Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:

SEMA Webinar, "Tough Times Bring Change: Learn How to Manage Moving Forward," April 9, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

"The Race Goes Green" Conference, April 16, 2009, Long Beach, California

The 2009 NCMA Knowledge Exchange Conference, May 2–5, 2009, Newport Beach, California

SEMA Webinar, "Contract Law 101: Sponsored by SEMA SPC," May 7, 2009 (PDT)

SEMA Wheel & Tire Council Long-Range Planning Meeting, May 14, 2009, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (PDT), Diamond Bar, California

SEMA Webinar, "Black Book," May 21, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

SEMA Webinar, "Sales and Marketing Strategies Guaranteed to Make SEMA 2009 a Success," June 11, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

SEMA Webinar, "An Interactive Discussion on Selling Online," June 25, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

PAACE Automechanika Mexico, July 15–17, 2009, Mexico City

SEMA Webinar, "Introduction to Internet Marketing," July 16, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, August 1, 2009, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (PDT), Pasadena, California

SEMA Internet Symposium, August 1, 2009, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (PDT), Pasadena, California

SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, August 1, 2009, Pasadena, California

SEMA Webinar, "Internet Marketing Tools," August 6, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

SEMA Webinar, "25 Ways to be Successful at the SEMA Show," August 20, 2009 (PDT)

SEMA Webinar, "Basics of Website Design and Content," September 24, 2009

SEMA Show, November 3–6, 2009, Las Vegas

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268.

Looking for Some Extra Publicity for Your Industry Event?
Publicize your events through the SEMA Online Calendar of Events. The calendar is stocked with information on events taking place throughout the year, broken down by month. Examples of events featured in the calendar include consumer shows and club events, educational and training workshops, conventions and trade shows, races and more.

To submit your event details for the calendar, e-mail company name and the date(s), location and name of the event to Shirley Presecan at shirleyp@sema.org.

Recent SEMA Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI) results show that consumers are slowly shifting away from general personalization and heading toward a niche-focused theme for their customization plans. Over the past three months, more consumers are eyeing the hot-rod, off-road and street-performance markets compared to this time last year.

When consumers planning specialty-equipment purchases were asked what form their vehicle would take after customization, the most common answer over the last three months was “general personalization” (43%), followed by “street performance” (15%) and “restoration” (13%). Although the most popular form of planned modification is still restyling, more consumers are now deciding to head toward street-performance, hot-rod and off-road modifications.

After two months of growth, the SEMA PADI dropped 13 points in March, decreasing from 43 in February to 30 this month. This month, 8% of adult American drivers indicated that they had plans to purchase specialty-equipment products sometime within the next three months.

In March, 8% (index = 30) of American drivers said that they plan to purchase specialty equipment in the coming three months. Of these, the most common form of customization is “general personalization,” or what is commonly referred to as restyling.

Overall, about 6% of consumers said that they were likely to purchase wheels, tires and suspension components—about the same level as last month, but a drop from the 8% who made similar plans this time last year. About 5% said that they were likely to purchase racing and performance products this month, a 2% drop from February.

The biggest drop came from those planning accessory and appearance upgrades: 3% this month compared to 5% in February and 6% this time last year.

Over the last three months, on average, midsize cars (22%) were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification, followed by fullsize cars (17%), pickups (16%) and compact cars (12%). A list of the top-20 pickups registered in the United States is listed below. This time last year, pickups (22%), midsize cars (19%), large SUVs (14%) and fullsize cars (13%) were the most common targets for modification.

More than 51 million pickups were registered in the United States on September 9, 2008.

During the first quarter of 2009, consumers began to show some optimism about their future specialty-equipment purchase plans. Two of the three months showed increases in the SEMA PADI, followed by a drop in March. Specialty-equipment sales are seasonal, so fluctuations in consumer purchase plans are to be expected.

Last year, for example, the March PADI experienced a similar decline after a February spike. Nevertheless, results for the PADI for the first quarter of this year averaged four points higher than the last quarter of 2008, a sign that consumers are now thinking about opening up their wallets and spending money on their vehicles.

