Looking closely, wheels, tires and suspension products topped other segments for three of the past six months.

Accessories are not on the top of consumers’ minds as much as they have been in the past. Since late 2008, the segment has continued to drop.

As SEMA continues to collect industry forecast data in the Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI), there are some interesting trends emerging. For instance, last December, 4.6% of consumers surveyed indicated they were thinking of purchasing wheels, tires or suspension products for their vehicle within the next three months, compared to 4.2% considering accessories and 3.7% looking at performance products.

What a turnaround in January of this year when wheels, tires and suspension products dropped from first to last in the consumer survey. But as you look at the trend from December 2008 to May 2009, in three of the six months, more consumers were thinking about purchasing wheels, tires and suspension products than the other two major segments in our industry.

As we compare this year to last year, the differences are obvious, but it is also apparent that the wheels, tires and suspension products were top of mind for more consumer future buying plans. It is also noticeable how the accessories segment has really declined in the future planning of U.S. consumers.

The other interesting piece of information from the industry segment data is the averages. During the six months from December 2008 to May 2009, an average of 4.8% of consumers surveyed were thinking about purchasing performance parts for their vehicles.

And what a difference a year makes. Looking at the same segments for the same six months a year ago we find a drop and a shift.

All three segments have dropped, accessories and wheels/tires/suspension products segments by at least 50%. The performance products segment experienced a smaller drop, which put them in the top spot this year.

Accessories dropped from 7.4% in 2008 to 3.9% in 2009; performance products fell from 6.6% last year to 4.8% this year; and wheels/tires/suspension dropped from 10.2% in 2008 to 4.5% in 2009. — SEMA Research & Information Center

SEMA members can now download the entire May 2009 SEMA Demand Index (PADI) here.

Looking closely, wheels, tires and suspension products topped other segments for three of the past six months.

Accessories are not on the top of consumers’ minds as much as they have been in the past. Since late 2008, the segment has continued to drop.

As SEMA continues to collect industry forecast data in the Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI), there are some interesting trends emerging. For instance, last December, 4.6% of consumers surveyed indicated they were thinking of purchasing wheels, tires or suspension products for their vehicle within the next three months, compared to 4.2% considering accessories and 3.7% looking at performance products.

What a turnaround in January of this year when wheels, tires and suspension products dropped from first to last in the consumer survey. But as you look at the trend from December 2008 to May 2009, in three of the six months, more consumers were thinking about purchasing wheels, tires and suspension products than the other two major segments in our industry.

As we compare this year to last year, the differences are obvious, but it is also apparent that the wheels, tires and suspension products were top of mind for more consumer future buying plans. It is also noticeable how the accessories segment has really declined in the future planning of U.S. consumers.

The other interesting piece of information from the industry segment data is the averages. During the six months from December 2008 to May 2009, an average of 4.8% of consumers surveyed were thinking about purchasing performance parts for their vehicles.

And what a difference a year makes. Looking at the same segments for the same six months a year ago we find a drop and a shift.

All three segments have dropped, accessories and wheels/tires/suspension products segments by at least 50%. The performance products segment experienced a smaller drop, which put them in the top spot this year.

Accessories dropped from 7.4% in 2008 to 3.9% in 2009; performance products fell from 6.6% last year to 4.8% this year; and wheels/tires/suspension dropped from 10.2% in 2008 to 4.5% in 2009. — SEMA Research & Information Center

SEMA members can now download the entire May 2009 SEMA Demand Index (PADI) here.

Looking closely, wheels, tires and suspension products topped other segments for three of the past six months.

Accessories are not on the top of consumers’ minds as much as they have been in the past. Since late 2008, the segment has continued to drop.

As SEMA continues to collect industry forecast data in the Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI), there are some interesting trends emerging. For instance, last December, 4.6% of consumers surveyed indicated they were thinking of purchasing wheels, tires or suspension products for their vehicle within the next three months, compared to 4.2% considering accessories and 3.7% looking at performance products.

What a turnaround in January of this year when wheels, tires and suspension products dropped from first to last in the consumer survey. But as you look at the trend from December 2008 to May 2009, in three of the six months, more consumers were thinking about purchasing wheels, tires and suspension products than the other two major segments in our industry.

