Annual SEMA Show Breaks Records in Las Vegas;
All Indicators Suggest Robust Times for the Specialty Automotive Industry
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market
Association, is turning thumbs down to the idea of a flagging economy or weak
economic conditions. "Of course, business is tough for everyone. From the
carmakers to the aftermarket companies, the pressure continues on all our
5,000 member companies. But, we can't ignore statistics that suggest positive
economic momentum exists in the sectors we serve," said SEMA President and CEO
Christopher J. Kersting.
Just days before the start of the annual SEMA Show, many show records have
already been broken. "Coming to Las Vegas, obtaining display space, marketing
and selling your product line -- be it a performance chip for an engine, a new
line of wheels or tires, or the latest in audio technologies -- requires an
investment of both time and money. Our exhibitors, large and small, are here
to do business, and that means they have the wherewithal and conviction to
compete for the business."
The Las Vegas event, part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, is
expected to host more than 100,000 attendees. The 473 first-time exhibitors
showing their products and services at SEMA Show 2003 are nearly double the
first-time exhibitor count from two years ago. In all, 1,800 exhibitors will
participate in the SEMA Show, now ranked as one of the international
automotive industry's most vibrant and important gatherings.
The automotive specialty industry as a business sector has outpaced the
U.S. GDP since 1992.
The specialty equipment market now accounts for $27 billion in annual
domestic retail sales and represents the entire spectrum of accessories and
specialty automotive equipment.
"If ever there was a time to strike a vote for American small business,
this is it. While twelve carmakers will exhibit their latest concept vehicles
and project vehicles incorporating the latest accessories at our SEMA Show
2003, it's the nimble small and medium-sized companies that have responded to
consumer demand for products to customize their vehicles to suit their taste
and needs," Kersting said.
SEMA Show 2003 opens Tuesday, Nov. 4, and continues through the afternoon
of Friday, Nov. 7, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show's footprint
of two million square feet will be filled with 900,000 net square feet of
exhibits and approximately 1,500 unique accessorized and custom vehicles. For
more information visit http://www.SEMAshow.com .
SEMA represents the $27 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in
1963, the trade association has 5,222 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 http://www.sema.org or
http://www.enjoythedrive.com .
Image available at http://www.sema.org/images/32098.jpg
CAPTION: SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, prepares for
its 37th annual SEMA Show. The Show opens Tuesday, Nov. 4, and continues
through Friday, Nov. 7, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
SOURCE SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association)
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Related links:
http://www.sema.org
CONTACT:
Rosemarie Kitchin of SEMA (Specialty
Equipment Market Association), +1-909-396-0289, ext. 104, or
cell, +1-626-840-3805, or Las Vegas, through Nov. 7,
+1-702-943-4198, rosemariek@sema.org
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