During January–March of this year, the PADI average came in at 36, a drop of 23 points from the same time last year, but higher that the late 2008 slump. — SEMA Research & Information Center

Recent SEMA Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI) results show that consumers are slowly shifting away from general personalization and heading toward a niche-focused theme for their customization plans. Over the past three months, more consumers are eyeing the hot-rod, off-road and street-performance markets compared to this time last year.

When consumers planning specialty-equipment purchases were asked what form their vehicle would take after customization, the most common answer over the last three months was “general personalization” (43%), followed by “street performance” (15%) and “restoration” (13%). Although the most popular form of planned modification is still restyling, more consumers are now deciding to head toward street-performance, hot-rod and off-road modifications.

After two months of growth, the SEMA PADI dropped 13 points in March, decreasing from 43 in February to 30 this month. This month, 8% of adult American drivers indicated that they had plans to purchase specialty-equipment products sometime within the next three months.

In March, 8% (index = 30) of American drivers said that they plan to purchase specialty equipment in the coming three months. Of these, the most common form of customization is “general personalization,” or what is commonly referred to as restyling.

Overall, about 6% of consumers said that they were likely to purchase wheels, tires and suspension components—about the same level as last month, but a drop from the 8% who made similar plans this time last year. About 5% said that they were likely to purchase racing and performance products this month, a 2% drop from February.

The biggest drop came from those planning accessory and appearance upgrades: 3% this month compared to 5% in February and 6% this time last year.

Over the last three months, on average, midsize cars (22%) were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification, followed by fullsize cars (17%), pickups (16%) and compact cars (12%). A list of the top-20 pickups registered in the United States is listed below. This time last year, pickups (22%), midsize cars (19%), large SUVs (14%) and fullsize cars (13%) were the most common targets for modification.

More than 51 million pickups were registered in the United States on September 9, 2008.

During the first quarter of 2009, consumers began to show some optimism about their future specialty-equipment purchase plans. Two of the three months showed increases in the SEMA PADI, followed by a drop in March. Specialty-equipment sales are seasonal, so fluctuations in consumer purchase plans are to be expected.

Last year, for example, the March PADI experienced a similar decline after a February spike. Nevertheless, results for the PADI for the first quarter of this year averaged four points higher than the last quarter of 2008, a sign that consumers are now thinking about opening up their wallets and spending money on their vehicles.

During January–March of this year, the PADI average came in at 36, a drop of 23 points from the same time last year, but higher that the late 2008 slump. — SEMA Research & Information Center

Recent SEMA Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI) results show that consumers are slowly shifting away from general personalization and heading toward a niche-focused theme for their customization plans. Over the past three months, more consumers are eyeing the hot-rod, off-road and street-performance markets compared to this time last year.

When consumers planning specialty-equipment purchases were asked what form their vehicle would take after customization, the most common answer over the last three months was “general personalization” (43%), followed by “street performance” (15%) and “restoration” (13%). Although the most popular form of planned modification is still restyling, more consumers are now deciding to head toward street-performance, hot-rod and off-road modifications.

After two months of growth, the SEMA PADI dropped 13 points in March, decreasing from 43 in February to 30 this month. This month, 8% of adult American drivers indicated that they had plans to purchase specialty-equipment products sometime within the next three months.

In March, 8% (index = 30) of American drivers said that they plan to purchase specialty equipment in the coming three months. Of these, the most common form of customization is “general personalization,” or what is commonly referred to as restyling.

Overall, about 6% of consumers said that they were likely to purchase wheels, tires and suspension components—about the same level as last month, but a drop from the 8% who made similar plans this time last year. About 5% said that they were likely to purchase racing and performance products this month, a 2% drop from February.

The biggest drop came from those planning accessory and appearance upgrades: 3% this month compared to 5% in February and 6% this time last year.

Over the last three months, on average, midsize cars (22%) were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification, followed by fullsize cars (17%), pickups (16%) and compact cars (12%). A list of the top-20 pickups registered in the United States is listed below. This time last year, pickups (22%), midsize cars (19%), large SUVs (14%) and fullsize cars (13%) were the most common targets for modification.

More than 51 million pickups were registered in the United States on September 9, 2008.

During the first quarter of 2009, consumers began to show some optimism about their future specialty-equipment purchase plans. Two of the three months showed increases in the SEMA PADI, followed by a drop in March. Specialty-equipment sales are seasonal, so fluctuations in consumer purchase plans are to be expected.

