By Kyle Cheng

From May 20–29, SEMA conducted a survey of more than 1,800 professionals within the specialty-equipment industry. Despite the disruptions over the past few months, manufacturers, distributors and retailers continue to maintain a positive outlook on the situation, and expect business to pick up now that restrictions are easing.

While the beginning of April saw 17% of manufacturers, distributors and retailers reporting “mostly business as usual,” that jumped to more than 30% by the end of May. Nearly 90% currently say they are “mostly business as usual” or “impacted short-term, but will get through it.”

Our industry utilizes a number of different channels to sell products. Retailers predominantly sell in-store, while manufacturers and distributors sell mostly through wholesale. Many manufacturers also use their company website for direct sales.

Over the last few months, sales across the industry have been impacted. Because of stay-in-place restrictions, in-person transactions were limited. Consequently, our industry has seen some uptick in online sales. As restrictions ease, however, customers are likely return to shopping in-store and in-person.

Overall, the industry is fairly optimistic about sales for the rest of the year. More than half of all manufacturers, distributors and retailers think their Q4 sales will be better or at least the same as last year.

Many companies expect to recover quickly and finish the year strong. By the end of 2020, 45% of manufacturers, 39% of distributors and 42% of retailers expect their sales to end up being better than or similar to their 2019 sales.

By SEMA Editors

The annual SEMA Installation Gala is the mid-year gathering and annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry. The event features recognition of incoming and outgoing board members as well as the induction of new Hall of Fame honorees.

In light of uncertainty due to social distancing restrictions in California, this year’s event has been moved to Las Vegas, where recognition ceremonies and an industry reception will be held the evening of Tuesday, August 25th, immediately following the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit.  SEMA is working closely with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and local health officials to insure that association events are compliant with the latest health and safety protocols.

Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is the industry’s highest honor, celebrating individuals’ dedication, service and devotion to their businesses and the industry. This year’s SEMA Hall of Fame inductees include Richard Barsamian, (Advanced Clutch Technology Inc.), Jack Chisenhall (Vintage Air Inc.), John Gaines (G&M Performance Parts), and Joe St. Lawrence (RTM Studios).

“Future generations of our industry stand on the shoulders of those who have pioneered the road before them,” said SEMA president and CEO Chris Kersting. “The SEMA Installation Gala is a unique opportunity to honor legends who are part of the Hall of Fame, as well as thank our volunteer leadership for guiding the association.”

SEMA will live stream the awards and recognition in order to make the celebration more accessible to the entire industry. For additional information, contact Jamie Eriksen at JamieE@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The annual SEMA Installation Gala is the mid-year gathering and annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry. The event features recognition of incoming and outgoing board members as well as the induction of new Hall of Fame honorees.

In light of uncertainty due to social distancing restrictions in California, this year’s event has been moved to Las Vegas, where recognition ceremonies and an industry reception will be held the evening of Tuesday, August 25th, immediately following the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit.  SEMA is working closely with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and local health officials to insure that association events are compliant with the latest health and safety protocols.

Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is the industry’s highest honor, celebrating individuals’ dedication, service and devotion to their businesses and the industry. This year’s SEMA Hall of Fame inductees include Richard Barsamian, (Advanced Clutch Technology Inc.), Jack Chisenhall (Vintage Air Inc.), John Gaines (G&M Performance Parts), and Joe St. Lawrence (RTM Studios).

“Future generations of our industry stand on the shoulders of those who have pioneered the road before them,” said SEMA president and CEO Chris Kersting. “The SEMA Installation Gala is a unique opportunity to honor legends who are part of the Hall of Fame, as well as thank our volunteer leadership for guiding the association.”

SEMA will live stream the awards and recognition in order to make the celebration more accessible to the entire industry. For additional information, contact Jamie Eriksen at JamieE@sema.org.

Calling all SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) members! Please join us and your fellow YEN members, Wednesday, July 15, for our General Membership Call. This event is a great way for members to learn more about the Young Executives Network and all of the programs, events and volunteer opportunities that YEN has to offer.

Calling all SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) members! Please join us and your fellow YEN members, Wednesday, July 15, for our General Membership Call. This event is a great way for members to learn more about the Young Executives Network and all of the programs, events and volunteer opportunities that YEN has to offer.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) continues to reach out to its members to see how they are adapting and rising above challenges in today’s changing landscape.

In a recent video submitted by ETTN Select Committee member Jonathan Mill, he shares his insights on how Alloy Studios has created new business opportunities by repurposing pre-recorded video content to produce new eCommerce social media packages for their clients. Take a look:

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN Member Insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You will also have the opportunity to be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.
Additional updates and resources are also available to assist ETTN members and their business at www.sema.org/coronavirus.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) continues to reach out to its members to see how they are adapting and rising above challenges in today’s changing landscape.

In a recent video submitted by ETTN Select Committee member Jonathan Mill, he shares his insights on how Alloy Studios has created new business opportunities by repurposing pre-recorded video content to produce new eCommerce social media packages for their clients. Take a look:

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN Member Insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You will also have the opportunity to be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.
Additional updates and resources are also available to assist ETTN members and their business at www.sema.org/coronavirus.

The Ford Mustang Bullitt is set to be sunset after the ’20 model year, and its replacement—the Mustang Mach 1—is set to arrive for 2021. These shots give the most comprehensive look at what to expect when the Mach 1 hits dealers.

This Mach 1 prototype wears thin camo front and rear and matches the recently teased shots of the Mach 1 even down to the rims. These shots get weird though on the inside. Where you’d expect to see a Mach 1 steering wheel logo sits a Bullitt badge. On top of that, the six-speed manual shift knob from the Bullitt is clearly visible. It’s assumed that these are just carryover parts used for the prototype, but it’s still interesting to see that they raided the Bullitt parts bin.

The Mustang Mach 1 will come equipped with the 5.0 (rumored by sources to be pushing 515hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque), and will feature a six-speed manual. It will launch for the ’21 model year. Expect an official debut near the end of 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ford Mustang Bullitt is set to be sunset after the ’20 model year, and its replacement—the Mustang Mach 1—is set to arrive for 2021. These shots give the most comprehensive look at what to expect when the Mach 1 hits dealers.

This Mach 1 prototype wears thin camo front and rear and matches the recently teased shots of the Mach 1 even down to the rims. These shots get weird though on the inside. Where you’d expect to see a Mach 1 steering wheel logo sits a Bullitt badge. On top of that, the six-speed manual shift knob from the Bullitt is clearly visible. It’s assumed that these are just carryover parts used for the prototype, but it’s still interesting to see that they raided the Bullitt parts bin.

The Mustang Mach 1 will come equipped with the 5.0 (rumored by sources to be pushing 515hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque), and will feature a six-speed manual. It will launch for the ’21 model year. Expect an official debut near the end of 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ford Mustang Bullitt is set to be sunset after the ’20 model year, and its replacement—the Mustang Mach 1—is set to arrive for 2021. These shots give the most comprehensive look at what to expect when the Mach 1 hits dealers.

This Mach 1 prototype wears thin camo front and rear and matches the recently teased shots of the Mach 1 even down to the rims. These shots get weird though on the inside. Where you’d expect to see a Mach 1 steering wheel logo sits a Bullitt badge. On top of that, the six-speed manual shift knob from the Bullitt is clearly visible. It’s assumed that these are just carryover parts used for the prototype, but it’s still interesting to see that they raided the Bullitt parts bin.

The Mustang Mach 1 will come equipped with the 5.0 (rumored by sources to be pushing 515hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque), and will feature a six-speed manual. It will launch for the ’21 model year. Expect an official debut near the end of 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde