By Ashley Reyes

SEMA estimates that with the impact of COVID-19, industry retail sales will likely be down 12% in 2020. However, most economists think that the recession hit its lowest point in mid-April, and companies within the specialty-equipment industry are optimistic about sales moving forward.

Even though 2020 has altered the vehicle landscape for many, the specialty-equipment market had shown impressive growth over the past 10 years with industry retail sales climbing nearly 4% to a new high of $46.2 billion in 2019, according to the new “2020 SEMA Market Report.” The report provides a comprehensive review of the automotive specialty-equipment market, market-sizing by vehicle segment, purchasing channels and trends to help SEMA-member companies make better business decisions.

SEMA estimates that with the impact of COVID-19, industry retail sales will likely be down 12% in 2020. However, most economists think that the recession hit its lowest point in mid-April, and companies within the specialty-equipment industry are optimistic about sales moving forward. By Q4 of 2020, nearly 50% of industry businesses expect their sales to be the same as or even better than 2019.

“While this year has presented its challenges, the SEMA Market Report can help our member companies identify the key areas of interest for consumers and prepare for the growth that we expect in 2021,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “It’s still early to predict exactly how things will play out over the next couple years, but the positive news is that as the country re-emerges from the shutdown, we can expect that sales should rise back toward previous levels.”

In-store purchases accounted for the largest share of 2019 retail sales, representing almost 60% of the total. It is highly likely that online purchases will spike in 2020 due to COVID-19, but SEMA expects that many consumers will return to in-store shopping once restrictions are loosened. Word-of-mouth and the web were important sources of ideas and information for consumers researching potential upgrades. Forty-four percent of consumers used search engines or review websites; 40% went directly to manufacturers’ own websites; and 37% sought advice or recommendations from friends or relatives.

Pickup upgrades are the largest sector of the specialty-equipment industry, accounting for 31% of 2019 retail sales, although mid-range cars, CUVs and SUVs (including the Jeep Wrangler) are also major components of the market. Fifty-nine percent of specialty-automotive consumers are under the age of 40, and younger drivers are more likely than older drivers to buy performance parts or accessories and make heavier modifications to their vehicles.

To learn more about where the opportunity is for your business and to get the latest research on market sizing, consumer profiles and 2020 industry indicators, download the report for free today.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A provision in Ohio’s 2019 transportation budget bill, which allows for the display of only a single, rear-mounted license plate, went into effect on July 1, 2020.

A provision in Ohio’s 2019 transportation budget bill, which allows for the display of only a single, rear-mounted license plate, went into effect on July 1, 2020. The state previously required both front and rear plates. The new SEMA-supported law is expected to save the state between $1.2 and $1.4 million per year.

The Ohio Senate is currently considering SEMA-opposed legislation that would reinstate the two-plate requirement. For more information and to contact the Ohio legislature in opposition to this proposal, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A provision in Ohio’s 2019 transportation budget bill, which allows for the display of only a single, rear-mounted license plate, went into effect on July 1, 2020.

A provision in Ohio’s 2019 transportation budget bill, which allows for the display of only a single, rear-mounted license plate, went into effect on July 1, 2020. The state previously required both front and rear plates. The new SEMA-supported law is expected to save the state between $1.2 and $1.4 million per year.

The Ohio Senate is currently considering SEMA-opposed legislation that would reinstate the two-plate requirement. For more information and to contact the Ohio legislature in opposition to this proposal, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A provision in Ohio’s 2019 transportation budget bill, which allows for the display of only a single, rear-mounted license plate, went into effect on July 1, 2020.

A provision in Ohio’s 2019 transportation budget bill, which allows for the display of only a single, rear-mounted license plate, went into effect on July 1, 2020. The state previously required both front and rear plates. The new SEMA-supported law is expected to save the state between $1.2 and $1.4 million per year.

The Ohio Senate is currently considering SEMA-opposed legislation that would reinstate the two-plate requirement. For more information and to contact the Ohio legislature in opposition to this proposal, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Brian Reese

All SEMA Young Executive Network (YEN) members are invited to take part in YEN’s upcoming Facebook Live Chat featuring Brian Reese, CEO of The Retrofit Source (TRS), July 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

As a veteran executive, Reese has more than 20 years of experience working for premium brands and innovative products in the automotive aftermarket. Throughout his career, he has helped advance business operations for notable aftermarket brands while simultaneously volunteering for SEMA and heading various initiatives for the SEMA Board of Directors Council Leadership Committee and serving as co-founder and chairman of the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN).