Last year, for example, the March PADI experienced a similar decline after a February spike. Nevertheless, results for the PADI for the first quarter of this year averaged four points higher than the last quarter of 2008, a sign that consumers are now thinking about opening up their wallets and spending money on their vehicles.

During January–March of this year, the PADI average came in at 36, a drop of 23 points from the same time last year, but higher that the late 2008 slump. — SEMA Research & Information Center

Recent SEMA Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI) results show that consumers are slowly shifting away from general personalization and heading toward a niche-focused theme for their customization plans. Over the past three months, more consumers are eyeing the hot-rod, off-road and street-performance markets compared to this time last year.

When consumers planning specialty-equipment purchases were asked what form their vehicle would take after customization, the most common answer over the last three months was “general personalization” (43%), followed by “street performance” (15%) and “restoration” (13%). Although the most popular form of planned modification is still restyling, more consumers are now deciding to head toward street-performance, hot-rod and off-road modifications.

After two months of growth, the SEMA PADI dropped 13 points in March, decreasing from 43 in February to 30 this month. This month, 8% of adult American drivers indicated that they had plans to purchase specialty-equipment products sometime within the next three months.

In March, 8% (index = 30) of American drivers said that they plan to purchase specialty equipment in the coming three months. Of these, the most common form of customization is “general personalization,” or what is commonly referred to as restyling.

Overall, about 6% of consumers said that they were likely to purchase wheels, tires and suspension components—about the same level as last month, but a drop from the 8% who made similar plans this time last year. About 5% said that they were likely to purchase racing and performance products this month, a 2% drop from February.

The biggest drop came from those planning accessory and appearance upgrades: 3% this month compared to 5% in February and 6% this time last year.

Over the last three months, on average, midsize cars (22%) were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification, followed by fullsize cars (17%), pickups (16%) and compact cars (12%). A list of the top-20 pickups registered in the United States is listed below. This time last year, pickups (22%), midsize cars (19%), large SUVs (14%) and fullsize cars (13%) were the most common targets for modification.

More than 51 million pickups were registered in the United States on September 9, 2008.

During the first quarter of 2009, consumers began to show some optimism about their future specialty-equipment purchase plans. Two of the three months showed increases in the SEMA PADI, followed by a drop in March. Specialty-equipment sales are seasonal, so fluctuations in consumer purchase plans are to be expected.

Last year, for example, the March PADI experienced a similar decline after a February spike. Nevertheless, results for the PADI for the first quarter of this year averaged four points higher than the last quarter of 2008, a sign that consumers are now thinking about opening up their wallets and spending money on their vehicles.

During January–March of this year, the PADI average came in at 36, a drop of 23 points from the same time last year, but higher that the late 2008 slump. — SEMA Research & Information Center

Recent SEMA Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI) results show that consumers are slowly shifting away from general personalization and heading toward a niche-focused theme for their customization plans. Over the past three months, more consumers are eyeing the hot-rod, off-road and street-performance markets compared to this time last year.

When consumers planning specialty-equipment purchases were asked what form their vehicle would take after customization, the most common answer over the last three months was “general personalization” (43%), followed by “street performance” (15%) and “restoration” (13%). Although the most popular form of planned modification is still restyling, more consumers are now deciding to head toward street-performance, hot-rod and off-road modifications.

After two months of growth, the SEMA PADI dropped 13 points in March, decreasing from 43 in February to 30 this month. This month, 8% of adult American drivers indicated that they had plans to purchase specialty-equipment products sometime within the next three months.

In March, 8% (index = 30) of American drivers said that they plan to purchase specialty equipment in the coming three months. Of these, the most common form of customization is “general personalization,” or what is commonly referred to as restyling.

Overall, about 6% of consumers said that they were likely to purchase wheels, tires and suspension components—about the same level as last month, but a drop from the 8% who made similar plans this time last year. About 5% said that they were likely to purchase racing and performance products this month, a 2% drop from February.

The biggest drop came from those planning accessory and appearance upgrades: 3% this month compared to 5% in February and 6% this time last year.

