Click on the logo to visit SPC's website.

Find Out Where the Performance Market Is Headed

You are invited to attend SEMA’s Street Performance Council Jobber/Retailer Focus Panel during the PRI Trade Show. The panel will be held on Friday, December 12, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Orange County Convention Center, meeting room S230F on the third level.

To RSVP or if you have any questions about the Focus Panel, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

SPC Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

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Click on the logo to visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Long Range Planning Meeting

The annual ARMO Long Range Planning Meeting is scheduled during Auction Week in Scottsdale, Arizona on Friday, January 16, 2009 at the Resort Suites of Scottsdale. The open general membership session will be held 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. This meeting is the most important council meeting members could attend. In addition to networking with peers, each ARMO member has the opportunity to participate in setting the agenda for ARMO’s future. Please attend, participate and take an active part in our industry! For more details and to make your reservation, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Attention ARMO Members Attending the H&R Show

The Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis from March 12–14, 2009 is a definite “don’t miss” event! Not only is this one of the greatest trade shows for our niche industry, but there are several educational and networking opportunities in store for ARMO members:

• Exhibitors of the H&R show can sign up to host a workshop/seminar during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance’s (HRIA) Education Day on Thursday, March 12. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with attendees during your own one-hour session. Click here for details.

• All ARMO members are invited to attend a networking mixer hosted by the Young Executive’s Network (YEN) at The Ram Restaurant & Brewery at 140 S. Illinois St. from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Mix, mingle and meet new and old industry friends!

• Saturday, March 14 at 9:00 a.m., ARMO is hosting a seminar on "10 Things You Can Do Today to Improve Your Website Results Tomorrow" by Brian Offenberger. 

ARMO Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Hall of Fame Award: Dennis Gage, Bradley David Productions/"My Classic Car"

• Hall of Fame Award: Randy Shannon, Source Interlink Media

• Hall of Fame Award: Steve Ames, Ames Performance Enterprises

• Person of the Year Award: Ernie Silvers, Egge Machine Co. Inc.
  

• Business of the Year Award: Carlisle Events

• Restoration Vehicle of the Year Award: 1958 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible; owned by Tom Gerrard; restored by American Classic Auto Restoration Inc.

New products shown and judged at Spring Carlisle:

• Original Restoration Category: 1969 Yenko Camaro Continuation Series, Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists 

• Resto Mod Category: Roller-Hoop Body Rotation System, DSK Auto Products LLC, Doug Kielian

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

Read ARMO's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

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Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.

HRIA Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Hall of Fame Award: Debbie Walls, Lokar Performance Products
  

• Hall of Fame Award: George Lane, Motor State Distributing

• Business of the Year Award: Speedway Motors

• Industry Recognition of an Individual Award: Bret Voelkel, Air Ride Technologies
  

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

Read HRIA's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For more information about HRIA, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.

TORA Booth Draws a Crowd While Raising Money for Victory Junction Gang Camp

The 2008 TORA SEMA Show booth in South Hall featured this vehicle from Dingmaster.


Cap-it International's vehicle on display.

A.R.E. made a $1,000 donation to Victory Junction Gang Camp to display their vehicle.

“I cannot remember any time in recent history that our booth had such a constant stream of traffic,” said TORA Chairman Ron DiVincenzo. “The quality and diversity of our three display vehicles offered something for literally everyone in the light-truck accessories market, from off-road to high-tech electronics to a packaged commercial truck that looks as good as it performs. I cannot thank the owners enough. They really raised the bar on the quality of our booth, all the while making a tremendous donation to Victory Junction Gang Camp. I could not be more pleased.”

Each vehicle represents a $1,000 donation made to Victory Junction Gang Camp on behalf of the vehicle owner. A total of $3,000 was raised for the camp that serves kids with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.

“I must also thank our Select Committee members,” said DiVincenzo. “Each one volunteered time during a busy Show schedule to make sure the booth was staffed at all times. The vehicles drew them in, and our Select Committee was there to deliver the message about TORA member benefits.”

