The Pontiac G8 is one the vehicles offered in GM's 2009 SEMA Show project-vehicle lineup.

General Motors encourages manufacturers, designers and restylers to participate in its unique project-vehicle program for 2009.

GM is now accepting proposals for project vehicles, including those for display consideration at the 2009 SEMA Show. GM's 2009 SEMA Show strategy will focus on passenger-car performance accessories and some pickups with full accessory programs from the accessories market.

Key vehicles for consideration include the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac G8. Other GM product lines will be available in limited quantities within the scope of this program. Act quickly, as early proposals will be given preferential consideration. Proposals are due no later than Friday, May 1, and approved projects must be completed by Friday, October 16.

Click here for further details about the GM Project Vehicle Program.

The Pontiac G8 is one the vehicles offered in GM's 2009 SEMA Show project-vehicle lineup.

General Motors encourages manufacturers, designers and restylers to participate in its unique project-vehicle program for 2009.

GM is now accepting proposals for project vehicles, including those for display consideration at the 2009 SEMA Show. GM's 2009 SEMA Show strategy will focus on passenger-car performance accessories and some pickups with full accessory programs from the accessories market.

Key vehicles for consideration include the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac G8. Other GM product lines will be available in limited quantities within the scope of this program. Act quickly, as early proposals will be given preferential consideration. Proposals are due no later than Friday, May 1, and approved projects must be completed by Friday, October 16.

Click here for further details about the GM Project Vehicle Program.

The Pontiac G8 is one the vehicles offered in GM's 2009 SEMA Show project-vehicle lineup.

General Motors encourages manufacturers, designers and restylers to participate in its unique project-vehicle program for 2009.

GM is now accepting proposals for project vehicles, including those for display consideration at the 2009 SEMA Show. GM's 2009 SEMA Show strategy will focus on passenger-car performance accessories and some pickups with full accessory programs from the accessories market.

Key vehicles for consideration include the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac G8. Other GM product lines will be available in limited quantities within the scope of this program. Act quickly, as early proposals will be given preferential consideration. Proposals are due no later than Friday, May 1, and approved projects must be completed by Friday, October 16.

Click here for further details about the GM Project Vehicle Program.

SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie (left) predicts his first-place finish in the Unlimited class before the flag drops.

This year’s SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, will be an intense one for Jim Cozzie, defending champ in the Unlimited class.

"For 2009, we have pooled the best minds from racing and aviation here in Mooresville, North Carolina, to help insure the Unlimited trophy stays here," Cozzie said. "The 2009 car, code named NC09-2, is top secret. I can tell you that we have reserved time on the rolling road wind tunnel here to be sure our new design is sound."

It is anticipated that Mitch Williams, last year's winner in the Modified class and former SEMA chairman, will be one of Cozzie’s stiffest competitors.

"I hear some guy named Williams is looking to knock us out of the number one spot, but our sources tell us he has been known to rely on questionable engineering and possibly the fracturing of rules," said Cozzie. "This, of course, is only a rumor, and I would not be inclined to accuse Mr. Williams of any wrongdoing without evidence. But hey, where there's smoke..."

Of course, with proceeds benefiting childrens’ charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, the result of the race is a win for everyone. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children, while Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

Approximately $40,000 was raised at last year's race. Stock cars were built by children at their camps and then sponsored by SEMA-member companies through their donations to the charities.

The event, held in conjunction with the 2009 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Sponsor a child at the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors.

Members can also help children build cars at the Childhelp Village in Beaumont, California, on Saturday, May 16, 2009. To volunteer, contact Gregory Parker at 615/746-8765 or e-mail gp@gregoryparker.com.

For questions about the Pinewood Drag Race and the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105 or lisam@sema.org. — Annie Kang

SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie (left) predicts his first-place finish in the Unlimited class before the flag drops.

This year’s SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, will be an intense one for Jim Cozzie, defending champ in the Unlimited class.

"For 2009, we have pooled the best minds from racing and aviation here in Mooresville, North Carolina, to help insure the Unlimited trophy stays here," Cozzie said. "The 2009 car, code named NC09-2, is top secret. I can tell you that we have reserved time on the rolling road wind tunnel here to be sure our new design is sound."

It is anticipated that Mitch Williams, last year's winner in the Modified class and former SEMA chairman, will be one of Cozzie’s stiffest competitors.

"I hear some guy named Williams is looking to knock us out of the number one spot, but our sources tell us he has been known to rely on questionable engineering and possibly the fracturing of rules," said Cozzie. "This, of course, is only a rumor, and I would not be inclined to accuse Mr. Williams of any wrongdoing without evidence. But hey, where there's smoke..."

