It’s no secret that specialty-equipment sales declined in 2008 as a result of our economy taking a turn for the worse during the latter half of last year. Despite this market contraction, 37% of SEMA members recently surveyed noted that their company’s sales actually increased in 2008 over 2007.

By market segment, however, this percentage fluctuates quite significantly. Around 54% of companies who say most of their sales go toward the compact-performance niche reported increased sales in 2008, compared to only 23% for those that target the restyling market. When asked about how much sales grew, survey respondents indicated averages between 12%–28% growth over 2007, depending on market niche.


By market niche, SEMA members that target the compact-performance market indicated that 2008 sales were higher than 2007 more often than those that target other market niches.

This year also holds some promise for many surveyed. Around 23%–41% of those surveyed, depending on market niche, said that 2009 will be a better year than 2008. One reason for this growth is the need for continued vehicle personalization by consumers.

"Vehicle 'look' will be very hot. People will be keeping their vehicles longer and will want to put their stamp on whatever they drive, be it bolt-on body panels to stereos, people will want to make the vehicle somehow different from all the others," noted one survey respondent. "Cost of modifications will govern how consumers spend more now than ever," another wrote.

SEMA members can take advantage of the data in the table above in multiple ways, from benchmarking their company’s own sales activity to that of the industry as a whole, to looking at higher-performing niches as potential opportunities for business diversification.

More than 500 survey responses were collected when the survey was administered to SEMA members during the beginning of April. The highest percentage of respondents (37%) indicated that they were manufacturers. How does your business compare to the results presented above? E-mail your response to Ty Michael at tym@sema.org. — SEMA Research & Information Center

It’s no secret that specialty-equipment sales declined in 2008 as a result of our economy taking a turn for the worse during the latter half of last year. Despite this market contraction, 37% of SEMA members recently surveyed noted that their company’s sales actually increased in 2008 over 2007.

By market segment, however, this percentage fluctuates quite significantly. Around 54% of companies who say most of their sales go toward the compact-performance niche reported increased sales in 2008, compared to only 23% for those that target the restyling market. When asked about how much sales grew, survey respondents indicated averages between 12%–28% growth over 2007, depending on market niche.


By market niche, SEMA members that target the compact-performance market indicated that 2008 sales were higher than 2007 more often than those that target other market niches.

This year also holds some promise for many surveyed. Around 23%–41% of those surveyed, depending on market niche, said that 2009 will be a better year than 2008. One reason for this growth is the need for continued vehicle personalization by consumers.

"Vehicle 'look' will be very hot. People will be keeping their vehicles longer and will want to put their stamp on whatever they drive, be it bolt-on body panels to stereos, people will want to make the vehicle somehow different from all the others," noted one survey respondent. "Cost of modifications will govern how consumers spend more now than ever," another wrote.

SEMA members can take advantage of the data in the table above in multiple ways, from benchmarking their company’s own sales activity to that of the industry as a whole, to looking at higher-performing niches as potential opportunities for business diversification.

More than 500 survey responses were collected when the survey was administered to SEMA members during the beginning of April. The highest percentage of respondents (37%) indicated that they were manufacturers. How does your business compare to the results presented above? E-mail your response to Ty Michael at tym@sema.org. — SEMA Research & Information Center

It’s no secret that specialty-equipment sales declined in 2008 as a result of our economy taking a turn for the worse during the latter half of last year. Despite this market contraction, 37% of SEMA members recently surveyed noted that their company’s sales actually increased in 2008 over 2007.

By market segment, however, this percentage fluctuates quite significantly. Around 54% of companies who say most of their sales go toward the compact-performance niche reported increased sales in 2008, compared to only 23% for those that target the restyling market. When asked about how much sales grew, survey respondents indicated averages between 12%–28% growth over 2007, depending on market niche.


By market niche, SEMA members that target the compact-performance market indicated that 2008 sales were higher than 2007 more often than those that target other market niches.

This year also holds some promise for many surveyed. Around 23%–41% of those surveyed, depending on market niche, said that 2009 will be a better year than 2008. One reason for this growth is the need for continued vehicle personalization by consumers.

"Vehicle 'look' will be very hot. People will be keeping their vehicles longer and will want to put their stamp on whatever they drive, be it bolt-on body panels to stereos, people will want to make the vehicle somehow different from all the others," noted one survey respondent. "Cost of modifications will govern how consumers spend more now than ever," another wrote.

