Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has added Wally Holst and Bill Stevenson to its sales team. Holst, Toyo’s new regional sales manager for upstate New York and a portion of Pennsylvania, has more than 11 years of sales and account-management experience in the tire and automotive industries. Stevenson joined the northeast team as a district sales manager, assisting in sales and service of Toyo dealers in that region.

Toyota has teamed with BraunAbility, a leader in wheelchair-accessible conversion vehicles, to debut the Ultimate NASCAR Fan Sienna Rampvan at the 2008 SEMA Show. With a fully lowered floor, foldout ramp and an innovative “kneeling” rear suspension, the Sienna offers easy access for wheelchair and scooter users.
    The Ultimate accommodates up to three NASCAR fans in wheelchairs, matches Toyota NASCAR driver Jason Leffler’s Braun Racing #38 Nationwide Camry scheme, and features an array of Toyota Racing Development and specialty-equipment products, including LLumar window film, Katzkin interior materials, Yokohama tires and satellite radio.

Kicker is holding its Big Air Bash VII on Wednesday, November 5, 7:00 p.m., at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Motocross professionals Erin Bates, Adam Portue and Malcolm McCassey will host the event which features music from DJ Impulse and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, sideline commentary from Ronnie Renner, freestyle motocross action from Cowboy Kenny Bartram and Mike Mason and an exhibition demo from the quad team H-Bomb. The Big Air Bash is held annually in conjunction with the SEMA Show and is sponsored by Monster Energy, Makita, OGIO, Oakley, Toyota, Zune and Kicker.

Motorbooks (www.motorbooks.com) is looking for new authors for projects ranging from musclecar retrospectives, supercar galleries and how-to manuals to racing histories, marque histories and much more. If you have expertise in a particular area, see if it fits a project that’s already been approved. If you’re just a good researcher and writer, Motorbooks would like to put you on the list for future projects. For more information, stop by the Motorbooks booth (booth #22483) at the 2008 SEMA Show and ask for Zack Miller.

WyoTech has teamed up with Wal-Mart to promote tire safety, help improve fuel efficiency and encourage environmentally-friendly driving. The joint promotion is part of USA Weekend magazine’s Make a Difference Day. Four Wyotech campuses (Sacramento, California; Fremont, California; Blairsville, Pennsylvania; and Long Beach, California) will partner with local Wal-Mart stores to conduct tire-pressure safety tests and teach consumers how to check their tire pressure.       

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup season began airing on SPEED on Sunday, October 26. A total of seven 30-minute episodes will be broadcast from October through November, ending with an hour-long Jetta TDI Cup documentary on Saturday, November 22. All episodes air on SPEED. Check your local cable or satellite provider to confirm channel and times.

Paul Teutul Sr. from Orange County Choppers will be signing autographs at the Mobil 1 booth (#25173), Tuesday, November 4, at 2:30 p.m.

Will Castro and his crew from Unique Autosports return to SPEED for three fall specials featuring some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment royalty. The first special, scheduled to premiere November 4 at 10 p.m. (EST), will feature NBA star LeBron James and his Ferrari F430, along with a special Toyota Sequoia Platinum NBA All-Star Game project with Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning. For the second special, Castro joins rapper 50 Cent inside his Connecticut mansion, as the pair work on a special project with Pontiac. Castro and his team got to do a little retro work on a pair of “fraternal twin” Jeep Wranglers for Sean “Diddy” Combs for the third special.

 
Click on the logo to visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Diamond Sponsor Gives Away MLB Opening Day

AutoTrader Classics announces its Diamond Sponsorship of the 2008 ARMO Industry Awards Reception at the Las Vegas Hilton in conjunction with the 2008 SEMA Show.

As the Diamond Sponsor, AutoTrader will give away baseballs autographed by Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Goose Gossage as tabletop prizes. They will also be providing tickets to a Major League Baseball Opening Day game as a door prize for one randomly chosen reception attendee.

AutoTrader.com, parent company of AutoTrader Classics, currently boasts partnerships with many MLB teams. One ARMO reception attendee and guest will soon be able to say “I made it to Opening Day.”

ARMO booth at the SEMA Show

Come by the ARMO booth in the Restoration Marketplace of Central Hall. Chat with Select Committee members while you sit and rest your feet and also check out the amazing display of cars in the booth.

