Details OEM Participation at SEMA Show
10 November 1998
Details OEM Participation, Acceptance Of Once-Hated $18 Billion Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show DETROIT, Nov. 9 -- Once thought of as a group of trashy
products that would void your warranty and ruin your car, the Specialty
Equipment Market Association (SEMA) membership has not only grown to an
industry which grosses more than $18 billion annually, but has both the
encouragement and participation of the nation's automakers.
In a package of stories posted today, (11/9), The Car Connection,
, not only details the trick products previewed at
this month's "aftermarket extravaganza," the annual SEMA convention, but
reports on how carmakers and SEMA suppliers are working together to rekindle
America's love affair with the automobile.
"America's love affair with the automobile has been dented because
people can't do as much with their cars anymore," complained GM executive Bob
Kern. They're not only more difficult to work on, but the trend towards soft,
aerodynamic styling means today's cars look all too much alike. And it's hard
to get excited when you can't tell one car from another, said Kern. But "SEMA
is helping restore that love."
"People love to customize their vehicles to match their personalities
and their functional purposes," noted J. Mays, design director for Ford Motor
Co., as he toured the annual event, which overflowed the Las Vegas Convention
Center's 1.5 million square feet of floor space.
The convention center's miles of aisles were filled with an array of
useful, creative-and wacky products. There were wheels and wire brush guards,
multi-colored tires and onboard navigation systems, air fresheners and
flexible neon lighting for a rather unusual interior accent.
GM alone displayed more than 30 different concept cars and while
Volkswagen may not be ready to commit to producing a ragtop version of the
Beetle, SEMA customizers had several versions of their own at the show.
has a large selection of photos on-line from SEMA,
including a customized Beetle and a life-size Tonka Truck.
State and federal emissions laws have crimped the traditional high
performance market. But this year's SEMA show suggests performance could be
making a-legal-comeback. Chrysler Corp.'s Mopar parts division introduced a
line of performance accessories that can add as much as 50 more horsepower to
the Jeep Grand Cherokee and other Chrysler light trucks. And the equipment is
certified even in California, which has the toughest clean air rules in the
country.
Carmakers are even coming to SEMA members for OE supplier needs or OE-
branded accessories, but danger lurks in this trend. "Our industry has an
opportunity it never had before to work directly with the manufacturers," said
SEMA President Blum, but he admits the organization's members could blow this
budding relationship if they aren't careful.
Quality is an absolute these days. And automakers don't want to sell
aftermarket parts that won't meet tough consumer expectations. "It may be
someone else's part, but we're the one the customer will blame," stressed Lou
Patane, Chrysler's director of motor sports operations.
Other stories posted for this week on http://www.thecarconnection.com include
a preview of new ultra luxury cars for Mercedes, Rolls Royce and Bentley; a
look behind Audi's "comeback of the decade;" a spy photo of the "new"
Chevrolet Impala; and test drive reports on the 1999 Mercury Cougar, Lincoln
Continental and Toyota Avalon. This week's edition of "Headlight News"
provides a complete wrap-up of consumer and industry events.
The Car Connection, , is the nation's premier
automotive "e-zine." Turn to it for the latest news, reviews, and often-
controversial reviews. You'll find driving tips from racing instructor Bob
Bondurant, helpful maintenance advice from On-Site Mechanic Bob Weber, and
"spy shots" of tomorrow's hottest products Caught in the Web. The Car
Connection also offers a timely car calendar and the web's most expansive
automotive Yellow Pages linking to auto sites all over the world.
