SEMA's Consumer Demand Index has fallen for the second consecutive month, dropping from 36 points in October to 32 points in November, and a full 13 points from September.

The SEMA Consumer Demand Index for Performance Products and Accessories (formerly PADI) measures the purchasing intentions of both enthusiast and mainstream consumers over the following 90 days.

As enthusiasts represent approximately 10%–15% of U.S. drivers, the index is a likely indicator of mainstream consumer demand for automotive specialty and performance products.

But while consumers may intend to purchase fewer parts and accessories, they haven't stopped thinking about it. Survey participants reported increased interest in both compact performance parts and hot rod parts, with interest in both categories up 7% and 4%, respectively, compared against a three-month average.

Over the last three months, midsize cars were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification (23%), followed by pickups (18%) and fullsize cars (16%).

For more in-depth details, a copy of the report, along with an Excel file of additional data, can be downloaded at www.sema.org/research.

Source: SEMA Market Research

SEMA's Consumer Demand Index has fallen for the second consecutive month, dropping from 36 points in October to 32 points in November, and a full 13 points from September.

The SEMA Consumer Demand Index for Performance Products and Accessories (formerly PADI) measures the purchasing intentions of both enthusiast and mainstream consumers over the following 90 days.

As enthusiasts represent approximately 10%–15% of U.S. drivers, the index is a likely indicator of mainstream consumer demand for automotive specialty and performance products.

But while consumers may intend to purchase fewer parts and accessories, they haven't stopped thinking about it. Survey participants reported increased interest in both compact performance parts and hot rod parts, with interest in both categories up 7% and 4%, respectively, compared against a three-month average.

Over the last three months, midsize cars were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification (23%), followed by pickups (18%) and fullsize cars (16%).

For more in-depth details, a copy of the report, along with an Excel file of additional data, can be downloaded at www.sema.org/research.

Source: SEMA Market Research

SEMA's Consumer Demand Index has fallen for the second consecutive month, dropping from 36 points in October to 32 points in November, and a full 13 points from September.

The SEMA Consumer Demand Index for Performance Products and Accessories (formerly PADI) measures the purchasing intentions of both enthusiast and mainstream consumers over the following 90 days.

As enthusiasts represent approximately 10%–15% of U.S. drivers, the index is a likely indicator of mainstream consumer demand for automotive specialty and performance products.

But while consumers may intend to purchase fewer parts and accessories, they haven't stopped thinking about it. Survey participants reported increased interest in both compact performance parts and hot rod parts, with interest in both categories up 7% and 4%, respectively, compared against a three-month average.

Over the last three months, midsize cars were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification (23%), followed by pickups (18%) and fullsize cars (16%).

For more in-depth details, a copy of the report, along with an Excel file of additional data, can be downloaded at www.sema.org/research.

Source: SEMA Market Research

SEMA's Consumer Demand Index has fallen for the second consecutive month, dropping from 36 points in October to 32 points in November, and a full 13 points from September.

The SEMA Consumer Demand Index for Performance Products and Accessories (formerly PADI) measures the purchasing intentions of both enthusiast and mainstream consumers over the following 90 days.

As enthusiasts represent approximately 10%–15% of U.S. drivers, the index is a likely indicator of mainstream consumer demand for automotive specialty and performance products.

But while consumers may intend to purchase fewer parts and accessories, they haven't stopped thinking about it. Survey participants reported increased interest in both compact performance parts and hot rod parts, with interest in both categories up 7% and 4%, respectively, compared against a three-month average.

Over the last three months, midsize cars were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification (23%), followed by pickups (18%) and fullsize cars (16%).

For more in-depth details, a copy of the report, along with an Excel file of additional data, can be downloaded at www.sema.org/research.

Source: SEMA Market Research

SEMA's Consumer Demand Index has fallen for the second consecutive month, dropping from 36 points in October to 32 points in November, and a full 13 points from September.

The SEMA Consumer Demand Index for Performance Products and Accessories (formerly PADI) measures the purchasing intentions of both enthusiast and mainstream consumers over the following 90 days.

As enthusiasts represent approximately 10%–15% of U.S. drivers, the index is a likely indicator of mainstream consumer demand for automotive specialty and performance products.

But while consumers may intend to purchase fewer parts and accessories, they haven't stopped thinking about it. Survey participants reported increased interest in both compact performance parts and hot rod parts, with interest in both categories up 7% and 4%, respectively, compared against a three-month average.

Over the last three months, midsize cars were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification (23%), followed by pickups (18%) and fullsize cars (16%).

For more in-depth details, a copy of the report, along with an Excel file of additional data, can be downloaded at www.sema.org/research.

Source: SEMA Market Research

SEMA's Consumer Demand Index has fallen for the second consecutive month, dropping from 36 points in October to 32 points in November, and a full 13 points from September.

The SEMA Consumer Demand Index for Performance Products and Accessories (formerly PADI) measures the purchasing intentions of both enthusiast and mainstream consumers over the following 90 days.

As enthusiasts represent approximately 10%–15% of U.S. drivers, the index is a likely indicator of mainstream consumer demand for automotive specialty and performance products.

But while consumers may intend to purchase fewer parts and accessories, they haven't stopped thinking about it. Survey participants reported increased interest in both compact performance parts and hot rod parts, with interest in both categories up 7% and 4%, respectively, compared against a three-month average.

Over the last three months, midsize cars were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification (23%), followed by pickups (18%) and fullsize cars (16%).

For more in-depth details, a copy of the report, along with an Excel file of additional data, can be downloaded at www.sema.org/research.

Source: SEMA Market Research

SEMA's Consumer Demand Index has fallen for the second consecutive month, dropping from 36 points in October to 32 points in November, and a full 13 points from September.

