By Jason Catullo

	The “2014 SEMA Annual Market Report” provides insight on the compact performance, street performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom and racing niches.

While the current sales are far from the boom of the late ’90s and early 2000s, the compact-performance segment continues to show a slow climb of consistent growth over the past few years. The main factors supporting the growth are an increase in small-car sales and sustained high gas prices. According to the “2014 SEMA Annual Market Report,” the compact-performance niche, which is currently valued at more than $5 billion, continues to offer an expanding opportunity for specialty-equipment companies.

In the compact-performance segment, accessory and appearance sales are a main driver for the market, comprising 46.5% of the total share. Performance products come in second with 32.6% in sales, followed by wheels, tires and suspension accessories, making up 20.9% of the total market.

This information and more is available through the recently released “2014 SEMA Annual Market Report.” Members: Download a free copy of the “2014 SEMA Annual Market Report,” which provides detailed insight on the compact-performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom, and racing niches.

Taking a closer look at the behavior of consumers interested in compact-performance helps determine where and how they learn about specialty-equipment products and gather product and styling ideas for their vehicles. The two main sources where compact-performance enthusiasts gather product information and styling concepts are the Internet, capturing 71.4% of the enthusiasts, and car and truck shows, which is 66.1% of enthusiasts. This combination reveals a lifestyle trend that has been constant in the market—the consumers use technology, such as the Internet and social media, together with interaction at public events to formulate the ideas on how to customize their vehicles.

“The trend of using the Internet’s search functions, forums and social media outlets, along with the peer-to-peer interaction of public car shows, is something that has remained consistent in compact-performance since its inception,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “It’s an intriguing consistency, especially when compared to other niches, such as light-truck, midsize and fullsize vehicles, where consumers are less likely to make their vehicle a focal point of their social scene.”

The SEMA Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. SEMA research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. SEMA research reports are listed and can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.

By Jason Catullo

	The “2014 SEMA Annual Market Report” provides insight on the compact performance, street performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom and racing niches.

While the current sales are far from the boom of the late ’90s and early 2000s, the compact-performance segment continues to show a slow climb of consistent growth over the past few years. The main factors supporting the growth are an increase in small-car sales and sustained high gas prices. According to the “2014 SEMA Annual Market Report,” the compact-performance niche, which is currently valued at more than $5 billion, continues to offer an expanding opportunity for specialty-equipment companies.

In the compact-performance segment, accessory and appearance sales are a main driver for the market, comprising 46.5% of the total share. Performance products come in second with 32.6% in sales, followed by wheels, tires and suspension accessories, making up 20.9% of the total market.

This information and more is available through the recently released “2014 SEMA Annual Market Report.” Members: Download a free copy of the “2014 SEMA Annual Market Report,” which provides detailed insight on the compact-performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom, and racing niches.

Taking a closer look at the behavior of consumers interested in compact-performance helps determine where and how they learn about specialty-equipment products and gather product and styling ideas for their vehicles. The two main sources where compact-performance enthusiasts gather product information and styling concepts are the Internet, capturing 71.4% of the enthusiasts, and car and truck shows, which is 66.1% of enthusiasts. This combination reveals a lifestyle trend that has been constant in the market—the consumers use technology, such as the Internet and social media, together with interaction at public events to formulate the ideas on how to customize their vehicles.

“The trend of using the Internet’s search functions, forums and social media outlets, along with the peer-to-peer interaction of public car shows, is something that has remained consistent in compact-performance since its inception,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “It’s an intriguing consistency, especially when compared to other niches, such as light-truck, midsize and fullsize vehicles, where consumers are less likely to make their vehicle a focal point of their social scene.”

The SEMA Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. SEMA research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. SEMA research reports are listed and can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Under a new law signed by California Governor Jerry Brown, an advisory committee will propose a road-usage fee as an alternative to the gas tax.

Legislation (S.B. 1077) to establish an advisory committee to study a road-usage fee was signed into law by California Governor Jerry Brown. Under the new law, the group will propose the tax as an alternative to the gas tax and make recommendations on the design of a pilot program.

According to supporters, a road-usage fee will distribute the gas tax burden across all vehicles regardless of fuel source and minimize the impact of the current regressive gas tax structure. According to opponents, the law will penalize national efforts to create a more fuel-efficient vehicle fleet by taxing drivers based on vehicle mileage. As gas tax revenues decrease due to hybrid and electric-vehicle ownership, states are looking for new sources of funding for pet projects.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Under a new law signed by California Governor Jerry Brown, an advisory committee will propose a road-usage fee as an alternative to the gas tax.