As we compare this year to last year, the differences are obvious, but it is also apparent that the wheels, tires and suspension products were top of mind for more consumer future buying plans. It is also noticeable how the accessories segment has really declined in the future planning of U.S. consumers.

The other interesting piece of information from the industry segment data is the averages. During the six months from December 2008 to May 2009, an average of 4.8% of consumers surveyed were thinking about purchasing performance parts for their vehicles.

And what a difference a year makes. Looking at the same segments for the same six months a year ago we find a drop and a shift.

All three segments have dropped, accessories and wheels/tires/suspension products segments by at least 50%. The performance products segment experienced a smaller drop, which put them in the top spot this year.

Accessories dropped from 7.4% in 2008 to 3.9% in 2009; performance products fell from 6.6% last year to 4.8% this year; and wheels/tires/suspension dropped from 10.2% in 2008 to 4.5% in 2009. — SEMA Research & Information Center

SEMA members can now download the entire May 2009 SEMA Demand Index (PADI) here.

Looking closely, wheels, tires and suspension products topped other segments for three of the past six months.

Accessories are not on the top of consumers’ minds as much as they have been in the past. Since late 2008, the segment has continued to drop.

As SEMA continues to collect industry forecast data in the Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI), there are some interesting trends emerging. For instance, last December, 4.6% of consumers surveyed indicated they were thinking of purchasing wheels, tires or suspension products for their vehicle within the next three months, compared to 4.2% considering accessories and 3.7% looking at performance products.

What a turnaround in January of this year when wheels, tires and suspension products dropped from first to last in the consumer survey. But as you look at the trend from December 2008 to May 2009, in three of the six months, more consumers were thinking about purchasing wheels, tires and suspension products than the other two major segments in our industry.

As we compare this year to last year, the differences are obvious, but it is also apparent that the wheels, tires and suspension products were top of mind for more consumer future buying plans. It is also noticeable how the accessories segment has really declined in the future planning of U.S. consumers.

The other interesting piece of information from the industry segment data is the averages. During the six months from December 2008 to May 2009, an average of 4.8% of consumers surveyed were thinking about purchasing performance parts for their vehicles.

And what a difference a year makes. Looking at the same segments for the same six months a year ago we find a drop and a shift.

All three segments have dropped, accessories and wheels/tires/suspension products segments by at least 50%. The performance products segment experienced a smaller drop, which put them in the top spot this year.

Accessories dropped from 7.4% in 2008 to 3.9% in 2009; performance products fell from 6.6% last year to 4.8% this year; and wheels/tires/suspension dropped from 10.2% in 2008 to 4.5% in 2009. — SEMA Research & Information Center

SEMA members can now download the entire May 2009 SEMA Demand Index (PADI) here.

Looking closely, wheels, tires and suspension products topped other segments for three of the past six months.

Accessories are not on the top of consumers’ minds as much as they have been in the past. Since late 2008, the segment has continued to drop.

As SEMA continues to collect industry forecast data in the Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI), there are some interesting trends emerging. For instance, last December, 4.6% of consumers surveyed indicated they were thinking of purchasing wheels, tires or suspension products for their vehicle within the next three months, compared to 4.2% considering accessories and 3.7% looking at performance products.

What a turnaround in January of this year when wheels, tires and suspension products dropped from first to last in the consumer survey. But as you look at the trend from December 2008 to May 2009, in three of the six months, more consumers were thinking about purchasing wheels, tires and suspension products than the other two major segments in our industry.

As we compare this year to last year, the differences are obvious, but it is also apparent that the wheels, tires and suspension products were top of mind for more consumer future buying plans. It is also noticeable how the accessories segment has really declined in the future planning of U.S. consumers.

The other interesting piece of information from the industry segment data is the averages. During the six months from December 2008 to May 2009, an average of 4.8% of consumers surveyed were thinking about purchasing performance parts for their vehicles.

And what a difference a year makes. Looking at the same segments for the same six months a year ago we find a drop and a shift.

All three segments have dropped, accessories and wheels/tires/suspension products segments by at least 50%. The performance products segment experienced a smaller drop, which put them in the top spot this year.

Accessories dropped from 7.4% in 2008 to 3.9% in 2009; performance products fell from 6.6% last year to 4.8% this year; and wheels/tires/suspension dropped from 10.2% in 2008 to 4.5% in 2009. — SEMA Research & Information Center

SEMA members can now download the entire May 2009 SEMA Demand Index (PADI) here.

SEMA members continue to request information on social media, online communities and websites where consumers spend their time. While some people still prefer face-to-face communication and tangible resources, the undeniable swing towards internet-based social interaction cannot be ignored.

Car clubs, magazines, companies and, most importantly, consumers are not only online but located throughout the unending maze of websites—truly a “web” where interconnectedness can be convoluted—that many people visit each day. Moreover, some people visit popular sites multiple times throughout the day with live feeds.

According to Facebook, more than 4 billion minutes of face time is spent on the site each day (worldwide) and 30 million people update their profile status at least once in the course of 24 hours. That's a lot of time connecting with people and associations they care about.

While Facebook is the new behemoth—it has surpassed MySpace, after all—it is not the only venue for social interaction online and not the single resource consumers use to connect with their friends or hobbies. Web surfers often have multiple identities online to depict their personalities.

A Facebook profile might be used for casual connections, for example, while a LinkedIn account might be reserved for professional networking. The behaviors, customs and appearances range the spectrum depending on the atmosphere.

Whenever there is a commonality to be shared, there is most likely an associated community erected to serve the demand.

SEMA even has one. The MySEMA dashboard on the SEMA website encourages members of the industry to join and become active within the system, network with others and collaborate to strengthen the community.

Communities come in all shades and formats, however. The size of individual players can be misleading and a critical examination of the audience and its growth might be a better solution for members of the specialty-equipment industry that have interest in understanding which arenas to participate in.

Compete.com is one of many online resources capable of giving some guidance through market analytics software. They capture web traffic and, for limited data elements, provide an outline without cost. Communities come in all shades and formats and the size of individual players can be misleading. A critical examination of the audience and its growth might be a better solution for members of the specialty-equipment industry.

Facebook, Twitter, automotive-focused Hub Garage and most of the social networking sites are growing. Similarly, mainstream automotive blogs continue to capitalize on the speed and scope of automotive news, topics and musings to grab audiences around the world.

Forums have been some of the longest-running internet communities. They continue to provide enthusiasts with a car club-like experience in a virtual medium, and due to their abundance and availability allow for vehicle specificity. In other words, forums can be general or dedicated to individual makes and models.

Print publications have also moved into the digital environment with websites tagged into the magazine model. Much like forums, they act as conveyors of community while being segment-specific. Some changes in web traffic indicate the move to consolidate titles while others highlight the opportunities presented to publishing companies that may not have survived without the online presence. — SEMA Research & Information Center

Although sales of new fullsize pickup trucks declined 39% for the first five months of this year compared to last, opportunity to acquire new business from existing pickups on the road awaits those willing to target this market. Giving credence to this idea is that automotive enthusiasts, the core of the specialty-equipment industry, are purchasing more used pickup trucks compared to new.

Around 64% of enthusiasts surveyed in 2008 who own pickup trucks said that they purchased their vehicle used, an increase from 57% in 2007, according to SEMA’s annual Automotive Lifestyle study of automotive enthusiast magazine subscribers and automotive forum visitors. Each survey collected over three thousand complete responses.

For both years, pickup owners surveyed noted that they spent, on average, more than $2,000 each on performance parts and accessories within the previous year. Knowing the composition of existing pickups on the road today would help any specialty-equipment company better target these enthusiasts.

Experian Automotive registration data shows that of the 19.5 million 2000-2010 model-year fullsize pickup trucks registered as of the end of last year, around 75% pack a V8 engine and 11% have a V6. Around 14% run on diesel and 50% are four-wheel drive. And a total of 1,891,149 fullsize pickups of 2000-2010 model years are currently registered in California—about 11.5% of all vehicles registered in the state for those model years.

While this is only a snapshot of just a few of the pickup trucks on the road today, SEMA members can now take advantage of the complete vehicle registration data set available to them as part of their overall SEMA benefit package.

For questions, contact the SEMA market research department at research@sema.org. — SEMA Research & Information Center

	NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace and chef Guy Fieri are two of many motorsports and celeb icons donating signed cars to the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race.

More than 50 drivers from NASCAR, IRL and NHRA, as well as entertainment and industry celebrities, are offering autographed cars at the Pinewood Drag Race, held in conjunction with the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

High-profile figures such as Carroll Shelby, Helio Castroneves, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Larry Dixon, Clint Black and Chuck Norris have penned their signatures to pinewood cars to appear at the Pinewood Drag Race.

Watch eNews for additional updates on how to get your hands on special, one-of-a-kind memorabilia and continue reading for a current list of figures who have signed their names to pinewood draggers.

Cars Need Sponsors!
Proceeds from the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, including the Pinewood Drag Race, directly benefit the children of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Recently the kids at both charities participated in a day of building pinewood drag cars.

Gregory Parker, committee chairman for the Pinewood Drag Race, said that the children built about 350 cars during two different project days.

“The build days we had this year were simply fantastic," Parker said. "We had a build day in North Carolina at the Victory Junction Gang Camp on May 2nd and another one at Childhelp Village in California on May 16th.

“We helped kids from both groups build about 350 cars and each one is unique. The joy on their faces as they build their own racers and race them down the tracks is something to see.

“Now we just need to get the racers sponsored by individuals and companies and raise some money for these kids. I hope that everyone out there hearing this message will participate in some way. The kids really need our help now more than ever."

You Be The Judge
The SEMA Show 'N Shine charity car show, held in conjunction with the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, needs volunteer judges. If you’ve got a discerning eye for automotive detail, we could use your help. Contact Mike Spagnola to get involved.

Signed Pinewood Draggers include:

• Bobby Allison
• Carroll Shelby
• Craig Breedlove
• Don Garlits
• Mario Andretti
• Richard Petty
• Janet Guthrie
• Connie Kalitta
• Alex Lloyd, IRL
• Dario Franchitti, IRL
• Helio Castroneves, IRL
• Danica Patrick, IRL
• Marco Andretti, IRL
• Ryan Briscoe, IRL
• Sarah Fisher, IRL
• Scott Dixon, IRL
• Will Power, IRL
• A.J. Almindinger, NASCAR
• Bobby Labonte, NASCAR
• Carl Edwards, NASCAR
• Casey Mears, NASCAR
• Clint Bowyer, NASCAR
• Denny Hamlin, NASCAR
• Elliot Sadler, NASCAR
• Greg Biffle, NASCAR
• Jamie McMurray, NASCAR
• Jeff Burton, NASCAR
• Jeff Gordon, NASCAR
• Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR
• Joey Logano, NASCAR
• Kasey Kahne, NASCAR
• Kevin Harvick, NASCAR
• Kurt Busch, NASCAR
• Kyle Busch, NASCAR
• Mark Martin, NASCAR
• Matt Kenseth, NASCAR
• Michael Waltrip, NASCAR
• Ryan Newman, NASCAR
• Sam Hornish Jr., NASCAR
• Steve & Rusty Wallace, NASCAR
• Tony Stewart, NASCAR
• Cruz Pedregon, NHRA
• Jack Beckman, NHRA
• Larry Dixon, NHRA
• Matt Hagan, NHRA
• Tony Pedregon, NHRA
• Doug Kalitta, NHRA
• Jeff Arend, NHRA
• Hillary Will, NHRA
• Greg Anderson, NHRA
• Clint Black, Musician/Performer
• Lee Greenwood, Musician/Performer
• Chuck Norris, movie/TV icon
• Vida Guerra, "Livin' The Low Life"
• Dennis Gage, "My Classic Car"
• Chip Foose, "Overhaulin'"
• Ryan Friedlinghaus, "West Coast Customs"
• Mike Rowe, "Dirty Jobs"
• Guy Fieri, The Food Network
• Larry the Cable Guy
• Courtney Hansen, Powerblock TV