TORA Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• 2008 Best New Product Under $500: Undercover, Swingcase

• 2008 Best New Product Over $500: Roll-N-Lock, E series

• 2008 Retailer of the Year Award: John Chamberlaine, Action Group of Companies

• 2008 TORA Hall of Fame Award: Anne Johnson, Keystone Automotive

• 2008 TORA Chairman’s Award: Todd Yeoman, American Technology Components

• 2008 Best POP Display Award: Agri-Cover, EZ Retriever/Stocking Display

• 2008 Ford Styling Awards Best Use of Accessories on a Ford Truck/SUV (presented by Ford): Kelderman Air Suspension

• 2008 Ford Styling Awards Best Use of Accessories on a Ford Truck/SUV (presented by Ford): Westin Automotive Products

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

Read TORA's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to visit MPMC's website.

MPMC Awards Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• MPMC Media Person of the Year Award: Ed Zinke, Source Interlink Media

Media Registers for Annual MPMC Media Trade Conference

Media who wish to attend the 12th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference may register online now at www.sema.org/media. The MPMC Media Trade Conference provides media attendees the opportunity to have up to 42 individual, 30-minute, face-to-face meetings with various manufacturers to gather technical and new-product content.

During the registration process, attendees are asked to prioritize each of the 100 exhibiting manufacturers as “must meet with,” “okay to meet with” or “do not wish to meet with.” Following the close of registration on December 5, individualized schedules are produced for each attendee and exhibitor, utilizing the prioritizations as much as possible. 

The MPMC Media Trade Conference is widely regarded by both manufacturers and media as a “must attend” event. Now in its 12th consecutive year, the conference has grown to an extent that the number of exhibitor spots is capped at 100, due to time and space constraints. Even so, many media attendees report that they gather enough editorial and technical content in three days to last them an entire 12 months.

Likewise, exhibiting manufacturers acknowledge that the Media Trade Conference gives them exposure to media that is not available at any other venue. Only MPMC member manufacturers are eligible to apply for an exhibitor suite, making the conference a true council member benefit.

MPMC Column in SEMA Member News

Click on the logo to visit MRC's website.

MRC Project Brainstorming Session at the PRI Show
 
MRC will be conducting a Project Brainstorming Session at the Rosen Plaza Hotel on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 from 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Lunch will be served. All reps are welcome and encouraged to participate in this open forum and address issues faced daily by reps in all segments of the automotive industry. Bring your ideas and suggestions to raise the bar for all manufacturers reps. So we can accommodate attendees with food and beverage, we ask that you take a moment and contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289 x104 or stacib@sema.org by Monday, December 1, 2008.
 
Manufacturers Seeking Rep List Now Available

Manufacturers’ representatives are encouraged to contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org to request the Manufacturers Seeking Rep List, which is available at no cost. Compiled using information collected from manufacturers prior to the 2008 SEMA Show, the listing contains details on manufacturers currently seeking the services of manufacturers’ representatives along with the lines available and company contact information. The list was originally available in the Manufacturers’ Representatives Council (MRC) Rep Center during the week of the 2008 SEMA Show.

MRC Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Hall of Fame Award: Bill Perry, Bill Perry & Associates

• STAR Award (Sales Team Annual Recognition): Winfield Consumer Products/Husky Liners
  

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. 

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Click on the logo to visit PRO's website.

PRO Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Jim Borre Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Nardine, Bob’s Top Shop

• Restyler of the Year: Diana Braschler, Dealer Source Ltd.

• Truck Accessory Specialist of the Year: Charlie Pruitt, Auto & Truck Restylers

• Trimmer of the Year: Eric Browner, Auto Mat Co.

PRO Business Development Guidebooks Now On Sale

In today’s ever-changing marketplace, staying ahead of the competition is more important and challenging than ever. To be successful, you not only need an effective business strategy, but also the tools and resources to help your company excel and stand out from the pack. The PRO Business Development Guidebook is your handy reference guide.