Legislation (S.B. 1077) to establish an advisory committee to study a road-usage fee was signed into law by California Governor Jerry Brown. Under the new law, the group will propose the tax as an alternative to the gas tax and make recommendations on the design of a pilot program.

According to supporters, a road-usage fee will distribute the gas tax burden across all vehicles regardless of fuel source and minimize the impact of the current regressive gas tax structure. According to opponents, the law will penalize national efforts to create a more fuel-efficient vehicle fleet by taxing drivers based on vehicle mileage. As gas tax revenues decrease due to hybrid and electric-vehicle ownership, states are looking for new sources of funding for pet projects.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Under a new law signed by California Governor Jerry Brown, an advisory committee will propose a road-usage fee as an alternative to the gas tax.

Legislation (S.B. 1077) to establish an advisory committee to study a road-usage fee was signed into law by California Governor Jerry Brown. Under the new law, the group will propose the tax as an alternative to the gas tax and make recommendations on the design of a pilot program.

According to supporters, a road-usage fee will distribute the gas tax burden across all vehicles regardless of fuel source and minimize the impact of the current regressive gas tax structure. According to opponents, the law will penalize national efforts to create a more fuel-efficient vehicle fleet by taxing drivers based on vehicle mileage. As gas tax revenues decrease due to hybrid and electric-vehicle ownership, states are looking for new sources of funding for pet projects.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

	Friday, October 10, is the final day to guarantee your company's participation in the New Products Showcase.

The 2014 SEMA Show kicks off in 26 days. Here are key exhibitor deadlines that are about to pass or are fast approaching. In addition to the deadlines outlined below, exhibitors are encouraged to continuously review the Deadline Checklist to take advantage advance rates and secure orders for the Show.

New Products Showcase

Friday, October 10, is the final day to guarantee your company's participation in the No. 1 Show destination for buyers and media—the New Products Showcase. The advance-rate deadline for New Products Showcase submissions is Friday, October 10. The first entry is free. All additional entries are $75 per category if submitted by the October 10 deadline, after which, the fee will increase to $150 per category.

SEMA Show New Product Awards Breakfast

Showgoers are invited to attend the New Products Awards Breakfast taking place November 4, at 7:30 a.m., at the Westgate Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH) by securing tickets online. Tickets to the breakfast are free, but because space it limited, they are required.

In addition to a sit-down breakfast, the event features presentations for the best new products in the industry and the SEMA Award for the industry’s hottest vehicles. As an added special tribute, legendary hot-rod engine builder Ed Pink will be presented with the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award during the breakfast.

Exhibitors: Is a Third Party Providing Services for You at the Show?

Exhibitors using an Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC)—any third-party contractor performing services at the Show—must complete all EAC requirements to avoid delay or extra costs. EACs must conform to the EAC rules of the SEMA Show and complete an online application to be authorized to work at the Show by the October 17, deadline. They must also provide the SEMA with a certificate of insurance in order to be authorized to work onsite.

Contractors subject to the EAC rules are any companies and/or individuals that provide services to SEMA Show exhibitors, including, but not limited to, an installation and dismantling company, exhibit builder, sound and lighting company, detailer or any person or company providing direct services other than the official contractors listed in the Exhibitor Manual.

Questions? Contact Tom Gattuso or Gina Ledesma at 909-396-0289, or e-mail SEMAEAC@sema.org.

Discounted Monorail Tickets

Exhibitors will receive a discount on Las Vegas Monorail tickets when they purchase tickets online in advance of the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7. Visit the Ticket Selection page on the Las Vegas Monorail website. Current offers for unlimited-ride passes are: three-day pass, $24; four-day pass, $32; and seven-day pass, $50. Monorail trains arrive every few minutes and conveniently connect riders to the Las Vegas Convention Center and the restaurants, shows, shops and casinos in Vegas.