ARMO Industry Awards Reception

ARMO's Industry Awards Reception is set for Tuesday, November 4, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom C. In addition to recognizing the ARMO New Products Award winners, the council will also announce the Restoration Car of the Year, ARMO Person of the Year, and induct a few new members to the ARMO Hall of Fame. Dennis Gage, host of "My Classic Car," will once again serve as the emcee.

This special night is presented by the following sponsors: AutoTrader Classics, American Collectors Insurance, Auto Custom Carpet, Car Collector Magazine, Carlisle Events, Classic Industries/OER, GM Restoration Parts, Hemmings Motor News, Soff Seal Inc., TrimParts Inc., Hotrod & Restoration, Parts Unlimited Inc., Source Interlink Media, Steele Rubber Products, American Autowire, Bryn Dana International (Color Band), Hagerty Insurance, Old Air Products, Pypes Performance Exhaust and Restoration Specialties.

ARMO Open Meeting at the SEMA Show

Be part of the ARMO open meeting at the Show taking place Wednesday, November 5, from 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton, Conference Rooms 1–3. There will be a continental breakfast available at 7:00 a.m. The Select Committee has several projects on the agenda that you won’t want to miss! There will also be guest speakers from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office and SEMA Market Research, as well as Senator John Bruggeman.

ARMO Shopkeepers Roundtable at the SEMA Show

Thursday, November 6 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ARMO Shopkeeper's Roundtable at the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N262. This year’s roundtable discussion will revolve around oil and what effect the removal of ZDDP is having on old car engines. Don’t miss it!

ARMO Special Projects in Motion

Sponsorships are being accepted for the ARMO Industry Awards Reception. Now is the time to participate in this great opportunity to show your support of the restoration market, its community, its people and its businesses. Click here to download and print a sponsorship form.
 
For more information, contact any Select Committee member or Jan Desma, 909/396-0289, ext. 134, or e-mail jand@sema.org.

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

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

Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.

HRIA Special Projects in Motion

Sponsorships are being accepted for the HRIA Industry Awards Reception. Participate in this great opportunity to show your support of the hot-rod community, its people and its businesses. Click here to download and print a sponsorship form.
 
For more information contact any Select Committee member or Jan Desma, 909/396-0289 ext. 134 or e-mail jand@sema.org.

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

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

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

Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

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

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

Click on the logo to visit MPMC's website.

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.

Click on the logo to visit MRC's website.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

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

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

Click on the logo to visit PRO's website.

PRO will hold an open meeting during the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The meeting is open to all PRO Council members, and will be in meeting rooms N219–N222, located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Now more than ever, PRO needs input from all its members. So please plan to attend on Thursday morning at the Show, and bring all your ideas with you!

What: PRO General Membership Meeting
When: Thursday, November 6, 2008, 7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, rooms N219–N222

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

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

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

Click on the logo to visit SPC's website.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about SPC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Click on the logo to visit WTC's website.

WTC Column in SEMA Member News

Read WTC's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about WTC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Click on the logo to visit SBN's website.

Annual SEMA Breakfast, Thursday, November 6th – It’s not too late!

It’s not too late to make plans to attend the annual SEMA Breakfast powered by the SBN, Thursday morning beginning at 7:15 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, honor outstanding members of our industry, and participate in what has been called the most productive event of the SEMA Show—Speed Networking. Remember to bring lots of business cards to share. Linda Vaughn, the First Lady of Drag Racing, will also be on hand to sign autographs. Don’t miss it! For more information, click here. Tickets will be available at the door and at the SEMA Association Center at the Show.

Sponsorship includes many exciting benefits:

• Breakfast tickets (additional available at $10 each)
• Scholarship fund donation
• Eligibility to place items in goody bags that will be distributed to all breakfast attendees
• Logo in the event’s looping PowerPoint presentation
• Small logo on advance promotional material and on-site handouts
• Thank-you recognition at event
• Recognition in applicable SBN news vehicles—electronic and print—prior to and after the event
• Company name linked to your corporate website on breakfast webpage
• Handout of pre-registered attendees

Come join us for the breakfast, see the Woman of The Year and Athena Awards—and stay for Speed Networking—all while supporting the worthy cause of the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.
 