Beginning with an overview of the importance of having a business plan—including tips on how to develop a business plan and the many purposes it can serve—the manual offers chapter-by-chapter strategies for making your business a success. From understanding the basics of business finance and the importance of quality and service and how to make them hallmarks of your business to building knowledge and skills among your employees to branding your restyling business as a market leader, the guidebook offers information critical to the day-to-day and long-term operation of your business.

Whether you’re starting your own restyling business or already own one—be it mobile or brick and mortar—you’ll find the answers that you’ve been looking for in the guidebook. PRO Council members contributed much of the information contained in the guidebook, drawing on their experience and knowledge to present a valuable business tool.

Click here to download the business guidebook order form, or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

Read PRO's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about PRO, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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Filler for eNews

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

SEMA Webinar, "How to Make Money with the Right Social Media Tools," December 4, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
SEMA MRC Project Brainstorming Session, December 10, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Orlando, Florida
SEMA Webinar, "Telematics: Vehicle Technology that Will Change Your Business," December 11, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
SPC Jobber/Retailer Focus Panel, December 12, 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Orlando, Florida
SEMA MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 20–22, 2009, El Segundo, California
SEMA Technical Skills & Training Conference, March 27–28, 2009, Orlando, Florida
PAACE Automechanika Mexico, July 15–17, 2009, Mexico City
SEMA Show, November 3–6, 2009, Las Vegas, Nevada

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 located at www.sema.org/calendar. 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.

Owners of classic cars, musclecars and hot rods form a significant part of the specialty-equipment industry's core. Their involvement has helped establish the lifestyles, cultures and beliefs of the industry, and they remain dedicated to the hobby even in light of current economic conditions.

SEMA research has captured data from those in the hobby who own and modify pre-1975 vehicles. From August to October, nearly 800 people from this group were polled about their hobby and their intentions to purchase specialty-equipment parts and services. The amount of purchases planned has not decreased significantly from historic values.

The median amount fell between $2,500 and $5,000 for the coming 12-month period. On average, these amounts do fluctuate with economic conditions, but for enthusiasts who fall in this category, the variations are not as extreme.

In comparison, the median amount planned for the general enthusiast is at the lower end of this spectrum, which is $2,500. Owners of classic cars and trucks are typically older, more established and have higher annual incomes. These characteristics often allow them more discretionary income.

Much like the atmosphere during the 2008 SEMA Show, a sour economic situation does not necessarily translate to a weakened specialty-equipment industry. Enthusiasts continue to make plans for modifications. Of the top 20 products and services they plan to make in near future, the most common were paint jobs (27.1%), exhaust (23.5%) and brake (21%) upgrades, ignition parts (20.9%) and wheel (19.4%) and tire (20.3%) upgrades.

 For more original SEMA market research, please visit www.sema.org/research.

SEMA research shows that enthusiasts who purchase custom exhausts for their vehicles will also purchase more efficient custom air intakes as well. Analysis of 2007 Automotive Lifestyles Survey data, which surveyed automotive enthusiast magazine subscribers last summer, shows high levels of cross-shopping among several product categories. Similar trends were observed with the 2008 Automotive Lifestyles Survey data as well, but the analysis to follow refers to last year’s data.

Below is an analysis of the top 15 products listed in the Have It/Plan to Buy section of the survey. The top 15 products include: exhaust kit/pipes/muffler; performance air filter replacement; performance tires; custom wheels; cold air intake; polishes and wax; performance fluids, oils and lubricants; springs/shocks/suspension/sway bars; exhaust headers; brake caliper/rotor kits; ignition wires/spark plugs; battery/battery wraps; performance brake kits; exterior lighting; and gauges.

If a respondent had one of these 15 products, we did an analysis to see what other products they had and what other products they planned to buy.

This is a valuable analysis to understand the relationships between unrelated products. This would be useful for SEMA-member retailers wanting to improve their in-store, online or catalog merchandising; manufacturers wanting to optimize their marketing or look for new products to manufacture; and publishers looking for editorial guidance.

