Two separate recent research reports show the total automotive aftermarket gaining between 3.1% and 3.8% annually, with much of that growth coming from tires and mechanical parts including suspension, chassis and driveline components.

Good news for the automotive aftermarket: recent market research shows the industry growing between 3%–4% in 2010 and beyond. A preliminary analysis for the Aftermarket Factbook, to be released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association in May, shows the industry poised for 3.8% growth in 2010. A separate report from the Freedonia Group predicts the aftermarket (including replacement and hard parts) growing 3.1% annually through 2014, to nearly $72 billion.

Freedonia notes that growth will be stymied somewhat by an expected rebound in new-car sales, pushing older cars—with more upgrade and replacement potential—out of the national fleet. Support for newer, more complex vehicle systems will help stimulate some new growth, however.

Freedonia expects mechanical parts, including chassis, suspension and drivetrain components, to remain the largest aftermarket product category. The fastest growing segment, however, is expected to be electronic parts and components, as cars transform into what Freedonia calls "software-driven devices," although continual OEM improvements on electronic modules and interfaces is likely to slow future upgrades of these products.

Aftermarket tires are also expected to grow with an increase in miles driven compared to 2008 and 2009.

And although repair work in the last decade has increasingly gone to dealers, aided by longer warranties and proprietary diagnostics, the wide closures of OE dealerships creates an opportunity for the smaller and/or independent specialists.

To view SEMA's recent and archived research material, visit www.sema.org/research.

Two separate recent research reports show the total automotive aftermarket gaining between 3.1% and 3.8% annually, with much of that growth coming from tires and mechanical parts including suspension, chassis and driveline components.

Good news for the automotive aftermarket: recent market research shows the industry growing between 3%–4% in 2010 and beyond. A preliminary analysis for the Aftermarket Factbook, to be released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association in May, shows the industry poised for 3.8% growth in 2010. A separate report from the Freedonia Group predicts the aftermarket (including replacement and hard parts) growing 3.1% annually through 2014, to nearly $72 billion.

Freedonia notes that growth will be stymied somewhat by an expected rebound in new-car sales, pushing older cars—with more upgrade and replacement potential—out of the national fleet. Support for newer, more complex vehicle systems will help stimulate some new growth, however.

Freedonia expects mechanical parts, including chassis, suspension and drivetrain components, to remain the largest aftermarket product category. The fastest growing segment, however, is expected to be electronic parts and components, as cars transform into what Freedonia calls "software-driven devices," although continual OEM improvements on electronic modules and interfaces is likely to slow future upgrades of these products.

Aftermarket tires are also expected to grow with an increase in miles driven compared to 2008 and 2009.

And although repair work in the last decade has increasingly gone to dealers, aided by longer warranties and proprietary diagnostics, the wide closures of OE dealerships creates an opportunity for the smaller and/or independent specialists.

To view SEMA's recent and archived research material, visit www.sema.org/research.

Two separate recent research reports show the total automotive aftermarket gaining between 3.1% and 3.8% annually, with much of that growth coming from tires and mechanical parts including suspension, chassis and driveline components.

Good news for the automotive aftermarket: recent market research shows the industry growing between 3%–4% in 2010 and beyond. A preliminary analysis for the Aftermarket Factbook, to be released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association in May, shows the industry poised for 3.8% growth in 2010. A separate report from the Freedonia Group predicts the aftermarket (including replacement and hard parts) growing 3.1% annually through 2014, to nearly $72 billion.

Freedonia notes that growth will be stymied somewhat by an expected rebound in new-car sales, pushing older cars—with more upgrade and replacement potential—out of the national fleet. Support for newer, more complex vehicle systems will help stimulate some new growth, however.

Freedonia expects mechanical parts, including chassis, suspension and drivetrain components, to remain the largest aftermarket product category. The fastest growing segment, however, is expected to be electronic parts and components, as cars transform into what Freedonia calls "software-driven devices," although continual OEM improvements on electronic modules and interfaces is likely to slow future upgrades of these products.