SEMA members can take advantage of the data in the table above in multiple ways, from benchmarking their company’s own sales activity to that of the industry as a whole, to looking at higher-performing niches as potential opportunities for business diversification.

More than 500 survey responses were collected when the survey was administered to SEMA members during the beginning of April. The highest percentage of respondents (37%) indicated that they were manufacturers. How does your business compare to the results presented above? E-mail your response to Ty Michael at tym@sema.org. — SEMA Research & Information Center

It’s no secret that specialty-equipment sales declined in 2008 as a result of our economy taking a turn for the worse during the latter half of last year. Despite this market contraction, 37% of SEMA members recently surveyed noted that their company’s sales actually increased in 2008 over 2007.

By market segment, however, this percentage fluctuates quite significantly. Around 54% of companies who say most of their sales go toward the compact-performance niche reported increased sales in 2008, compared to only 23% for those that target the restyling market. When asked about how much sales grew, survey respondents indicated averages between 12%–28% growth over 2007, depending on market niche.


By market niche, SEMA members that target the compact-performance market indicated that 2008 sales were higher than 2007 more often than those that target other market niches.

This year also holds some promise for many surveyed. Around 23%–41% of those surveyed, depending on market niche, said that 2009 will be a better year than 2008. One reason for this growth is the need for continued vehicle personalization by consumers.

"Vehicle 'look' will be very hot. People will be keeping their vehicles longer and will want to put their stamp on whatever they drive, be it bolt-on body panels to stereos, people will want to make the vehicle somehow different from all the others," noted one survey respondent. "Cost of modifications will govern how consumers spend more now than ever," another wrote.

SEMA members can take advantage of the data in the table above in multiple ways, from benchmarking their company’s own sales activity to that of the industry as a whole, to looking at higher-performing niches as potential opportunities for business diversification.

More than 500 survey responses were collected when the survey was administered to SEMA members during the beginning of April. The highest percentage of respondents (37%) indicated that they were manufacturers. How does your business compare to the results presented above? E-mail your response to Ty Michael at tym@sema.org. — SEMA Research & Information Center

It’s no secret that specialty-equipment sales declined in 2008 as a result of our economy taking a turn for the worse during the latter half of last year. Despite this market contraction, 37% of SEMA members recently surveyed noted that their company’s sales actually increased in 2008 over 2007.

By market segment, however, this percentage fluctuates quite significantly. Around 54% of companies who say most of their sales go toward the compact-performance niche reported increased sales in 2008, compared to only 23% for those that target the restyling market. When asked about how much sales grew, survey respondents indicated averages between 12%–28% growth over 2007, depending on market niche.


By market niche, SEMA members that target the compact-performance market indicated that 2008 sales were higher than 2007 more often than those that target other market niches.

This year also holds some promise for many surveyed. Around 23%–41% of those surveyed, depending on market niche, said that 2009 will be a better year than 2008. One reason for this growth is the need for continued vehicle personalization by consumers.

"Vehicle 'look' will be very hot. People will be keeping their vehicles longer and will want to put their stamp on whatever they drive, be it bolt-on body panels to stereos, people will want to make the vehicle somehow different from all the others," noted one survey respondent. "Cost of modifications will govern how consumers spend more now than ever," another wrote.

SEMA members can take advantage of the data in the table above in multiple ways, from benchmarking their company’s own sales activity to that of the industry as a whole, to looking at higher-performing niches as potential opportunities for business diversification.

More than 500 survey responses were collected when the survey was administered to SEMA members during the beginning of April. The highest percentage of respondents (37%) indicated that they were manufacturers. How does your business compare to the results presented above? E-mail your response to Ty Michael at tym@sema.org. — SEMA Research & Information Center

It’s no secret that specialty-equipment sales declined in 2008 as a result of our economy taking a turn for the worse during the latter half of last year. Despite this market contraction, 37% of SEMA members recently surveyed noted that their company’s sales actually increased in 2008 over 2007.

By market segment, however, this percentage fluctuates quite significantly. Around 54% of companies who say most of their sales go toward the compact-performance niche reported increased sales in 2008, compared to only 23% for those that target the restyling market. When asked about how much sales grew, survey respondents indicated averages between 12%–28% growth over 2007, depending on market niche.