In this Live Chat, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with and ask Reese questions as he shares details and insights on fast-tracking a career from a young executive to CEO. Get your questions ready and tune in to the YEN Facebook page, July 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

By Ashley Reyes

Brian Reese

All SEMA Young Executive Network (YEN) members are invited to take part in YEN’s upcoming Facebook Live Chat featuring Brian Reese, CEO of The Retrofit Source (TRS), July 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

As a veteran executive, Reese has more than 20 years of experience working for premium brands and innovative products in the automotive aftermarket. Throughout his career, he has helped advance business operations for notable aftermarket brands while simultaneously volunteering for SEMA and heading various initiatives for the SEMA Board of Directors Council Leadership Committee and serving as co-founder and chairman of the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN).

In this Live Chat, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with and ask Reese questions as he shares details and insights on fast-tracking a career from a young executive to CEO. Get your questions ready and tune in to the YEN Facebook page, July 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

By SEMA Editors

The information contained in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Service Manual will help exhibitors to hit the Show floor ready to conduct business.

Now that many exhibitors have secured their spot at the 2020 SEMA Show, they are encouraged to access the Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) for early-bird rates on booth services, deadline and budget check lists, shipping information, sponsorship opportunities and much more.

The SEMA Show ESM is an online exhibitor resource that contains all of the pertinent information and forms to prepare for a successful SEMA Show experience.

To help companies navigate the ESM efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Exhibitors are encouraged to become familiar with the website to understand how the tools available will pay dividends with ease of participation, better visibility with buyers, and more ways to save exhibitors time and money.

Below is an example of what resources and information are included in the ESM. Access the entire ESM at https://exhibitor.semashow.com.

Included in the Exhibitor Service Manual:

• Guidelines & Policies
• Advertising Opportunities
• Public Relations Opportunities
• Sponsorship Brochures
• Meeting Room Applications
• FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
• Feature Vehicle Information and Applications
• Booth Vehicle Information and Applications

More information about the 2020 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

The information contained in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Service Manual will help exhibitors to hit the Show floor ready to conduct business.

Now that many exhibitors have secured their spot at the 2020 SEMA Show, they are encouraged to access the Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) for early-bird rates on booth services, deadline and budget check lists, shipping information, sponsorship opportunities and much more.

The SEMA Show ESM is an online exhibitor resource that contains all of the pertinent information and forms to prepare for a successful SEMA Show experience.

To help companies navigate the ESM efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Exhibitors are encouraged to become familiar with the website to understand how the tools available will pay dividends with ease of participation, better visibility with buyers, and more ways to save exhibitors time and money.

Below is an example of what resources and information are included in the ESM. Access the entire ESM at https://exhibitor.semashow.com.

Included in the Exhibitor Service Manual:

• Guidelines & Policies
• Advertising Opportunities
• Public Relations Opportunities
• Sponsorship Brochures
• Meeting Room Applications
• FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
• Feature Vehicle Information and Applications
• Booth Vehicle Information and Applications

More information about the 2020 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

The information contained in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Service Manual will help exhibitors to hit the Show floor ready to conduct business.

Now that many exhibitors have secured their spot at the 2020 SEMA Show, they are encouraged to access the Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) for early-bird rates on booth services, deadline and budget check lists, shipping information, sponsorship opportunities and much more.

The SEMA Show ESM is an online exhibitor resource that contains all of the pertinent information and forms to prepare for a successful SEMA Show experience.

To help companies navigate the ESM efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Exhibitors are encouraged to become familiar with the website to understand how the tools available will pay dividends with ease of participation, better visibility with buyers, and more ways to save exhibitors time and money.

Below is an example of what resources and information are included in the ESM. Access the entire ESM at https://exhibitor.semashow.com.

Included in the Exhibitor Service Manual:

• Guidelines & Policies
• Advertising Opportunities
• Public Relations Opportunities
• Sponsorship Brochures
• Meeting Room Applications
• FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
• Feature Vehicle Information and Applications
• Booth Vehicle Information and Applications

More information about the 2020 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA eNews highlights products from member-companies each week. This week's submissions are listed below.

The companies included with the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) logo are also members of the SDC, the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository. The SDC is an end-to-end solution to help you author, validate, store, and distribute product data. All incoming data is validated for compliance to PIES and ACES standards, eliminating confusing proprietary data formats. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

Submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.