Aftermarket tires are also expected to grow with an increase in miles driven compared to 2008 and 2009.

And although repair work in the last decade has increasingly gone to dealers, aided by longer warranties and proprietary diagnostics, the wide closures of OE dealerships creates an opportunity for the smaller and/or independent specialists.

To view SEMA's recent and archived research material, visit www.sema.org/research.

Two separate recent research reports show the total automotive aftermarket gaining between 3.1% and 3.8% annually, with much of that growth coming from tires and mechanical parts including suspension, chassis and driveline components.

Good news for the automotive aftermarket: recent market research shows the industry growing between 3%–4% in 2010 and beyond. A preliminary analysis for the Aftermarket Factbook, to be released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association in May, shows the industry poised for 3.8% growth in 2010. A separate report from the Freedonia Group predicts the aftermarket (including replacement and hard parts) growing 3.1% annually through 2014, to nearly $72 billion.

Freedonia notes that growth will be stymied somewhat by an expected rebound in new-car sales, pushing older cars—with more upgrade and replacement potential—out of the national fleet. Support for newer, more complex vehicle systems will help stimulate some new growth, however.

Freedonia expects mechanical parts, including chassis, suspension and drivetrain components, to remain the largest aftermarket product category. The fastest growing segment, however, is expected to be electronic parts and components, as cars transform into what Freedonia calls "software-driven devices," although continual OEM improvements on electronic modules and interfaces is likely to slow future upgrades of these products.

Aftermarket tires are also expected to grow with an increase in miles driven compared to 2008 and 2009.

And although repair work in the last decade has increasingly gone to dealers, aided by longer warranties and proprietary diagnostics, the wide closures of OE dealerships creates an opportunity for the smaller and/or independent specialists.

To view SEMA's recent and archived research material, visit www.sema.org/research.

Two separate recent research reports show the total automotive aftermarket gaining between 3.1% and 3.8% annually, with much of that growth coming from tires and mechanical parts including suspension, chassis and driveline components.

Good news for the automotive aftermarket: recent market research shows the industry growing between 3%–4% in 2010 and beyond. A preliminary analysis for the Aftermarket Factbook, to be released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association in May, shows the industry poised for 3.8% growth in 2010. A separate report from the Freedonia Group predicts the aftermarket (including replacement and hard parts) growing 3.1% annually through 2014, to nearly $72 billion.

Freedonia notes that growth will be stymied somewhat by an expected rebound in new-car sales, pushing older cars—with more upgrade and replacement potential—out of the national fleet. Support for newer, more complex vehicle systems will help stimulate some new growth, however.

Freedonia expects mechanical parts, including chassis, suspension and drivetrain components, to remain the largest aftermarket product category. The fastest growing segment, however, is expected to be electronic parts and components, as cars transform into what Freedonia calls "software-driven devices," although continual OEM improvements on electronic modules and interfaces is likely to slow future upgrades of these products.

Aftermarket tires are also expected to grow with an increase in miles driven compared to 2008 and 2009.

And although repair work in the last decade has increasingly gone to dealers, aided by longer warranties and proprietary diagnostics, the wide closures of OE dealerships creates an opportunity for the smaller and/or independent specialists.

To view SEMA's recent and archived research material, visit www.sema.org/research.

Brenda Priddy's spy photogs shot some new details of Hyundai's new Veloster, including a better look at the grille, lower fascia, headlights, fog lights and the center-mounted exhaust outlets that appear cribbed from the Cadillac CTS Coupe.

"We first saw the Veloster concept back in 2007 at the Seoul Auto Show," Priddy says. "In July 2009, Hyundai America president and CEO John Krafcik told us that the Veloster be on sale sometime in 2011, but that the production car will look '70-80 percent' like the concept. He went on to say that the production Veloster could be thought of as a "four-passenger CRX," a car "you can take out and wring its neck and still get good mileage. Fun and economical, with a great power-to-weight ratio."

