SEMA Cultivates Sales in China: Specialty Equipment Market Association Leadership Evaluates Business Opportunities for Members

SHANGHAI, China, April 20 -- An important new business development mission to the world's fastest growing automotive market will take Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) executives and member companies on an unprecedented visit to China. Representing over 5,000 member companies from 47 countries, developing over $29 billion in annual automotive parts and accessory sales, SEMA views the burgeoning Chinese market as a fertile business environment for its association members. "Many SEMA members are already familiar with the manufacturing and sourcing benefits offered by China. We are in China to better understand this market and the sales potential for specialty automotive accessories," said Linda Spencer, SEMA Director of International Relations.

Given the increasing importance of the Chinese market -- it is already the fourth largest in the world -- SEMA is in China to gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges raised by this mega market. Through meetings with key industry contacts including buyers and distributors, visits to retail and wholesale aftermarket establishments as well as walking the floor of a new auto accessories consumer show, the SEMA delegation will come away with a better sense of whether their products would do well in this market of 1.3 billion people. This is especially important in light of the fact that experts predict China will surpass even the U.S. to become the world's largest automotive market within the next decade.

Joining SEMA's international and executive staff in China are representatives from six member companies: Coker Tires, Vehicle Performance Systems, Competition Cams, B&M, APC, and Walker Evans Racing. The group will make its first call in Shanghai and conclude in Beijing. The Chinese government's underwriting of the Anting Auto City in Shanghai and recent launch of the Auto Fashion Show is evidence of this market's sales potential for SEMA members. From its manufacturing and styling centers to the world's newest Formula One race course, there is increasing evidence of China's growing consumer market for auto parts and accessories.

The trip underscores the association's on-going commitment to cultivating international business opportunities for its members. The association has developed extensive international resources that assist member-companies' business overseas. "We seek to come away from this trip not only with a better understanding of the market potential for our members but with increased relationships and ties in China," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA Vice President of Marketing.

SEMA represents the $29 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in 1963, the trade association has 5,200 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, crossovers, 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 and www.enjoythedrive.com.