As technology evolves, the term “mobile electronics” becomes somewhat ambiguous. A few years ago, it clearly referred to automobile electronics. But with the advent of cell phones, portable navigation, electronic gaming and portable DVD—among multitudes of other evolving systems—mobile electronics now also refers to any self-contained electronic device that can be easily transported. One of the major trends rippling through the automotive specialty-equipment industry is the merging of the two definitions.

While “restoration” once referred to using only original or reproduction parts, the industry has come to also embrace the idea of mild modifications to classic vehicles. There is still a definite differentiation between a “restomod” and an all-out hot rod, but the lines have been subtly blurred.

This compilation of restoration products that were introduced at the 2010 SEMA Show runs the gamut from traditional numbers-matching reproductions to modernization components for handling and power. We’ve also interspersed comments from the owners and executives of some of the industry’s leading restoration specialists. Both say a lot about how the marketplace has changed.

Every business involved in the automotive specialty-equipment market has at least one thing in common: They all want to develop the most efficient way to provide customers with top-quality parts, assemblies or services. Finding the right tool for the right job can go a long way toward fulfilling that goal.

Whether at the dealerships or through independent specialty-equipment installers, car and truck personalization allows consumers to tailor their vehicles to their unique requirements. While market forces—both intrinsic and external—have wrought changes over the past few years, consumers have never ceased to customize and care for their vehicles.

As with other market segments, restyling customers have increasingly turned to the Internet to research available products and the companies that provide installation services. This surge in electronic communications provides unprecedented opportunities, so restylers have joined other specialty-equipment businesses in educating themselves about website design and tracking, social media, smartphone technology and other emergent marketing channels.

Lincoln Electric, Palmer Performance Engineering, Parrot Inc., Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, Scosche Industries, EngineQuest, Mark 7 Machine & Radiator, PlastiKote.

White Knight offers a line of TPMS valve stems in chrome and rubber finishes and in standard and adjustable swivel-style suitable for most applications. These TPMS valve stems are compatible with OE and aftermarket TPMS sensors.

BorgWarner Turbo Systems: According to the company, the new EFR Turbocharger series features a Gamma Ti turbine wheel that’s more than 50% lighter than its Inconel counterpart and could spin in the slightest breeze. A dual ceramic ball-bearing cartridge, stainless-steel turbine housing and other integrated highlights all come together in harmony to create the new, highly advanced aftermarket turbocharger.

 

The hot-rod market—the granddaddy of the automotive specialty-equipment industry—has seen some significant changes over the last few years based on both demographic and economic factors. The desire for modern amenities and advanced technology has increased with the aging of the Baby Boom generation. Styles and equipment have evolved to match those desires. From air suspension to classic gauges fitted with modern movements, and from keyless ignition to drive-by-wire throttle controls, the hot-rod world is keeping pace with developments in the rest of the automotive universe.

The light-truck industry was particularly hard hit by the recession that began about three years ago, but at last, the tide seems to be turning. The automakers are seeing definite and consistent sales increases, and while some sectors of the truck market remain tentative, fullsize pickups and crossover vehicles are clearly on the upswing. Of the 10 top-selling vehicles in January of 2011, according to Automotive News, the Ford F-Series pickup was number one (again), the Chevrolet Silverado was number two and the Honda CR-V was number six.

The racing and performance segment of the specialty-equipment industry—rich in history and tradition—is also predictive, often foreshadowing trends that ripple through other markets. Those SEMA News readers who have been around the block once or twice may recall the early days of the hot-rod scene and how it progressed from the street to the strip, spawning countless businesses and institutions.