Automakers spent a good deal of effort at this year’s auto shows focusing on electrics, plug-in hybrids and a range of alt-technology hopefuls.
BMW 1-Series Five-Door Hatch, Ford’s High-Performance Raptor, 2011 Dodge Charger
Spy Shots: Toyota FT-86, BMW M5, Lexus LF-A, Mitsubishi cX
Other than powertrain components that have to coexist with vehicle on-board computers, mobile-electronics components can often be the most complex specialty-equipment accessories added to a vehicle.
Ford was the Vehicle Manufacturer of the Show for the 2009 SEMA Show, but its support for specialty-equipment companies goes well beyond that. The Ford Licensed Accessories Program offers qualified SEMA members the chance to boost sales of their products through Ford dealerships.
The automotive industry landscape is very rocky right now. A rapid sales rebound is not on the horizon, and many companies are going through radical restructuring.
These are tough times for automotive performance aftermarket companies. The entire paradigm on which many built their existence—the dominance of the internal-combustion engine—appears to be collapsing.
Designing new specialty-equipment products is a laborious, time-consuming procedure, and time is not a friend, as manufacturers will attest.
Car and truck buyers seek the vehicles that best suit their needs, including the need to be individual.
The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. “Spy Photos” are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org.
1