A beautiful exercise in glass and metal, the Infiniti Q80 Inspiration Concept is a stunner from every angle. The concept car features lots of intriguing ideas, including a new hybrid powerplant that pairs a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine to an electric motor, making a combined 550 hp. Infiniti spokespeople say that the car is an indication of where they would like to take the brand in the future.The Los Angeles Auto Show has developed a reputation as a “green” show that strongly focuses on alternative fuels and novel forms of propulsion. This may have been the case in prior years, but the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show had more to offer enthusiasts than in recent years, as a burst of “track-ready” performance cars and creative variants on existing platforms came to light. That made it more like the SEMA Show—an optimistic environment in which OEM exhibitors launched fun-to-drive new models and showed off interesting concept cars that may very well enter production. Among them were several vehicles that could be of special relevance to SEMA members.

SEMA Show attendees have the opportunity to preview the 2014 SEMA Show Directory, making Show planning easier and more productive.

The SEMA Show Directory is a valuable resource to help plan and navigate the features of the SEMA Show and its more than 2,000 exhibitors. In addition to the directory, take a moment to also click through other pre-show tools including a preview of the Show's feature vehicles, a celebrity appearance schedule and a SEMA Show Guide for buyers. The 2014 SEMA Show is set for Tuesday–Friday, November 4–7, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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.

The Trade Event’s Continued Growth Bodes Well for the Tire Industry

Each year, SEMA teams up with the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to present the Global Tire Expo Powered by TIA—a unique “show within the SEMA Show” that focuses exclusively on the needs of the tire-business community. Targeted to all segments of the tire industry, including light duty, medium duty, heavy duty, retreading, recycling and more, this tire exhibition and conference stands as the industry’s foremost comprehensive trade gathering.

By John Stewart

The Los Angeles Auto Show is the first international auto show of the season. Many of the vehicles from the Show and others will be available to SEMA members for measuring sessions in the near future. The Los Angeles Auto Show is the first international auto show of the season, so it provides an early look at some of the vehicles that could be important to SEMA-member companies in 2014.

The 2013 SEMA Show attendees would have noticed a significant growth in emphasis on custom vehicles, many of which were built for and debuted at the SEMA Show. These vehicles are now continuing to move from show to show and market to market, making the idea of customization more realistic to millions of new-car shoppers.

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.

SEMA Show attendees have the opportunity to preview the 2013 SEMA Show Directory, making Show planning easier and more productive.

The SEMA Show Directory is a valuable resource to help plan and navigate the features of the SEMA Show and its more than 2,000 exhibitors. In addition to the directory, take a moment to also click through other pre-show tools including a preview of the Show's feature vehicles, a celebrity appearance schedule and a SEMA Show Guide for buyers. The 2013 SEMA Show is set for Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Las Vegas Speedway allows participants to take command of the wheel and experience the thrill of driving a NASCAR race car. Taking Advantage of the Recreational Possibilities

While most attendees and exhibitors at the 2013 SEMA Show will spend the majority of their time either touring the displays or participating in the many educational and networking opportunities available, there’s plenty to do in the entertainment mecca of Las Vegas. It is one of the great recreational destinations in the world, offering all types of show-business entertainment as well as cultural, historical and outdoor activities.

Check out the official Las Vegas tourism site to find out about the myriad shows, activities, restaurants and more.

Stars and Industry Icons at the 2013 SEMA Show

The following personalities are scheduled to appear at this year’s SEMA Show. (Partial listings current as of September 6,2013.)

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