Of course, with proceeds benefiting childrens’ charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, the result of the race is a win for everyone. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children, while Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

Approximately $40,000 was raised at last year's race. Stock cars were built by children at their camps and then sponsored by SEMA-member companies through their donations to the charities.

The event, held in conjunction with the 2009 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Sponsor a child at the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors.

Members can also help children build cars at the Childhelp Village in Beaumont, California, on Saturday, May 16, 2009. To volunteer, contact Gregory Parker at 615/746-8765 or e-mail gp@gregoryparker.com.

For questions about the Pinewood Drag Race and the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105 or lisam@sema.org. — Annie Kang

SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie (left) predicts his first-place finish in the Unlimited class before the flag drops.

This year’s SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, will be an intense one for Jim Cozzie, defending champ in the Unlimited class.

"For 2009, we have pooled the best minds from racing and aviation here in Mooresville, North Carolina, to help insure the Unlimited trophy stays here," Cozzie said. "The 2009 car, code named NC09-2, is top secret. I can tell you that we have reserved time on the rolling road wind tunnel here to be sure our new design is sound."

It is anticipated that Mitch Williams, last year's winner in the Modified class and former SEMA chairman, will be one of Cozzie’s stiffest competitors.

"I hear some guy named Williams is looking to knock us out of the number one spot, but our sources tell us he has been known to rely on questionable engineering and possibly the fracturing of rules," said Cozzie. "This, of course, is only a rumor, and I would not be inclined to accuse Mr. Williams of any wrongdoing without evidence. But hey, where there's smoke..."

Of course, with proceeds benefiting childrens’ charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, the result of the race is a win for everyone. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children, while Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

Approximately $40,000 was raised at last year's race. Stock cars were built by children at their camps and then sponsored by SEMA-member companies through their donations to the charities.

The event, held in conjunction with the 2009 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Sponsor a child at the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors.

Members can also help children build cars at the Childhelp Village in Beaumont, California, on Saturday, May 16, 2009. To volunteer, contact Gregory Parker at 615/746-8765 or e-mail gp@gregoryparker.com.

For questions about the Pinewood Drag Race and the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105 or lisam@sema.org. — Annie Kang

SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie (left) predicts his first-place finish in the Unlimited class before the flag drops.

This year’s SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, will be an intense one for Jim Cozzie, defending champ in the Unlimited class.

"For 2009, we have pooled the best minds from racing and aviation here in Mooresville, North Carolina, to help insure the Unlimited trophy stays here," Cozzie said. "The 2009 car, code named NC09-2, is top secret. I can tell you that we have reserved time on the rolling road wind tunnel here to be sure our new design is sound."

It is anticipated that Mitch Williams, last year's winner in the Modified class and former SEMA chairman, will be one of Cozzie’s stiffest competitors.

"I hear some guy named Williams is looking to knock us out of the number one spot, but our sources tell us he has been known to rely on questionable engineering and possibly the fracturing of rules," said Cozzie. "This, of course, is only a rumor, and I would not be inclined to accuse Mr. Williams of any wrongdoing without evidence. But hey, where there's smoke..."

Of course, with proceeds benefiting childrens’ charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, the result of the race is a win for everyone. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children, while Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

Approximately $40,000 was raised at last year's race. Stock cars were built by children at their camps and then sponsored by SEMA-member companies through their donations to the charities.

The event, held in conjunction with the 2009 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Sponsor a child at the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors.

Members can also help children build cars at the Childhelp Village in Beaumont, California, on Saturday, May 16, 2009. To volunteer, contact Gregory Parker at 615/746-8765 or e-mail gp@gregoryparker.com.

For questions about the Pinewood Drag Race and the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105 or lisam@sema.org. — Annie Kang

More Americans are keeping their cars longer, according to a recent report from R.L. Polk & Company. The automotive research firm found that the median age of passenger cars in operation increased to 9.4 years in 2008, breaking the previous two-year record high of 9.2 years.

Trucks are also aging, the median age rising to 7.6 years from 7.3 years in 2007.

This trend spells bad news for both new- and used-car dealers, but an opportunity for specialty-equipment businesses.

“I’m getting increasing requests from pre-owned dealerships to dress up high-end vehicles and quite a few theft recoveries from vehicles bought at auction,” said Diana Braschler, president of Dealer Source Ltd.

Braschler’s San Antonio, Texas-based company was named 2008 Restyler of the Year by the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).

Braschler notes that dealer customers are increasingly paying more for used vehicles at auction or finding cars out of state to fulfill demand.

“One of my customers commented that the sale of new-to-used cars used to be four-to-one,” Braschler said. “Now it’s one new to four used.”

R.L. Polk also noted the trend to keeping cars longer in a separate study. In a survey of U.S. consumers, 64% said they were “very or extremely likely” to keep their current vehicle longer due to economic conditions. Also, 81% of the 713 interviewed vehicle owners said they intended to take better care of their cars.