Sponsor companies need not be SBN members. All SEMA-member companies are eligible.

Click here to download the sponsorship form.
 
Attendee breakfast tickets can also be purchased by clicking here.

“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career.  In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

For more information on the program, click here.

SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN

Check out this video of SBN members in action during the valuable SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN held annually at the SEMA Show. Check out the video by clicking here

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

Read SBN's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

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

Click on the logo to visit YEN's website.

Join YEN

Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

YEN Member of the Month Spotlight

Did you know that YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit www.sema.org/yen.

Discover The SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career.  In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

For more information on the program, click here.

YEN Column in SEMA Member News

Read YEN's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about YEN, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

The number of automakers tapping into the customization and specialization craze at this year’s SEMA Show being held November 4–7, 2008, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, has reached a record high. There will be 15 manufacturers representing 32 nameplates exhibiting sophisticated displays, making major announcements and debuting new vehicles for the first time during the week.

General Motors will play a major role this year with the debut of the production 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, the official vehicle of the 2008 SEMA Show. Through several of its vehicle brands including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Saturn, GM is a long-time supporter of the SEMA Show.

Among the new exhibitors for this year is Mercedes Benz, who has participated in the SEMA Show in past years through various partnerships and programs. The automaker is increasing its level of involvement by becoming an exhibitor for the first time. In addition to having a customized Mercedes GLK unveiled by Renntech, the well-known American tuner, there will be a Mercedes Lounge located on the 2nd level between Halls C1 and C2.

This year’s host of automakers can be found at the following locations:

• American Honda, 24887   
• American Suzuki Motor Corp., 11463   
• Chrysler Corp., 43129   
• Ford, 22200   
• GM, 23743   
• Hyundai, 24387   
• KIA Motors America Inc., 11103   
• Lexus A Division of Toyota Motor Sales, 22599   
• Mazda North American Operations, 12127   
• Mercedes-Benz, 20999   
• Nissan, 36215   
• Scion, 20703   
• Subaru of America, 21703   
• Toyota, 37136   
• Volkswagen, 12633

For a complete list of SEMA Show exhibitors CLICK HERE.

SEMA Show exhibitors: Generate more buzz for your company and products by announcing your SEMA Show incentives and specials in SEMA eNews.

It’s not too late to make plans to attend the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SBN, Thursday, November 6, 7:15 a.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, honor outstanding members of the industry and participate in what has been called the most productive event of the SEMA Show—Speed Networking.

Remember to bring plenty of business cards to share. Linda Vaughn, the First Lady of Drag Racing, will also be on hand to sign autographs. Don’t miss it!

For more information, click here. Tickets will be available at the door and at the SEMA Association Center at the Show.

Many thanks to the 2008 SEMA Networking Breakfast Sponsors who make this event possible:

• Alliant Insurance Service
• AutoTrader Classics
• AutoVisuals
• Bowler Performance Transmissions
• Comp Performance Group
• Custom Logistics
• Davert Tools
• eTool Developers LLC
• Hypertech
• Martin & Co Advertising
• Off-Road Concepts
• R&R Marketing
• RightPSI
• Skyjacker Suspensions
• The Marx Group
• WBD Group - Grip Twist
• Window Canvas
• Writetec Media Services

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

SEMA WTC Open Meeting, November 3, 2008, Las Vegas
SEMA Show 2008, November 4–7, 2008, Las Vegas 
SEMA Dealer Day, November 5, 2008, Las Vegas
SEMA PRO Open Meeting, November 6, 2008, Las Vegas
SEMA ARMO Shopkeeper's Roundtable, November 6, 2008, Las Vegas
SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN, November 6, 2008 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m. (PDT), Las Vegas
SEMA Installer Certification Program, Exam date: November 13, 2008
 SEMA Webinar, "Fast Track Product Development with 3-D Design Technology," November 20, 2008 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
SEMA Webinar, "How to Make Money with the Right Social Media Tools," December 4, 2008 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
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

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.

In October, the SEMA Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI) fell 12 points, or 26%, falling from 48 in September to 36 this month. This latest index value translates to around 10% of adult U.S. drivers (or approximately 10-plus million households) indicating that they have plans to purchase specialty-equipment products sometime within the next three months.

