Find Profit With Performance Parts From the 2013 SEMA Show

For buyers that specialize in high-performance accessories, the 2013 SEMA Show was “the place” to discover new trends, and potential profit centers. Hundreds of exhibitors dedicated to power and performance were on hand, offering the latest in turbochargers, superchargers, exhausts, headers and much, much more. Racing and Performance exhibitors also submitted a wide variety of products into the Show’s annual New Products Showcase. Page through this special section and enjoy identifying the products that belong either on your store’s shelves or in your personal garage. Also, take time to review journalist Steve Campbell’s interviews with industry executives, offering their thoughts about the trends they perceive and some words of advice about what might lie ahead.

Some Hot Segments to Watch

For many businesses in the automotive aftermarket, racing remains the lifeblood. This industry was founded on passion and performance, and automotive racing continues to drive product research and development and retail sales, inspiring manufacturers, retailers and consumers alike. After taking a hit from a rough economy over the past several years, racing is seeing a resurgence. While many motorsports segments are trending upward, there are a few in particular that merit watching in the coming year. Following the trends in these hot segments can lead to greater marketing success for all levels of the industry.

A Whole New Way for Companies to Promote With Hashtags

Companies looking to join highly specific conversations happening on Facebook now have an easy way to get there: Facebook hashtags. Essentially, Facebook allows users to categorize a conversation they’re having on the social network by using a simple hashtag (#) and keyword in their post. For example, log onto Facebook and type #InternetMarketing in Facebook’s search box, and you’ll be presented with all the posts on Facebook coded with that hashtag/keyword.

Thousands of reporters and journalists attend the SEMA Show each year with the goal of sharing new products and trends with consumers who are unable to see what’s happening in person. Many of the journalists represent automotive publications. However, as vehicle customization becomes more mainstream and consumers seek to personalize everything from cell-phone covers to coffee orders, general interest in the SEMA Show increases. Representatives from daily newspapers and mainstream outlets come to the SEMA Show to share with their readers news on how they can personalize their vehicles, whether with something as simple as a custom floor mat or seat cover or with a new paint scheme or engine component.

SEMA-member companies that are resellers or distributors may obtain an unlimited number of product data exports from the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) at absolutely no cost. The savings—available to any SEMA-member receiver in the SDC—totals $1,200 per year and is the newest incentive for members to join the SDC.

Launched in March 2012 with a beta test, the SDC is now a fully operational service that makes it possible for businesses to easily obtain valuable information about products from manufacturers. Information includes weights and measures, accurate descriptions, current pricing, UPCs, images, other digital assets and more. Details also include rich vehicle-application data and year/make/model look-ups.

GM HD Single-Cab, Chassis-Cab Prototypes and 2016 Ford Raptor Mule?

16 Categories Yield 48 Honors From Among More Than 2,000 Entries

More than 2,000 parts, tools, assemblies and packages were submitted for judging at the New Products Showcase during the 2013 SEMA Show. The displays encompassed items from every segment of the industry, and all were reviewed by a panel of expert judges who ranked them for superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability. The judges then awarded honors to products in 16 categories, including two runners-up in each division. Congratulations are due to all those who conceive and create the innovations that drive the industry.

The Hottest Vehicles of the SEMA Show

During the 2013 SEMA Show, the SEMA Award for Hottest 4x4-SUV went to the Jeep Wrangler. This well-deserved honor was the result of the Wrangler's dominant presence throughout the Show. Here now are some examples of builders turning stock Wranglers into rolling, rugged masterpieces. Take time to scroll through each entry and notice that in every writeup, there are direct links to manufacturers with 2013-2014 Jeep Wrangler accessories.

“The SEMA Show has always been the annual event where the newest and most innovative products are seen first,” said Chris J. Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify and set the trends that influence consumers worldwide. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.”

Empowering an Industry

The 2013 SEMA Show left no doubt that the automotive specialty-equipment industry is stronger than ever. While final attendance figures were being audited at press time, organizers reported that more than 126,000 credentials were issued prior to the event, with thousands more processed on site.

More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth.