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Outrageous Products at SEMA Show 2003

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 5, 2003 -- The annual SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 attendees, 1,800 exhibitors and serves to introduce the latest in automotive technologies and trends -- new cosmetic and high-performance gadgets matched only by an equal sampling of four-wheeled creativity.

Hosted by SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, this international celebration of automotive ingenuity is again setting new standards for aftermarket equipment innovation with the launch of unexpected, and sometimes outrageous, aftermarket gear. From the most advanced mobile electronics to head-turning paint techniques, interior appointments, and spectacular wheel-tire combinations SEMA Show 2003 has it all.

"While many original equipment manufacturers now select the SEMA Show to show-off concept, new-to-the-industry or production vehicles, their efforts are matched by more than 1,000 new product launches from SEMA Show exhibitors of every size," said Christopher J. Kersting, CEO and president of SEMA.

Gauging attendee reaction to product display from 1,800 exhibitors covering two million square-feet of convention center space is a challenge. Among the latest offerings gaining crowd appeal and buyer reaction are innovative torque wrenches and other ergonomically designed shop tools that accommodate tight spaces and help avoid skinned knuckles; a "day-glo" colored chalk based spray paint called Car-Fiti that allows for personal tagging -- that washes right off; a welder's helmet fashioned from heat resistant space age materials and emblazoned with a custom flame paint job; and perhaps the most outrageous new wheel ever displayed during the SEMA Show's 37-year history.

American Racing's oversize 28-inch custom rim -- part of its Twenty Inches Strong premium wheel collection -- increases the overall wheel diameter by two inches over contemporary "big wheels." Fitted to Kumho custom tires, the 28" TIS-01 rims were fitted to the DUB Magazine custom Hummer display vehicle and gained considerable attention as the "biggest roller" at the show.

"The idea of specialized wheels and tires is fundamental to any custom car or truck. They are the primary step when a consumer decides to set his or her vehicle apart from the standard model, be it a Mini Cooper or Hummer," Kersting added. "Custom wheels and tires are the most obvious defining fashion or function statement vehicle car owners can make." Some vehicle owners dress a car for daily-driver fashion, while others choose functional accessories such as larger wheels for heavy-duty off-road use, such as sand sports or rock crawling.

SEMA represents the $27 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in 1963, the trade association has 5,222 member companies. It is the authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765-3914; call 909/396-0289; or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com .