For more original SEMA market research, please visit www.sema.org/research.

Blockbuster movies and epics of the big screen have been helpful ambassadors of the specialty-equipment industry, exposing generations of moviegoers to gadget-laden heroic rides, get-away vehicles in dynamic chase scenes and comedic transporters. Famous movie stars often have notable sidekicks or supporting characters, and, in some cases, iconic cars have filled those roles.

The 2008 SEMA Show was once again a great venue to place these works of art centerstage. From spot-on recreations to spin-offs that pay homage to some of the silver screen’s most memorable cars, the specialty-equipment industry has been the backbone of these legends. From custom parts to handcrafted designs, these vehicles help bridge the gap between both industries.

1970 Dodge Challenger–"Vanishing Point"

 
2008 Dodge Challenger–“One Lap Vanishing Point”

 
1968 Ford Mustang–"Bullitt"

1968 Ford Mustang–"Bullitt"

 
1967 Ford Mustang GT500–Eleanor from "Gone in 60 Seconds"

2008 Dodge Charger–the General Lee from "Dukes of Hazard"

 
1970 Dodge Charger–"The Fast and the Furious"

 
1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am–KITT from "Knight Rider"

1959 Cadillac Miller Meteor–Ecto-1 from "Ghostbusters"

2009 smart fortwo–George Barris-designed Batmobile homage

 
Custom built from three Ford Model T's–the Munster Koach from "The Munsters"

 
1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am–modernized replica of Bandit from "Smokey and the Bandit."

 
TIV Navigator from "Storm Chasers," Discovery Channel

Pickup sales have experienced a positive response due to the cheaper gas prices of recent weeks, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Auto dealerships still have an influx of leftover 2008 models, but with gas well below $3 a gallon, buyers are taking advantage of special promotions and discounts.

Mark Frost, dealership manager of Jim Ellis Chevrolet in Atlanta, told the Journal that pickup sales have yet to rebound to levels before gas cost $4 a gallon and the credit crisis hit the market, but selling 30 to 40 trucks a month is a definite improvement to the recent average of 15 a month.

At the time of the article (November 3), gas prices were down about 35% since July to a nationwide average of about $2.65 a gallon. Increased pickup sales indicate that consumers are not ready to give up on large pickups and SUVs.

According to the Journal, data from the Power Information Network reveals that the share of large-pickup owners trading for another large pickup decreased to as low as 49.8% in May as gas prices soared. By September, this level had rebounded to 74.5%—the highest in 13 months—and was running just under 72% in early October.

Dealer chain AutoNation Inc. told the Journal that consumer interest in trucks tracked through its AutoUSA website rose to 10% of total searches from 7% in the second quarter. Coinciding with this upsurge, Ford announced plans to recall more than 1,000 laid-off workers at a plant in Dearborn to increase production of its newly-redesigned F-150 pickups.

With social networking sites becoming increasingly relevant to a business marketing campaign, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is sponsoring the "How to Make Money with the Right Social Media Tools" webinar to ensure that SEMA members stay current with a technologically advancing market.
 
This webinar will introduce you to the basics of social media and social-networking sites. You will learn valuable social-networking tools and how social media can impact your sales. You will also hear current success stories that can be applied to your own business.

Title: "How to Make Money with the Right Social Media Tools"
When: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PDT)
Presenter: Chad Israel, director of social marketing, Engauge Digital; sponsored by SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

Click here to register for the December 4 webinar.

Mark Your Calendar for SEMA's Upcoming Webinar
Don't forget to mark your calendar for the December 11 webinar, "Telematics: Vehicle Technology that Will Change Your Business," presented by Derek Kaufman, president of C3 Network Inc. This session is based on a series of interviews completed with telematics products and service providers around the world. Kaufman will discuss the robust applications in vehicle Wi-Fi, insurance, green driving planning and advanced GPS and explore how telematics could change the way we buy and own cars. This session will also cover the current state of OnStar and review how technology will quickly replace the need to monitor OnStar calls with cell phone-directed activities. This webinar will keep you up-to-date on relevant technological trends and forecasts.
 