October 10 Deadlines

• Booth Security Guard Service (Advance Rate)
• Cable Order (Advance Rate)
• Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)
• New Products Showcase Entry (Advance Rate)
• Project Vehicle Builders
• Rental Exhibit Order Advance Rates (10x10 rentals; 10x20 rentals; 20x20 rentals)

October 17 Deadlines

• After-Hours Events
• Carpet and Cleaning Order (Advance Rate)
• Credit Card Authorization
• Electrical Order (Advance Rate)
• Exhibit Accessories (Advance Rate)
• Exhibit Furnishings (Advance Rate)
• Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) Application
• Exhibitor Booth Insurance (if purchased from John Buttine)
• Exhibitor Product Training Sessions
• Exhibitor Registration Due – Domestic (to receive badges in the mail)
• Hanging Truss, Chain Hoist, Lighting and Stagehand Labor (Advance Rate)
• Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)
• Labor, Installation and Dismantle
• Manufacturers’ Rep Matching Service
• Meeting/Function Space Reservation
• Payment-Authorization Form
• Rigging Equipment Labor Order
• Special Signs and Graphics (Advance Rate)
• Third-Party Payment
• Utilities: Air/WaterDrain Order (Advance Rate)
• Vehicle Detailing (Advance Rate)

October 21 Deadlines

• Audio/Visual (Advance Rate)
• Computer Rental (Advance Rate)

October 24 Deadlines

• Advance Shipments to Freeman Warehouse
• Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation
• Freight—Last day freight will be accepted at the warehouse without penalty

Missed A Deadline?

The deadline to submit Exhibit Space Notification and Hanging Sign Design Notification forms has already passed (September 12). Exhibitors who have not submitted either of the above-mentioned forms run the risk of having their booth design and layout affected at the Show. The forms are available in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. Regardless of the deadline, exhibitors MUST SUBMIT Exhibit Space Notification and Hanging Sign Design Notification forms.

For more information or questions, contact Lorri Monty at lorrim@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

	Friday, October 10, is the final day to guarantee your company's participation in the New Products Showcase.

The 2014 SEMA Show kicks off in 26 days. Here are key exhibitor deadlines that are about to pass or are fast approaching. In addition to the deadlines outlined below, exhibitors are encouraged to continuously review the Deadline Checklist to take advantage advance rates and secure orders for the Show.

New Products Showcase

Friday, October 10, is the final day to guarantee your company's participation in the No. 1 Show destination for buyers and media—the New Products Showcase. The advance-rate deadline for New Products Showcase submissions is Friday, October 10. The first entry is free. All additional entries are $75 per category if submitted by the October 10 deadline, after which, the fee will increase to $150 per category.

SEMA Show New Product Awards Breakfast

Showgoers are invited to attend the New Products Awards Breakfast taking place November 4, at 7:30 a.m., at the Westgate Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH) by securing tickets online. Tickets to the breakfast are free, but because space it limited, they are required.

In addition to a sit-down breakfast, the event features presentations for the best new products in the industry and the SEMA Award for the industry’s hottest vehicles. As an added special tribute, legendary hot-rod engine builder Ed Pink will be presented with the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award during the breakfast.

Exhibitors: Is a Third Party Providing Services for You at the Show?

Exhibitors using an Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC)—any third-party contractor performing services at the Show—must complete all EAC requirements to avoid delay or extra costs. EACs must conform to the EAC rules of the SEMA Show and complete an online application to be authorized to work at the Show by the October 17, deadline. They must also provide the SEMA with a certificate of insurance in order to be authorized to work onsite.

Contractors subject to the EAC rules are any companies and/or individuals that provide services to SEMA Show exhibitors, including, but not limited to, an installation and dismantling company, exhibit builder, sound and lighting company, detailer or any person or company providing direct services other than the official contractors listed in the Exhibitor Manual.

Questions? Contact Tom Gattuso or Gina Ledesma at 909-396-0289, or e-mail SEMAEAC@sema.org.

Discounted Monorail Tickets

Exhibitors will receive a discount on Las Vegas Monorail tickets when they purchase tickets online in advance of the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7. Visit the Ticket Selection page on the Las Vegas Monorail website. Current offers for unlimited-ride passes are: three-day pass, $24; four-day pass, $32; and seven-day pass, $50. Monorail trains arrive every few minutes and conveniently connect riders to the Las Vegas Convention Center and the restaurants, shows, shops and casinos in Vegas.