The SEMA Consumer Demand Index for Performance Products and Accessories (formerly PADI) measures the purchasing intentions of both enthusiast and mainstream consumers over the following 90 days.

As enthusiasts represent approximately 10%–15% of U.S. drivers, the index is a likely indicator of mainstream consumer demand for automotive specialty and performance products.

But while consumers may intend to purchase fewer parts and accessories, they haven't stopped thinking about it. Survey participants reported increased interest in both compact performance parts and hot rod parts, with interest in both categories up 7% and 4%, respectively, compared against a three-month average.

Over the last three months, midsize cars were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification (23%), followed by pickups (18%) and fullsize cars (16%).

For more in-depth details, a copy of the report, along with an Excel file of additional data, can be downloaded at www.sema.org/research.

Source: SEMA Market Research

Brenda Priddy’s cameras caught the forthcoming 2011 Porsche Cayenne, featuring a sleeker design and, according to one of Priddy’s shooters, high-grade cabin materials influenced by Porsche’s new Panamera. The new Cayenne is also expected to offer gasoline, diesel and even hybrid engine options.

Gas engines should include a 4.8L V8 engine delivering 400 hp in the Cayenne S, while the flagship Cayenne Turbo will likely get the Panamera’s 4.8L twin-turbo V8 outputting 500 hp. The Volkswagen V6 TDI diesel, making 240 hp, should carry over to the next generation with minor improvements.

Considering that the first Cayenne S hybrid will appear as a 2010 model, its powertrain should carry over to the 2011 Cayenne virtually unchanged. Power comes from Audi's 333hp supercharged V6 connected to a three-phase synchronous electric motor drawing power from a 38 kW NiMH battery placed in the spare tire well.

The new Cayenne is also expected to adopt a more street-centric setup, meaning some of the current model’s off-road equipment could be dropped in the interests of improved handling. Priddy notes that Audi adopted a similar approach with its Q7 SUV, a model that despite its size has received positive reviews for its handling.

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

Brenda Priddy’s cameras caught the forthcoming 2011 Porsche Cayenne, featuring a sleeker design and, according to one of Priddy’s shooters, high-grade cabin materials influenced by Porsche’s new Panamera. The new Cayenne is also expected to offer gasoline, diesel and even hybrid engine options.

Gas engines should include a 4.8L V8 engine delivering 400 hp in the Cayenne S, while the flagship Cayenne Turbo will likely get the Panamera’s 4.8L twin-turbo V8 outputting 500 hp. The Volkswagen V6 TDI diesel, making 240 hp, should carry over to the next generation with minor improvements.

Considering that the first Cayenne S hybrid will appear as a 2010 model, its powertrain should carry over to the 2011 Cayenne virtually unchanged. Power comes from Audi's 333hp supercharged V6 connected to a three-phase synchronous electric motor drawing power from a 38 kW NiMH battery placed in the spare tire well.

The new Cayenne is also expected to adopt a more street-centric setup, meaning some of the current model’s off-road equipment could be dropped in the interests of improved handling. Priddy notes that Audi adopted a similar approach with its Q7 SUV, a model that despite its size has received positive reviews for its handling.

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

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (right), with TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield (center) and TIA President Wayne Croswell, says TIA and SEMA will work closely to better understand the tire industry's needs at the SEMA Show (photo courtesy Bob Ulrich, Modern Tire Dealer).

Determined to heighten value in the SEMA Show among tire manufacturers, SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) announced a joint effort to better learn the needs of the tire industry and create new opportunities for tire makers and marketers at the SEMA Show.

At a November 24 press conference in Akron, Ohio, executives from both associations pledged to work together more closely, outlining plans for focus groups and meetings with tire companies, to help maximize the Tires, Wheels & Equipment (TWE) section of the SEMA Show.

“We believe that closer collaboration with TIA and sitting down with tire industry representatives will help us shape the Show so it continues to be an outstanding value for the tire industry," said SEMA president and CEO Chris Kersting

SEMA and TIA, he added, will “work closely to understand what the industry needs, and then to take action, so that manufacturers and dealers are better able to secure value for their investment.”

Tire buyer attendance at the 2009 SEMA Show represented 9.4% of total buyers, making it the second-largest buyer group at the Show. And despite the presence of 290 tire exhibitors, including 66 first-timers, overall exhibitor attendance in the TWE declined 5.1% from 2008.

The absence of long-time tire company exhibitors and the changes brought by a global recession, however, made it apparent that it is time to meet with tire companies and better understand their changing needs.

"[The economy] has changed the landscape of our industry and the SEMA Show, and there is no business as usual anymore," said Kersting. We have enjoyed a leadership position for the last several years and intend to continually improve the Show to provide an annual gathering that is relevant and gives a strong return on investment for the participants."

TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield also noted the tire exhibitor decline may be due to a slight identity crisis within the tire industry about its place at the SEMA Show.

“It became easy for exhibitors and attendees to begin to identify it as a SEMA Show with a tire component. Now the association is wrestling with how to make it a tire show.”

Asked whether future SEMA Shows might include showcases for commercial and off-the-road tires, Kersting said the association is “very open-minded and will consider ideas that will advance the value of the Show.”

“I don’t think anything is out of the realm,” Littlefield added. “I think what SEMA has said to us is, ‘Let’s find out what the manufacturers want, and let’s see if it makes sense to respond.”

Related coverage:

-TIA, SEMA to Study Ways to Pump Up SEMA Show Interest, Tire Business
-TIA, SEMA Officials Vow to Create 'True Tire Hall,’ Tire Review
-SEMA, TIA promote 'spirit of cooperation,’ Modern Tire Dealer