By market niche, SEMA members that target the compact-performance market indicated that 2008 sales were higher than 2007 more often than those that target other market niches.

This year also holds some promise for many surveyed. Around 23%–41% of those surveyed, depending on market niche, said that 2009 will be a better year than 2008. One reason for this growth is the need for continued vehicle personalization by consumers.

"Vehicle 'look' will be very hot. People will be keeping their vehicles longer and will want to put their stamp on whatever they drive, be it bolt-on body panels to stereos, people will want to make the vehicle somehow different from all the others," noted one survey respondent. "Cost of modifications will govern how consumers spend more now than ever," another wrote.

SEMA members can take advantage of the data in the table above in multiple ways, from benchmarking their company’s own sales activity to that of the industry as a whole, to looking at higher-performing niches as potential opportunities for business diversification.

More than 500 survey responses were collected when the survey was administered to SEMA members during the beginning of April. The highest percentage of respondents (37%) indicated that they were manufacturers. How does your business compare to the results presented above? E-mail your response to Ty Michael at tym@sema.org. — SEMA Research & Information Center

It’s no secret that specialty-equipment sales declined in 2008 as a result of our economy taking a turn for the worse during the latter half of last year. Despite this market contraction, 37% of SEMA members recently surveyed noted that their company’s sales actually increased in 2008 over 2007.

By market segment, however, this percentage fluctuates quite significantly. Around 54% of companies who say most of their sales go toward the compact-performance niche reported increased sales in 2008, compared to only 23% for those that target the restyling market. When asked about how much sales grew, survey respondents indicated averages between 12%–28% growth over 2007, depending on market niche.


By market niche, SEMA members that target the compact-performance market indicated that 2008 sales were higher than 2007 more often than those that target other market niches.

This year also holds some promise for many surveyed. Around 23%–41% of those surveyed, depending on market niche, said that 2009 will be a better year than 2008. One reason for this growth is the need for continued vehicle personalization by consumers.

"Vehicle 'look' will be very hot. People will be keeping their vehicles longer and will want to put their stamp on whatever they drive, be it bolt-on body panels to stereos, people will want to make the vehicle somehow different from all the others," noted one survey respondent. "Cost of modifications will govern how consumers spend more now than ever," another wrote.

SEMA members can take advantage of the data in the table above in multiple ways, from benchmarking their company’s own sales activity to that of the industry as a whole, to looking at higher-performing niches as potential opportunities for business diversification.

More than 500 survey responses were collected when the survey was administered to SEMA members during the beginning of April. The highest percentage of respondents (37%) indicated that they were manufacturers. How does your business compare to the results presented above? E-mail your response to Ty Michael at tym@sema.org. — SEMA Research & Information Center

It’s no secret that specialty-equipment sales declined in 2008 as a result of our economy taking a turn for the worse during the latter half of last year. Despite this market contraction, 37% of SEMA members recently surveyed noted that their company’s sales actually increased in 2008 over 2007.

By market segment, however, this percentage fluctuates quite significantly. Around 54% of companies who say most of their sales go toward the compact-performance niche reported increased sales in 2008, compared to only 23% for those that target the restyling market. When asked about how much sales grew, survey respondents indicated averages between 12%–28% growth over 2007, depending on market niche.


By market niche, SEMA members that target the compact-performance market indicated that 2008 sales were higher than 2007 more often than those that target other market niches.

This year also holds some promise for many surveyed. Around 23%–41% of those surveyed, depending on market niche, said that 2009 will be a better year than 2008. One reason for this growth is the need for continued vehicle personalization by consumers.

"Vehicle 'look' will be very hot. People will be keeping their vehicles longer and will want to put their stamp on whatever they drive, be it bolt-on body panels to stereos, people will want to make the vehicle somehow different from all the others," noted one survey respondent. "Cost of modifications will govern how consumers spend more now than ever," another wrote.

SEMA members can take advantage of the data in the table above in multiple ways, from benchmarking their company’s own sales activity to that of the industry as a whole, to looking at higher-performing niches as potential opportunities for business diversification.

More than 500 survey responses were collected when the survey was administered to SEMA members during the beginning of April. The highest percentage of respondents (37%) indicated that they were manufacturers. How does your business compare to the results presented above? E-mail your response to Ty Michael at tym@sema.org. — SEMA Research & Information Center

Consumers remain hesitant to make new-vehicle purchases. Recent economic instability has not only caused consumers to reconsider these substantial purchases, but has also led them to neglect maintenance. Furthermore, when they finally succumb to vehicle repairs they have begun turning to run-of-the-mill mechanics.