By age, consumers in the 25–44 age range were the only group to hold steady as far as overall specialty-equipment purchase plans from September to October. However, looking closely at individual product segments, the 25–44 age group is slightly more likely to purchase compared to last month. 

Overall, 6% of consumers said that they were likely to purchase wheels, tires and suspension products; 5% said they were likely to purchase racing and performance products; and 5% said that they were likely to purchase accessories and appearance products.

The specialty-equipment industry typically experiences seasonal fluctuations in sales, and the anticipated consumer demand illustrated by the July–September SEMA PADI increase demonstrates the seasonality of the industry. Last year, the PADI began to decline in September after the April–August growth period (illustrated in the chart above).

Although the drop in the SEMA PADI may reflect declining demand among consumers in general, automotive enthusiasts, on the other hand, may continue to fuel industry sales. According to the latest Automotive Lifestyles Survey of enthusiasts administered in August and September of this year, enthusiasts on average said that they spent around $2,800 on custom parts and accessories over the last year. The same group of consumers also said that they plan to spend $3,100 on average over the next year.

While the SEMA PADI is derived from a nationally representative sample of around 900 consumers each month (margin of error is +/- 3.3%), the Automotive Lifestyles Survey input is gathered from automotive magazine subscribers and automotive forum visitors. More than 3,000 responses were received. The SEMA PADI therefore tends to refer to general consumers, whereas the Automotive Lifestyle Survey refers to enthusiasts.

By product segment, polish/wax and window tinting were the top appearance and accessory product purchased by enthusiasts over the last year. Exhaust kits and performance air filter replacements were the top racing and performance products, and performance tires and custom wheels were the top wheel, tire and suspension products purchased (illustrated in the tables below).

Results from the latest SEMA PADI show that over the last three months, midsize cars (24%) were, on average, the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification among consumers in general, followed by fullsize cars (18%), pickups (15%) and compact cars (14%).

Over the last three months, on average, car dealerships (26%) were the most popular purchase destinations among those planning to enhance their vehicles, followed by chain auto parts stores (15%), the Internet (15%) and independent parts stores (11%).

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

A recent SEMA survey highlights the hobbies enthusiasts have both in and away from their vehicles. Some of the findings are inherent to those involved in the hobby and relatively obvious, while others shed light on generational differences between those on either end of the age spectrum.

During the past few months, SEMA polled more than 3,000 enthusiasts as part of the Automotive Lifestyles Survey. Respondents were asked to weigh in on their favorite pastimes and outline the hobbies and activities they participate in most. Popular shared hobbies include working on cars, going to car shows, driving for pleasure and reading automotive magazines. 

These should come as no surprise as they are typically the defining characteristics of automotive hobbyists; they separate this group from mainstream consumers. Furthermore, six of the top 10 hobbies reported were car-centric.

The major differences do indicate a separation of values between the oldest and youngest groups, signaling a changing environment and shifting consumer behavior. Large differences of 20% or more have been highlighted in the chart. Some of the most notable include forms of entertainment such as Internet surfing (+26%), listening to music (+40%) and playing video games (+65%).

Not only have some of these technologies become more accessible in the last few decades, but they have become more powerful and portable in connecting consumers with their hobbies in all situations. What were once purely static household features have become mobile gadgets integrated into practically every new appliance.

Other forms of active entertainment are also more popular with younger groups than older ones: going to movies (+38%) and concerts (+23%); clubbing (+23%); playing sports such as football, baseball, basketball and hockey (+33%); and extreme sports (+27%). Granted, these are normally associated with younger groups to begin with, but it remains important to report them just the same.

Older enthusiasts subscribe to a more relaxed pace for their hobbies, preferring to spend time in more conservative lifestyles. For them, some of the activities with the largest difference include domestic travel (-18%), investing (-21%) and gardening (-25%).

These differences should not overshadow the overwhelming similarities between enthusiasts of all ages. The passion for the hobby is the same across the range, but age differences do play a factor in how individuals choose to participate. Understanding how non-automotive hobbies are influencing the perspectives, behaviors and preferences of consumers can help members of the specialty-equipment market connect with their target audiences. 

