LAS VEGAS, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual SEMA Show attracts more than
100,000 attendees, 1,800 exhibitors and serves to introduce the latest in
automotive technologies and trends -- new cosmetic and high-performance
gadgets matched only by an equal sampling of four-wheeled creativity.
Hosted by SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, this
international celebration of automotive ingenuity is again setting new
standards for aftermarket equipment innovation with the launch of unexpected,
and sometimes outrageous, aftermarket gear. From the most advanced mobile
electronics to head-turning paint techniques, interior appointments, and
spectacular wheel-tire combinations SEMA Show 2003 has it all.
"While many original equipment manufacturers now select the SEMA Show to
show-off concept, new-to-the-industry or production vehicles, their efforts
are matched by more than 1,000 new product launches from SEMA Show exhibitors
of every size," said Christopher J. Kersting, CEO and president of SEMA.
Gauging attendee reaction to product display from 1,800 exhibitors
covering two million square-feet of convention center space is a challenge.
Among the latest offerings gaining crowd appeal and buyer reaction are
innovative torque wrenches and other ergonomically designed shop tools that
accommodate tight spaces and help avoid skinned knuckles; a "day-glo" colored
chalk based spray paint called Car-Fiti that allows for personal tagging --
that washes right off; a welder's helmet fashioned from heat resistant space
age materials and emblazoned with a custom flame paint job; and perhaps the
most outrageous new wheel ever displayed during the SEMA Show's 37-year
history.
American Racing's oversize 28-inch custom rim -- part of its Twenty Inches
Strong premium wheel collection -- increases the overall wheel diameter by two
inches over contemporary "big wheels." Fitted to Kumho custom tires, the
28" TIS-01 rims were fitted to the DUB Magazine custom Hummer display vehicle
and gained considerable attention as the "biggest roller" at the show.
"The idea of specialized wheels and tires is fundamental to any custom car
or truck. They are the primary step when a consumer decides to set his or her
vehicle apart from the standard model, be it a Mini Cooper or Hummer,"
Kersting added. "Custom wheels and tires are the most obvious defining
fashion or function statement vehicle car owners can make." Some vehicle
owners dress a car for daily-driver fashion, while others choose functional
accessories such as larger wheels for heavy-duty off-road use, such as sand
sports or rock crawling.
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/32101.jpg
Cutline: Car-Fiti, a Day-Glo paint product, lets car owners "decorate"
their rides on a temporary basis. The product was introduced at SEMA Show
2003, held this week in Las Vegas.
Image available at: http://www.sema.org/images/32102.jpg
Cutline: American Racing's popular 20-inch wheels like these might be
supplemented by even larger rims. American Racing was showing off special
wheels on a customized Hummer at this week's SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
SOURCE SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association)
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Related links:
http://www.sema.org
CONTACT:
Rosemarie Kitchin of SEMA, cell,
+1-626-840-3805, rosemariek@sema.org, or SEMA Show Media Center,
+1-702-943-4198
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