Over the last three months, on average, midsize cars (22%) were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification, followed by fullsize cars (17%), pickups (16%) and compact cars (12%). A list of the top-20 pickups registered in the United States is listed below. This time last year, pickups (22%), midsize cars (19%), large SUVs (14%) and fullsize cars (13%) were the most common targets for modification.

More than 51 million pickups were registered in the United States on September 9, 2008.

During the first quarter of 2009, consumers began to show some optimism about their future specialty-equipment purchase plans. Two of the three months showed increases in the SEMA PADI, followed by a drop in March. Specialty-equipment sales are seasonal, so fluctuations in consumer purchase plans are to be expected.

Last year, for example, the March PADI experienced a similar decline after a February spike. Nevertheless, results for the PADI for the first quarter of this year averaged four points higher than the last quarter of 2008, a sign that consumers are now thinking about opening up their wallets and spending money on their vehicles.

During January–March of this year, the PADI average came in at 36, a drop of 23 points from the same time last year, but higher that the late 2008 slump. — SEMA Research & Information Center

Recent SEMA Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI) results show that consumers are slowly shifting away from general personalization and heading toward a niche-focused theme for their customization plans. Over the past three months, more consumers are eyeing the hot-rod, off-road and street-performance markets compared to this time last year.

When consumers planning specialty-equipment purchases were asked what form their vehicle would take after customization, the most common answer over the last three months was “general personalization” (43%), followed by “street performance” (15%) and “restoration” (13%). Although the most popular form of planned modification is still restyling, more consumers are now deciding to head toward street-performance, hot-rod and off-road modifications.

After two months of growth, the SEMA PADI dropped 13 points in March, decreasing from 43 in February to 30 this month. This month, 8% of adult American drivers indicated that they had plans to purchase specialty-equipment products sometime within the next three months.

In March, 8% (index = 30) of American drivers said that they plan to purchase specialty equipment in the coming three months. Of these, the most common form of customization is “general personalization,” or what is commonly referred to as restyling.

Overall, about 6% of consumers said that they were likely to purchase wheels, tires and suspension components—about the same level as last month, but a drop from the 8% who made similar plans this time last year. About 5% said that they were likely to purchase racing and performance products this month, a 2% drop from February.

The biggest drop came from those planning accessory and appearance upgrades: 3% this month compared to 5% in February and 6% this time last year.

Over the last three months, on average, midsize cars (22%) were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification, followed by fullsize cars (17%), pickups (16%) and compact cars (12%). A list of the top-20 pickups registered in the United States is listed below. This time last year, pickups (22%), midsize cars (19%), large SUVs (14%) and fullsize cars (13%) were the most common targets for modification.

More than 51 million pickups were registered in the United States on September 9, 2008.

During the first quarter of 2009, consumers began to show some optimism about their future specialty-equipment purchase plans. Two of the three months showed increases in the SEMA PADI, followed by a drop in March. Specialty-equipment sales are seasonal, so fluctuations in consumer purchase plans are to be expected.

Last year, for example, the March PADI experienced a similar decline after a February spike. Nevertheless, results for the PADI for the first quarter of this year averaged four points higher than the last quarter of 2008, a sign that consumers are now thinking about opening up their wallets and spending money on their vehicles.

During January–March of this year, the PADI average came in at 36, a drop of 23 points from the same time last year, but higher that the late 2008 slump. — SEMA Research & Information Center

Scion displayed this second-generation xB in its booth at the 2008 SEMA Show.

In the first week of April, SEMA initiated a study of Scion owners to gauge their impressions about future trends for the brand. In order to report the most current information as it is received, this article will briefly outline some of the preliminary results of the study. A complete report will supersede these results once the study has been completed.

Enthusiasts from the online automotive community ScionLife.com, a brand-dedicated site founded for Scion owners and followers, were approached to submit feedback about their hobby and their vehicles. The following perceptions are based on this brand-specific, venue-targeted (online) audience and should be interpreted with these qualities in mind.

Participants were asked to rate two upcoming trends for 2009: segment popularity and macro-trends for the industry. In other words, enthusiasts were asked to define the segments they think will prosper in 2009 and the trends that will be popular regardless of segment. Scion owner data has been listed alongside results from typical compact-performance enthusiasts and the larger data pool of enthusiasts from every demographic. The feedback collected in these consumer-forecasted reports is an important barometer for what may lie ahead.