Power will come from either a 1.6L direct-injection gasoline engine, an inline-4, or the 2.0L version of Hyundai's new Theta II GDI engine. Both of the latter could be turbocharged. Base power should be around 140 hp, with the upmarket motor getting closer to 180-190 hp. A dual-clutch transmission could be offered as well, and the Veloster will ride on the same FWD platform as the Accent and Elantra. Watch for its official debut sometime in the first half of 2011.

Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without copyright holder's consent is prohibited.

Brenda Priddy's spy photogs shot some new details of Hyundai's new Veloster, including a better look at the grille, lower fascia, headlights, fog lights and the center-mounted exhaust outlets that appear cribbed from the Cadillac CTS Coupe.

"We first saw the Veloster concept back in 2007 at the Seoul Auto Show," Priddy says. "In July 2009, Hyundai America president and CEO John Krafcik told us that the Veloster be on sale sometime in 2011, but that the production car will look '70-80 percent' like the concept. He went on to say that the production Veloster could be thought of as a "four-passenger CRX," a car "you can take out and wring its neck and still get good mileage. Fun and economical, with a great power-to-weight ratio."

Power will come from either a 1.6L direct-injection gasoline engine, an inline-4, or the 2.0L version of Hyundai's new Theta II GDI engine. Both of the latter could be turbocharged. Base power should be around 140 hp, with the upmarket motor getting closer to 180-190 hp. A dual-clutch transmission could be offered as well, and the Veloster will ride on the same FWD platform as the Accent and Elantra. Watch for its official debut sometime in the first half of 2011.

Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without copyright holder's consent is prohibited.

Jim MacMaster

On June 30, Jim MacMaster, Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) executive vice president and chief operating officer, will retire after 39 years in the tire industry. MacMaster, who also served as chairman of the Rubber Manufacturers Association from 2007–2009, began his career with a three-year stint in the navy, followed by work in the defense and computer industries and then 10 years on the manufacturing and dealer side of the tire business. He ultimately joined Yokohama in January 1981. During his 30-year tenure at Yokohama—the U.S. flagship for Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Company (YRC)—the organization grew from a $30 million company to nearly $1 billion and is now the seventh largest tire manufacturer in the world.

HRE Performance Wheels has selected Kahn Media to assist with public relations and communication initiatives. In addition to providing media outreach and PR assistance, Kahn Media will work with HRE management on strategic planning initiatives and social media marketing campaigns to elevate brand visibility, increase sales and promote the company’s top products.

OptiCat announced that Illumaware has become an OptiCat TeamDIO member. As a TeamDIO member, Illumaware will provide AAIA Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES), Legacy and Product Information Exchange Standards (PIES) data directly to the OptiCat DIO Data Repository, resulting in faster and more accurate data delivery to auto parts resellers.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) acquired Accessories Marketing Inc. (AMI), creator and manufacturer of the Slime brand of tire-sealant products. AMI is a leader in flat-tire prevention and repair. Accessories Marketing Inc. employs approximately 60 people and has a global headquarters in Grover Beach, California. The purchase was announced by David C. Parry, executive vice president of ITW, who indicated that AMI would become part of ITW’s Performance Polymers and Fluids Group and continue to operate as a separate entity. The AMI acquisition was led by Permatex, a business unit of ITW.

The Automobile Club of Southern California has extended and added to its relationship with the NHRA and has expanded its sponsorship to include title rights of the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway International Raceway outside St. Louis. The relationship also includes naming rights for Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, entitlement rights of the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals held at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, sponsorship of the Auto Club "Road to the Future" award annually recognizing the sport's professional rookie of the year, presenting sponsorship of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, and presenting sponsorship of the popular California Hot Rod Reunion held at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California. In addition, Automobile Club of Southern California is presenting sponsor of the NHRA Safety Safari and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA.