International Auto Salon 2000
22 December 1999
International Auto Salon 2000
DIAMOND BAR, Calif., Dec. 21 -- The International Auto Salon,
produced by SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), will kick off its
third annual show at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., on March 31. The salon
runs three days through April 2, 2000. The show debuts the latest
technologies, appearance accessories and performance/street products for sport
compacts. The sport compact performance products market, according to SEMA
research, has significantly exceeded $100 million a year in retail sales.
The SEMA International Auto Salon is the only trade show that delivers the
power of the total import and performance compact market, from street to
track. It is also one of the few trade shows that welcomes mainstream
consumers to its aisles.
The International Auto Salon benefits every automotive professional and
consumer. A few findings at the show include new products, tuners, technical
demos, racing pros, feature vehicles, car dealers and much more. Further, the
International Auto Salon sets aside approximately 50,000 square feet of space
for feature vehicles.
"We showcase the vehicles because they offer a virtual hands-on look at
how products are installed and used," remarked SEMA President Charles Blum.
"The sport compact market is growing rapidly and we're confident it is a niche
that will remain strong. SEMA is proud to support this dynamic market segment
and is in the fortunate position to provide a unique outlet such as the
International Auto Salon. The show allows this culture of predominately 18-25
year olds to express their individual styles and passion for the industry."
Originally referred to as the Import Auto Salon, SEMA renamed this show
"International Auto Salon," effective year 2000, embracing vehicles of all
makes and models, domestics included. Crossing all borders for market-wide
penetration, the International Auto Salon exposes manufacturers' products to
Asian, European and domestic performance compact markets, distributors and
consumers alike.
Industry leaders will provide educational information for all trade
attendees and exhibitors on how to successfully sell, install and market the
products their customers desire. Seminars will be held on Friday, March 31,
and Saturday, April 1. In addition, consumers will be provided the rare
opportunity to witness and test the newest products on the market, while
interfacing with manufacturer experts one-on-one. The event also offers
manufacturers the opportunity to expose products to every segment of the
import and performance compact and racing market, while gaining valuable
feedback from the average consumers.
Brand new to the International Auto Salon this year is the vehicle
build-up section that will take place throughout the course of the three-day
period. An extensive tuner section will also be featured. The show will be
open to the trade for the entire three days and open to the public on
Saturday, April 1, from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to
5 p.m.
SEMA is a trade group comprised of more than 3,600 member companies that
make up the specialty automotive aftermarket industry. The seven diverse
niches in which SEMA members specialize include light-truck, off-road, racing
and performance, street rod and restoration, and restyling. All combined the
markets add up to $21.2 billion in retail business annually.