While compact-performance and race/motorsports vehicles were popular choices, the lesser obvious street-driven urban-style also stands out.

As a subset of the compact-performance niche, Scion owners predict the largest activity to be in their segment (85%). But they also are in alignment about their beliefs with racing and motorsports vehicles (32%). Where they differ, however, is in their appreciation of street urban style (32%).

As for non-segment specific trends, Scion owners hold consistent values with other enthusiasts. Their top three selections are in alignment with the other groups and illustrate a desire for affordable speed and getting their hands dirty: performance (57%), DIY mods (57%), budget builds (39%).

Like most enthusiasts, Scion owners want to perform well without breaking the bank. — SEMA Research & Information Center

Scion displayed this second-generation xB in its booth at the 2008 SEMA Show.

In the first week of April, SEMA initiated a study of Scion owners to gauge their impressions about future trends for the brand. In order to report the most current information as it is received, this article will briefly outline some of the preliminary results of the study. A complete report will supersede these results once the study has been completed.

Enthusiasts from the online automotive community ScionLife.com, a brand-dedicated site founded for Scion owners and followers, were approached to submit feedback about their hobby and their vehicles. The following perceptions are based on this brand-specific, venue-targeted (online) audience and should be interpreted with these qualities in mind.

Participants were asked to rate two upcoming trends for 2009: segment popularity and macro-trends for the industry. In other words, enthusiasts were asked to define the segments they think will prosper in 2009 and the trends that will be popular regardless of segment. Scion owner data has been listed alongside results from typical compact-performance enthusiasts and the larger data pool of enthusiasts from every demographic. The feedback collected in these consumer-forecasted reports is an important barometer for what may lie ahead.

While compact-performance and race/motorsports vehicles were popular choices, the lesser obvious street-driven urban-style also stands out.

As a subset of the compact-performance niche, Scion owners predict the largest activity to be in their segment (85%). But they also are in alignment about their beliefs with racing and motorsports vehicles (32%). Where they differ, however, is in their appreciation of street urban style (32%).

As for non-segment specific trends, Scion owners hold consistent values with other enthusiasts. Their top three selections are in alignment with the other groups and illustrate a desire for affordable speed and getting their hands dirty: performance (57%), DIY mods (57%), budget builds (39%).

Like most enthusiasts, Scion owners want to perform well without breaking the bank. — SEMA Research & Information Center

Scion displayed this second-generation xB in its booth at the 2008 SEMA Show.

In the first week of April, SEMA initiated a study of Scion owners to gauge their impressions about future trends for the brand. In order to report the most current information as it is received, this article will briefly outline some of the preliminary results of the study. A complete report will supersede these results once the study has been completed.

Enthusiasts from the online automotive community ScionLife.com, a brand-dedicated site founded for Scion owners and followers, were approached to submit feedback about their hobby and their vehicles. The following perceptions are based on this brand-specific, venue-targeted (online) audience and should be interpreted with these qualities in mind.

Participants were asked to rate two upcoming trends for 2009: segment popularity and macro-trends for the industry. In other words, enthusiasts were asked to define the segments they think will prosper in 2009 and the trends that will be popular regardless of segment. Scion owner data has been listed alongside results from typical compact-performance enthusiasts and the larger data pool of enthusiasts from every demographic. The feedback collected in these consumer-forecasted reports is an important barometer for what may lie ahead.

While compact-performance and race/motorsports vehicles were popular choices, the lesser obvious street-driven urban-style also stands out.

As a subset of the compact-performance niche, Scion owners predict the largest activity to be in their segment (85%). But they also are in alignment about their beliefs with racing and motorsports vehicles (32%). Where they differ, however, is in their appreciation of street urban style (32%).

As for non-segment specific trends, Scion owners hold consistent values with other enthusiasts. Their top three selections are in alignment with the other groups and illustrate a desire for affordable speed and getting their hands dirty: performance (57%), DIY mods (57%), budget builds (39%).

Like most enthusiasts, Scion owners want to perform well without breaking the bank. — SEMA Research & Information Center