These are some of the findings in a recent AAMCO survey. Responses showed a whopping 63% of people were reconsidering their new-vehicle purchases.

“Buying a new car is a major investment," Mike Ganjei, president of the National AAMCO Dealers association, told Aftermarket Business. "Perhaps it's not an option at this time for consumers because of the troubled economy and uncertainty in the job market.”

Even more hazardous, and potentially more costly for consumers, is their willingness to postpone maintenance and service due to personal finances and economic hardships. Forty-four percent of those surveyed said that they would be willing to repair their vehicle if the cost of such repairs or maintenance were less than $2,000. Conversely, if the cost were more than $3,000, many of them were inclined to get rid of the vehicle.

SEMA members may recall the old adage, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Performance parts and accessories may seem an ill-fitting solution for consumers in the current economy, but the reality is that customization, vehicle maintenance and ownership satisfaction are all intertwined. When owners retain their vehicles for financial reasons, they will rely on specialty-equipment parts, replacement and custom, to keep them running as long as the additional costs make financial sense.

Incremental repairs and upgrades to slightly older vehicles may keep transportation costs down and, if done properly, increase the vehicle’s utility. Opportunities can be found if consumers see the long-term value in replacing and upgrading old systems instead of turning to new vehicles.

Down payments, monthly payments, titling, registration and sales tax all make new vehicles costly purchases, even when incentives are offered. Additionally, those owners with any inclination for personalization will substitute some of the “need” products for the “want” items.

High-performance products, such as fluids, oils and lubricants, can go a long way. While often engineered to withstand high-performance driving and racing situations, their use in commuter cars may show no improvements in the longevity of the product. Members can use this statistic to not only develop business plans for production (i.e. focusing on specialty equipment for new vehicles or used), but they can also use it to focus marketing more effectively.

Knowing that consumers want products that will enhance the longevity of their vehicles, marketing of related products that will do that can improve sales and bolster confidence in the industry. — SEMA Research & Information Center

Consumers remain hesitant to make new-vehicle purchases. Recent economic instability has not only caused consumers to reconsider these substantial purchases, but has also led them to neglect maintenance. Furthermore, when they finally succumb to vehicle repairs they have begun turning to run-of-the-mill mechanics.

These are some of the findings in a recent AAMCO survey. Responses showed a whopping 63% of people were reconsidering their new-vehicle purchases.

“Buying a new car is a major investment," Mike Ganjei, president of the National AAMCO Dealers association, told Aftermarket Business. "Perhaps it's not an option at this time for consumers because of the troubled economy and uncertainty in the job market.”

Even more hazardous, and potentially more costly for consumers, is their willingness to postpone maintenance and service due to personal finances and economic hardships. Forty-four percent of those surveyed said that they would be willing to repair their vehicle if the cost of such repairs or maintenance were less than $2,000. Conversely, if the cost were more than $3,000, many of them were inclined to get rid of the vehicle.

SEMA members may recall the old adage, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Performance parts and accessories may seem an ill-fitting solution for consumers in the current economy, but the reality is that customization, vehicle maintenance and ownership satisfaction are all intertwined. When owners retain their vehicles for financial reasons, they will rely on specialty-equipment parts, replacement and custom, to keep them running as long as the additional costs make financial sense.

Incremental repairs and upgrades to slightly older vehicles may keep transportation costs down and, if done properly, increase the vehicle’s utility. Opportunities can be found if consumers see the long-term value in replacing and upgrading old systems instead of turning to new vehicles.

Down payments, monthly payments, titling, registration and sales tax all make new vehicles costly purchases, even when incentives are offered. Additionally, those owners with any inclination for personalization will substitute some of the “need” products for the “want” items.

High-performance products, such as fluids, oils and lubricants, can go a long way. While often engineered to withstand high-performance driving and racing situations, their use in commuter cars may show no improvements in the longevity of the product. Members can use this statistic to not only develop business plans for production (i.e. focusing on specialty equipment for new vehicles or used), but they can also use it to focus marketing more effectively.

Knowing that consumers want products that will enhance the longevity of their vehicles, marketing of related products that will do that can improve sales and bolster confidence in the industry. — SEMA Research & Information Center