Traditionally dominated by motorcycles, the powersports segment is expanding dynamically, thanks to the explosive popularity of side-by-sides, aka utility task vehicles (UTVs). The latter have brought off-roading enjoyment to a mostly family-oriented audience that eyes modifications focused on utility, performance and safety. But whatever the vehicle of choice, there were 416 powersports-related items showcased at the 2018 SEMA Show to cover them all. They ran the gamut from engine performance and suspension enhancements to batteries, towing and recovery gear, and appearance accessories.
Technological advancements in restyling and car-care products and accessories enable this sector of the automotive aftermarket to continue to thrive. The launch of new vehicle models and the shift from smaller cars to trucks and SUVs provide additional opportunities for customization. In order to survive in this marketplace, manufacturers must be innovative and keep up with the latest trends and evolving vehicle technology.
There’s good news for the truck, SUV and off-roading segments. Current SEMA research shows the aftermarket trend lines for all three categories rising. Certainly the renewed strength of these markets was demonstrated at the recent 2016 SEMA Show, where manufacturers introduced an impressive 567 fresh truck, SUV and off-road parts and accessories into the New Products Showcase.
Each year, the SEMA Show is the gathering place for hundreds of exhibitors in the racing and performance markets. In 2016, Racing & Performance sprawled across more than 270,000 net square feet in the Central Hall, Racing Annex and Performance Pavilion. In addition, exhibitors entered nearly 1,000 racing and performance parts and accessories in the New Products Showcase. We’ve gathered the entries here, along with some comments from a few member-company representatives about where they anticipate future growth. Take a lap through these innovative offerings from some of the industry’s leading manufacturers.
The SEMA Show is home each year to the Global Tire Expo (GTE), put on by the Tire Industry Association. The GTE is a centrally located display of the latest in tire and tire-related products, featured in the South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The other major display of tire new products is the New Products Showcase, located in the convention center’s Skybridge. The following pages contain many of the tire and tire-related products that were displayed at the 2016 SEMA Show.