Powerful Industry Fuels SEMA Membership; Show Reflects Growing Industry

DIAMOND BAR, Calif.--July 11, 2006--The automotive specialty-equipment industry continues to grow at an impressive rate, and its premier event, the 2006 SEMA Show, is already gearing up to be the best in the show's 40-year history.

"With its traditional customer base of enthusiasts now being augmented by mainstream consumers who have discovered the huge range of performance and accessory options available for all types of cars and trucks, industry sales have grown at rates that are two and three times what might be expected. During the last 10 years the industry has had annual increases averaging 7.3 percent per year, while the total automotive aftermarket grew at an average annual rate of 4.4 percent, and the U.S. economy has increased an average of 3.1 percent per year," said Jim Spoonhower, SEMA vice president, market research.

The industry's strength is also reflected in SEMA's increasing number of member companies. For fiscal year 2005, the association's membership grew to an impressive 6,817 members. That is up 351 from 2004, following an increase of 739 from the previous year.

"Our industry has achieved strong growth over the past two decades. Sales are at an all-time high, and consumers are clamoring for specialty products. Success breeds success, but it also breeds competition. We continue to meet the challenge with innovative products, efficient distribution and expert installation," said Christopher Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

Trade professionals and media are invited to visit the newly opened SEMA Show registration Web site at www.semashow.com to obtain credentials for the 2006 event. Online planning tools such as the My Show Planner and TradeLink - a service that links buyers and sellers - will make doing business at the 2006 Show easier than ever.

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $34 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,817 member companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909-396-0289, or visit www.sema.org and www.enjoythedrive.com.

Link: www.sema.org/images/membership2006.jpg