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

It may be challenging to find positive automotive news stories in the current maelstrom of slumping sales, negativity and bleak forecasts. Automotive manufacturers continue to cut production plans, consumers are unable to purchase new vehicles and estimates for the near term appear no less gloomy.

But the new-car market and the specialty-equipment industry are different. Sales of new passenger vehicles help drive custom parts and accessories, but the greater majority of activity is based on the fleet of vehicles people in the hobby presently own.

SEMA collected data from more than 3,000 consumers during the third quarter of this year and compiled vehicle information on the projects they own. Only 22% of vehicles were purchased within the last year. Of those, the largest percentage was acquired before the latest downturn. Based on this sample, the remaining 78% of the market consists of previously held vehicles.

This meltdown has stunted new-vehicle sales, and consumers will begin to retain their vehicles for longer periods and hold on to the projects that they already have. This increased duration of ownership could be viewed as a helpful boost, especially considering research and development costs for new products.

When enthusiasts are ready to make a vehicle purchase, they opt for used vehicles 72% of the time. Nearly three out of four purchases are targeted to this marketplace, placing the overwhelming demand on preexisting items. Furthermore, the database of cars submitted by enthusiasts tells the same story. Nearly 55% of vehicles were produced from the early '20s through the '90s. That number jumps to 77% if the range is extended to 2004. 

New-vehicle sales are an important source of revenue for many manufactures of custom parts and accessories. It is important, however, to keep perspective and understand the composition of vehicles in the complete market and to realize that while the industry is tethered to the automotive industry in general, it remains distinctly independent.

Finally, input from a variety of sources confirms the notion of market uniqueness. Every segment is different and some are more insulated from market forces than others. The traditional hot-rod mentality continues to resonate throughout all parts of the community and evade the slumping economy.

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

A new report by traffic information company INRIX highlights how fuel prices influence consumer driving patterns, congestion and public transit use and how to predict such changes for the future.

The INRIX National Traffic Scorecard Special Report takes an aggregate analysis of fuel prices, traffic congestion and an open survey of consumer opinions to create a predictive model for driving patterns. These results make implications that could potentially aid specialty-equipment manufacturers in developing strategies to understand fuel prices and their impact.

The study found that traffic congestion fell significantly during the first half of 2008, but was less dramatic in dense urban cities, such as New York City, Washington D.C. and Chicago. Nearly two-thirds of consumers changed driving behaviors. Of those, 69% took fewer driving trips; 34% made shorter trips; 9% carpooled; 8% began riding bikes or motorcycles; and 7% used public transportation.

In SEMA-conducted surveys, the results were similar. The most common strategies used to cope with high fuel prices were to drive less, combine errands or reduce recreational trips. The INRIX study showed a $4.50-per-gallon tipping point for road trips and leisurely driving with general consumers claiming they would significantly reduce the frequency of trips at this level.

Fuel prices are beginning to drop to lower levels, but in the instance that they begin to rise again, this level should be watched. When enthusiasts do drive, 64% claimed to change their driving habits.

 

"Although we can't predict the future price of fuel, we can predict the potential impacts to traffic congestion,” notes Bryan Mistele, INRIX founder and CEO. “As a whole, the population appears to have made lasting changes to their behavior, which we expect to persist at some level even if gas prices revert to pre-2007 levels."

The top cities with a negative correlation between fuel prices and traffic flow include Atlanta, Miami, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Springfield (Massachusetts), Daytona Beach, Orlando, Memphis, Charlotte and Riverside (California). Commuters in these cities reacted the most significantly as fuel prices increased.

Two other noteworthy details spring from this study. Atlanta, which topped the list, had a large swell of public transportation use. In order to meet the expanded demand, the city absorbed the rush by greatly expanding the capacity of public parking lots. In cities that heavily depend on vacation or leisure travel, such as Miami and Las Vegas, the decline in traffic congestion was attributed to fewer families being able to visit these destinations.

With any dominant social shift in behavior or spending fluctuations come consequential changes in the retail markets. Studies are suggesting that consumers are beginning to transform the way they view transportation and manufacturers of custom parts and accessories need to stay abreast of such shifts in order to stay competitive.

Click here to access additional market insight from the SEMA Research & Information Center.