SEMA Media Release: More Than 16,000 Sport Compact Car Fans Attend 2002 SEMA International Auto Show
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Rosemarie Kitchin, rosemariek@sema.org SEMA, 909/396-0289, ext. 104 MORE THAN 16,000 SPORT COMPACT CAR FANS ATTEND 2002 SEMA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (April 26, 2002) - More than 16,000 people filled the aisles of last weekend's 2002 SEMA International Auto Salon (IAS) in Long Beach, Calif., enjoying the spectacle of more than 300 "tuned" sport compact cars and other vehicles modified and accessorized to appeal to the "fast and curious" crowd. On display, along with the eye-catching vehicles, were the newest products from nearly 200 exhibitors aimed at this rapidly growing market that sold $1.5 billion worth of merchandise in 2001, according to research conducted by SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association. The products ranged from decorative neon items to nitrous oxide systems, from rims (aka wheels) to gauges and in-vehicle DVD systems and camshafts. SEMA President Charles R. Blum said, "This show has really turned the corner and reflects the vibrancy and energy of this compact sport accessory market." Television crews, including those for the new Speed Channel show, Hi-Rev Tuners, and from cable-TV network channel Tech TV, roamed the show's aisles shooting footage for their programs and reports. Talk radio show personalities were on-site to broadcast live phone-in accounts from the show floor. The "Ford Focus on Performance Live" project was a popular display at this year's IAS, drawing viewers who watched installation of such accessories as a supercharger, a sunroof, and a high performance clutch and brakes. The build- out, organized and produced by Performance West for Ford, took a stock Ford Focus ZX5 and turned it into a totally tuned vehicle during the weekend. Vision Entertainment, SEMA's consumer marketing partner for the 2002 IAS, set the stage, literally, with a high-octane stage, along with its own high- decibel exhibit featuring D.J.s and Miss HIN (Hot Import Nights). Miss HIN was one of many models and celebrity drag race drivers signing posters at the show. News announcements included the launch of two compact vehicle drag racing series -- NOPI's The Fast and the Furious Racing Series and the 2002 Auto Trader IDRC Championship Drag Racing Series. The 2002 IAS Car Competition for all vehicles at the show was judged by a panel of 10 industry professionals, distributors, auto manufacturers and show producers. Winners included: · Complete cars/full custom (wild category) Kelly Williams Honda Civic · Tuned cars (performance category) HKS Altezza · Dressed-up vehicles (mild category) Mazda Protégé, Ford display · SUV/Minivan/Wagons Sean Bennet Toyota 4-Runner The show was open to the industry and media on Friday, and included consumers on Saturday and Sunday. The total attendance for the three-day event was 16,037, up 57% from last year's 10,243. SEMA verified-buyer attendance was 921, a 74% increase from 2001. Total industry attendance was up 8%, at 3,611 over last year's 3,355 people. Consumer attendance topped at 12,426, up 80% from last year's 6,888. Plans for the 2003 International Auto Salon will be announced later this year. Details about the compact performance market are available at http://www.sema.org/press/semacompactperformancemarketstudy. Vision Entertainment is an integrated marketing and production company providing its customers and clients with interactive experiences. With its fingers on the pulse of America's youth, Vision Entertainment has a firm understanding of this savvy, progressive lifestyle, and a proven track record of success. Vision Entertainment currently produces more than 26 annual events in the top 20 markets in North America. These events range from import car shows to skateboard & snowboard expos, to consumer gaming events. For more information, contact Vision Entertainment at 1360 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651; call 949/376-6942 or visit www.visionevent.com. SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, represents the $26 billion specialty automotive industry. The trade association has more than 5,100 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. ============================== If you do not wish to receive e-mail from SEMA, please reply to this message and tell us to delete you from the list.