO of THI.

For additional information visit www.kinderhook.com.

This story was originally published on November 22, 2007. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

Registration for the SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD, February 8–9, 2008, in Indianapolis, is in full swing and available for attendees online by visiting www.semaspringexpo.com. The spring events deliver the acclaimed SEMA Show experience to the Indianapolis area and surrounding regions. With a special emphasis on trucks and SUVs, exhibitors will display a variety of products and services covering accessories, restyling, wheels and tires, and mobile electronics.

Both shows are sponsored by the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA) and Professional Restylers Organization (PRO). For more information about TORA, click here or e-mail Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org. For more information about PRO, click here or e-mail Ellen McKoy at ellenm@sema.org.   

Want to exhibit at the SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD? Get started by clicking here.

2008 SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD Exhibitors (as of November 19, 2007)

• $2.95 Guys
• 3M
• 4x4.com
• A.R.E.
• ANCRA International
• Aero-Tech Services Inc.
• Agri-Cover Inc.
• Airaid Filter Company
• Aluminum Tank & Truck Accessories Inc.
• Amer-Rac Van & Pickup Truck Ladder Racks
• American Technology Components Inc.
• Andersen Manufacturing
• ArmorThane USA Inc.
• Atwood Mobile Products
• Auto Meter
• B&W Trailer Hitches
• BD Diesel Performance
• Bed Rug
• Bedliner.com/Superwraps.com
• Bedslide
• CHA Gear
• CLC Pit Crew
• California Dream by AAC
• Coast to Coast International
• Crown Automotive Co.
• DuPont Company
• Dual Liner
• Durakon
• Eurosport Daytona Inc.
• Extang Corporation
• Flitz International Ltd.
• Flowmaster Inc.
• GE Money
• Global Accessories Inc.
• Hamsar Diversco Inc.
• Hella Inc.
• Hibshman Screw Machine Products Inc.
• Hotwire Auto a division of Squier Inc.
• Hushpower
• Illinois Lock Company
• Innovative Creations Inc.
• Jotto Cargo Slide
• Keystone Automotive Operations
• Leer/Raider/Century/Pace Edwards
• Luverne Truck Equipment Inc.
• MacNeil Automotive Products Limited
• Magid Glove & Safety Manufacturing Company LLC
• Midwest Control Products
• Nikolas Vehicle Coatings
• Omix-Ada/Rugged Ridge
• Penda Corporation
• Pilot Automotive
• Power Trends, Raptor Series, Armor Lid
• ProRYDE Suspension Systems
• ProRac Systems/Hauler Racks
• Putco
• QRP Inc.
• Ranch Hand Truck Accessories
• Reflex Truck Liners
• Reflexxion Automotive Products LLC
• Restylers' Choice LLC
• Restyling Magazine
• Ride-Rite
• Robin Aftermarket
• Roll-N-Lock Corp.
• Rugged Liner
• SUSPA
• Scorpion Truck Bed Linings
• Skyjacker Suspensions
• SunTek Window Films
• Superchips Inc.
• TeraFlex
• The Tale Gator
• Thule Inc.
• Tonneau Masters
• Top Gun Accessories
• TopDawg Tonneau Covers
• Tough Country Products
• Toyo Tires
• TracRac Inc.
• Tricel Honeycomb Corporation
• TruXedo
• Trucking Times Magazine
• True Flow
• UWS
• Undercover
• United Covers Inc.
• Valley
• Vortex Sprayliners Inc.
• Westin Automotive
• Woodshed Technologies Inc.

Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR)

The Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR) program offered by the Manufacturers’ Representative Educational Research Foundation (MRERF) provides executive management education for manufacturers’ representatives. The program is primarily geared toward firm owners, managers and future owners and managers facing management challenges or preparing to manage a firm. No matter the size of the company, the program will deliver the management skills needed to make a business excel.

CPMR Program Objectives

• Raise the standards of professional field sales organizations throughout the  industry
• Promote certified members as professionals so that they are recognized at both public and private levels as leaders in their fields
• Encourage self-assessment of members by offering guidelines for achievement
• Convey that ethical conduct should be an integral component of being a performance-oriented member
• Improve performance through continuing education and professional development programs
• Instill members with knowledge of and commitment to the highest principles and practices

Certified Sales Professional

The MRERF also offers sales training and certification through the organization’s Certified Sales Professional (CSP) program. The CSP marks a sales professional as possessing expert sales competencies and a thorough commitment to professional development and self-improvement. The CSP program provides a comprehensive curriculum outlining the consultative sales process.

CSP Program Curriculum

• Understanding and Managing Yourself
  - Personality Traits for Sales Success
  
• The Selling Process
  - The Art of Influencing Buying Decisions
  
• Keeping Customers and Building Business
  - Strategic Territory Planning

For more complete information on these two certification programs offered by MRERF and for registration and curriculum details, visit www.mrerf.org.