Click here to register for the December 11 webinar. 

SEMA's Webinar Program: The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business seminars featured during the SEMA Show right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers.

All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone. All previous SEMA webinars are available for download by clicking here. To view upcoming presentations that you can attend via telephone and Internet, click here.

GM's Camaro Black Concept proved a favorite with showgoers and journalists.

Economic and gas crises be damned, the specialty-equipment industry made clear at the 2008 SEMA Show that it’s not willing to sacrifice time-honored street performance.

Although almost everyone agrees that burning fewer hydrocarbons is in everyone’s best political, social and survival interests, even the most promising green-electric-bio-sparrow’s nest milkgrass technologies aren’t yet ready for mass consumption.

In the meantime, we have diesel performance strides from Volkswagen, improved fuel economy efforts from Honda, a rethink of the commuter car concept from smart, and yes, plenty of petroleum-thirsting, rear wheel-drive options to lead us into the lithium-electric-hydrogen age.

Muscle, Muscle, and More Muscle
Until that day arrives however, we have the Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Nissan GT-R—two American icons and an equally iconic beast in its Japanese homeland—all making their respective bows to the tuner and enthusiast communities at the Show.

The Camaro was the official Vehicle of Show and SEMA research staff counted more than 35 of them on the floor, including the four 2010 models that GM showed in its floor display.

Of those four models, some writers, including Motor Trend's Angus MacKenzie and Top Gear.com's Jared Holstein, favored the GS Racecar concept, a tribute to driver Mark Donohue and the Trans-Am racing series.

But an overwhelming favorite seemed to be the Black Concept. InsideLine.com said the sinister mirror black Camaro stood out “without being overt, not an easy thing to do at SEMA.” The 2010 Camaro was “proof positive that the 2010 Camaro can look good even when it’s only packing V6 power.”

But it wasn’t just the new Camaro that got people excited. Check out what the editors at MyRide.com had to say about the ’69 Camaro that won the 2008 Mothers Shine Award.

The specialty-equipment industry is very much on-board with the new Dodge Challenger, every bit the broad-shouldered linebacker of its predecessor. The car was seemingly everywhere.

Hurst chose the Challenger to restart its unique performance vehicle program, started in 1968 and last rolled out with a 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Dodge unveiled the Challenger that driver Samuel Hubinette will pilot during the 2009 Formula Drift season.

But the beast of all Challengers had to be the SRT10 concept, making an official debut at the Show. Stuffed with a 600 hp, 560 lb-ft Viper V10, six-speed Tremec, stiffer springs and revalved Bilstein shocks, and six-piston Brembo calipers, the SRT10 concept proves that, as AutoWeek notes, “there are still talented people in the business who are not working on hybrids or electric vehicles…these people are having high-horsepower, tire-smoking fun.”

The Nissan GT-R made its own debut with tuners and hardcores at the Show. Although officially unveiled earlier this year and one of the worst-kept secrets in the business, the GT-R is the first of the Nissan Skyline lineage available for America’s mass consumption.

One of the most respected tuner cars ever manufactured, the Skyline was previously only available in America through sketchy importers and in a left-hand drive configuration. The GT-R continues the Skyline legacy, with performance rivaling a Porsche 911 Turbo.

The GT-R’s sophisticated electronics have tuners scratching their heads today, but tomorrow holds the promise of scorching horsepower from a twin-turbo V6 that doesn’t need much goose to peg 500.

TopGear.com did find one way to impair a GT-R’s otherwise supercar performance, courtesy of Japanese tuner Branew: slap a set of 23-inch wheels on it.

For a photo rundown of GT-R’s at the Show, check John P’s blog at Fatlace.com.

Tonkas

Thought gas prices had all but killed trucks? Not quite. Ford showed the truck it has been dropping hints about for over a year: the F-150 SVT Raptor. Laughing in the face of rutted desert roads and washes, the F-150 SVT carries Ford’s hopes of dominating the Baja 1000.