SEMA market research also shows that 83% of enthusiasts surveyed in January did not plan to replace their daily driver in the next 12 months. Sixty percent also said that they intended to accessorize their daily driver in the next year, while 65% agreed that keeping their vehicle longer than expected was the motivating factor in their accessorization plans.

Additionally, 47% of enthusiasts surveyed in a separate SEMA survey last fall said they purchased parts for their used vehicle to improve fuel economy.

It’s an opportune time for businesses selling functional accessory and appearance products.

“We are starting to see a slight uptick in sales,” said Ron DiVincenzo, General Manager of Cap World Inc., also chairman of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA). “We may have hit bottom, and now we need to start to move the needle forward a little.” — Dan Frio

More Americans are keeping their cars longer, according to a recent report from R.L. Polk & Company. The automotive research firm found that the median age of passenger cars in operation increased to 9.4 years in 2008, breaking the previous two-year record high of 9.2 years.

Trucks are also aging, the median age rising to 7.6 years from 7.3 years in 2007.

This trend spells bad news for both new- and used-car dealers, but an opportunity for specialty-equipment businesses.

“I’m getting increasing requests from pre-owned dealerships to dress up high-end vehicles and quite a few theft recoveries from vehicles bought at auction,” said Diana Braschler, president of Dealer Source Ltd.

Braschler’s San Antonio, Texas-based company was named 2008 Restyler of the Year by the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).

Braschler notes that dealer customers are increasingly paying more for used vehicles at auction or finding cars out of state to fulfill demand.

“One of my customers commented that the sale of new-to-used cars used to be four-to-one,” Braschler said. “Now it’s one new to four used.”

R.L. Polk also noted the trend to keeping cars longer in a separate study. In a survey of U.S. consumers, 64% said they were “very or extremely likely” to keep their current vehicle longer due to economic conditions. Also, 81% of the 713 interviewed vehicle owners said they intended to take better care of their cars.

SEMA market research also shows that 83% of enthusiasts surveyed in January did not plan to replace their daily driver in the next 12 months. Sixty percent also said that they intended to accessorize their daily driver in the next year, while 65% agreed that keeping their vehicle longer than expected was the motivating factor in their accessorization plans.

Additionally, 47% of enthusiasts surveyed in a separate SEMA survey last fall said they purchased parts for their used vehicle to improve fuel economy.

It’s an opportune time for businesses selling functional accessory and appearance products.

“We are starting to see a slight uptick in sales,” said Ron DiVincenzo, General Manager of Cap World Inc., also chairman of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA). “We may have hit bottom, and now we need to start to move the needle forward a little.” — Dan Frio

K Sport exhibited this Honda Integra Type R (Acura RSX) at the 2008 SEMA Show with some of the most current products and styles indicative of the Honda tuning market.

As one of the largest benefactors of the early compact performance market, Honda has resonated with enthusiasts as an inexpensive performance option. Many owners enjoyed the relative easy of modification and vehicle accessibility; the cars were their commuters and the parts were numerous.

Enthusiasts have retained the same feelings they held in the boom years of the niche. In a recent survey of enthusiasts that own and modify Honda and Acura vehicles the emphasis on upgrading performance was as strong as ever. In one section of the survey participants were presented with a list of quotes which covered common and current topics and were asked to rate their level of agreement with the items given.

The highest levels of agreement fell upon performance (93%), expression (88%) and personalization (86%).


Performance and personal expression lead the motivations for customizing vehicles.

In a similar manner, Honda enthusiasts disagreed with the concept of owning a vehicle with the primary purpose of using it for basic transportation (69%); not shocking as these owners are already biased towards modifying their vehicles. The next highest level of disagreement was in regard to preferring aesthetic improvements in lieu of performance (64%).

What should be noted is the disparity between the answers of expression (88%) and vehicle appearance (64%). These enthusiasts have a need to express themselves through their cars but do not do so with appearance modifications as the conduit. In other words, performance products are the tools for expression rather than strict appearance. This is a subtle, but important characteristic as it highlights the departure away from the trends during the niche’s heyday.


Intakes, exhausts and suspension products top the performance list.


The largest changes were for suspension and stereo equipment.

The tables listed here not only illustrate the top products purchased by enthusiasts, but also the ones that have the largest difference when related to the previous year. SEMA continues to collect data on an annual basis, thus allowing for year-to-year comparisons.

Honda enthusiasts appear to be moving away from stereo and mobile-electronic upgrades and focusing their attention on suspension items and more committed engine modifications, such as camshafts, valvetrain components and headers—items typically reserved for serious hobbyists. — SEMA Research & Information Center