October 10 Deadlines

• Booth Security Guard Service (Advance Rate)
• Cable Order (Advance Rate)
• Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)
• New Products Showcase Entry (Advance Rate)
• Project Vehicle Builders
• Rental Exhibit Order Advance Rates (10x10 rentals; 10x20 rentals; 20x20 rentals)

October 17 Deadlines

• After-Hours Events
• Carpet and Cleaning Order (Advance Rate)
• Credit Card Authorization
• Electrical Order (Advance Rate)
• Exhibit Accessories (Advance Rate)
• Exhibit Furnishings (Advance Rate)
• Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) Application
• Exhibitor Booth Insurance (if purchased from John Buttine)
• Exhibitor Product Training Sessions
• Exhibitor Registration Due – Domestic (to receive badges in the mail)
• Hanging Truss, Chain Hoist, Lighting and Stagehand Labor (Advance Rate)
• Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)
• Labor, Installation and Dismantle
• Manufacturers’ Rep Matching Service
• Meeting/Function Space Reservation
• Payment-Authorization Form
• Rigging Equipment Labor Order
• Special Signs and Graphics (Advance Rate)
• Third-Party Payment
• Utilities: Air/WaterDrain Order (Advance Rate)
• Vehicle Detailing (Advance Rate)

October 21 Deadlines

• Audio/Visual (Advance Rate)
• Computer Rental (Advance Rate)

October 24 Deadlines

• Advance Shipments to Freeman Warehouse
• Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation
• Freight—Last day freight will be accepted at the warehouse without penalty

Missed A Deadline?

The deadline to submit Exhibit Space Notification and Hanging Sign Design Notification forms has already passed (September 12). Exhibitors who have not submitted either of the above-mentioned forms run the risk of having their booth design and layout affected at the Show. The forms are available in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. Regardless of the deadline, exhibitors MUST SUBMIT Exhibit Space Notification and Hanging Sign Design Notification forms.

For more information or questions, contact Lorri Monty at lorrim@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	Gene Marks of The Marks Group will present the 2014 SEMA Show seminar entitled, “Healthcare Reform Law: What You Need to Know!”

The 2014 SEMA Show seminar, “Healthcare Reform Law: What You Need to Know!” presented by Gene Marks of The Marks Group, will be held Monday, November 3, from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., at the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N256.

As critical deadlines approach, whether you’re a business owner or employee, it’s vital that you understand the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, better known as “Obamacare.” The law requires employers with 50 or more full-time workers to offer health care insurance or be subject to a $2,000 penalty for each full-time worker. The penalties take effect January 1, 2015, for companies with 100 or more workers, and January 1, 2016, for companies with 50–99 workers.

Other obligations impacting companies of all sizes and their workers have already taken effect. This presentation offers a straight-forward review of key issues in the law affecting small- and medium-sized companies. Time will also be allotted for attendees to ask specific questions.

Register Now!

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	Gene Marks of The Marks Group will present the 2014 SEMA Show seminar entitled, “Healthcare Reform Law: What You Need to Know!”

The 2014 SEMA Show seminar, “Healthcare Reform Law: What You Need to Know!” presented by Gene Marks of The Marks Group, will be held Monday, November 3, from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., at the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N256.

As critical deadlines approach, whether you’re a business owner or employee, it’s vital that you understand the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, better known as “Obamacare.” The law requires employers with 50 or more full-time workers to offer health care insurance or be subject to a $2,000 penalty for each full-time worker. The penalties take effect January 1, 2015, for companies with 100 or more workers, and January 1, 2016, for companies with 50–99 workers.

Other obligations impacting companies of all sizes and their workers have already taken effect. This presentation offers a straight-forward review of key issues in the law affecting small- and medium-sized companies. Time will also be allotted for attendees to ask specific questions.

Register Now!

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	Gene Marks of The Marks Group will present the 2014 SEMA Show seminar entitled, “Healthcare Reform Law: What You Need to Know!”

The 2014 SEMA Show seminar, “Healthcare Reform Law: What You Need to Know!” presented by Gene Marks of The Marks Group, will be held Monday, November 3, from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., at the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N256.

As critical deadlines approach, whether you’re a business owner or employee, it’s vital that you understand the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, better known as “Obamacare.” The law requires employers with 50 or more full-time workers to offer health care insurance or be subject to a $2,000 penalty for each full-time worker. The penalties take effect January 1, 2015, for companies with 100 or more workers, and January 1, 2016, for companies with 50–99 workers.

Other obligations impacting companies of all sizes and their workers have already taken effect. This presentation offers a straight-forward review of key issues in the law affecting small- and medium-sized companies. Time will also be allotted for attendees to ask specific questions.

Register Now!