Toyota’s Tundra Dually returned to the Show, this time packing an 8.0-liter Hino heavy-truck inline-six diesel. The scribes at Jalopnik were curious about how many fully-loaded train cars it could pull.

Then there’s the mad scientist execution of stuffing a HEMI V8 into a current Jeep Wrangler, dubbed Orange Crush. The editors at InsideLine were impressed.

Sippers

The SEMA Show always offers intriguing contrasts, but none perhaps more so than this year. Where else will you find an 8.0-liter diesel dually and customized smart fortwo’s in the same arena?

Honda introduced its Civic HFP, a variation on the Civic that uses lighter curb weight and aerodynamics to improve fuel economy. Ronn Motors debuted its Scorpion, powered by a hydrogen-injected Acura V6 engine. And Ford showcased an F-150 powered by four electric motors located in each wheel hub.

The inaugural SEMA Making Green Cool Zone featured everything from a George Barris-blessed Toyota Prius with orange paint and scissor doors, to an old Japanese fire engine converted to run on salmon oil from Alaska to Argentina.

There was even a two-wheel movement this year, but not from the motorcycle community. Over in the South Hall, a group of Honda Ruckus enthusiasts, led by the guys at Los Angeles lifestyle boutique BOWLS, showed their enthusiasm for one of the latest tuning movements. Honda’s Ruckus scooter is affordable (around $2,000) and, thanks to an established scene in Japan, has a million parts with which to personalize. Enthusiasts say these 30-35 MPH scooters get about 100 miles per gallon.

But perhaps the darling of this year’s small cars was the smart fortwo. Everyone from German tuner Carlsson (16’s in front, 17’s in back) to Barris got in on the smart act, the latter adding his smart take on his classic Batmobile build.

Undersize Me

While a general trend in the auto business now anyway, downsized rides enlivened the Show, whether it was the Kia Soul Burner or the new GLK from Mercedes-Benz. As a first-time exhibitor at the Show, Mercedes-Benz gave four tuning shops one of its new compact SUVs to transform as they saw fit. The results ranged from chopped-top bling to the flat-matte Pikes Peak Rally-inspired hill climber built by RENNtech (above).

Black, Black and More Black, Please

“Murdered-Out”: This unfortunately-named trend towards painting and tinting everything—body, wheels, all exterior components, windows—black turned up at the Show (witness the Camaro Black Concept or the Mobsteel Ford Flex pictured above). The cool kids call cars like these “murdered out.” The not-so-cool kids call them unimaginative.

Whatever your opinion, they made an impression this year. But here’s one example that went awry, found by the MyRide.com editors. 

Shiny, Flat or Both?

Motor Trend pointed out a trend towards matte, glossy, and tone-on-tone finishes, often all used within the same scheme on one car, as exemplified by the carbon, gloss and matte (hood) textures used on this GT-R.

Being the official vehicle of the 2008 SEMA Show meant the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro was the centerpiece of General Motors efforts. And as the premier stage for displaying its commitment to the specialty-equipment industry, Chevrolet shipped in six diverse examples of the new model to the SEMA Show. From showroom stock to dedicated race car with nostalgic livery, the display vehicles showcased the potential options found in this historic model.

Early reports indicate that enthusiasts are gearing up for the model’s 2009 release. Sources from inside the Camaro community are claiming that more than 7,000 consumers have already submitted applications to purchase the vehicle, most of whom have yet to see the car in person.

Given the Camaro’s legacy as a popular platform for enthusiasts, the total representation of cars at the SEMA Show was understandably high. More than 37 models were peppered throughout the venue, highlighting the nameplates' success during the past four decades.

SEMA has collected data on past and current Camaro owners to help forecast future vehicle modifications for the model. Some of the research was presented at the Show in a take-home pocket guide available to attendees.  

For more original SEMA market research, please visit www.sema.org/research.