Show Daily - Sema

New SEMA Market
Update Now
Available, contined on page 77
For Q2 2012, these indicators presented
a mixed message on the economic
front. Rising gas prices, the
November 2012 election cycle and
instability in the job market and overseas
economies combined to create
palpable uncertainty. Nevertheless, the
report found several silver linings amid
even these economic clouds. On the
economy as a whole, Q2 saw positive
growth—not large, but still trending
upward from 2009. Sales figures within
the specialty-equipment aftermarket
seem to have followed suit.
“Consumer interest in our industry
has remained rather steady over the
last few years,” noted Knapp. “Obviously
we’d like to see a big rise, but at
least it’s not a decline. Things are sort
of rolling along, and this pretty much
reflects how consumers are participating
in the overall economy as well.
They’re just sort of steady.
“The report also contains financial
benchmarking, in which we talk to
industry companies to see what their
results are. We found that even though
there have been some ups and downs
in the economy, companies in our
industry are indicating that their sales
overall are up this year over last year.
In addition, their expectations are that
they’re going to see some growth over
the next quarter.”
80 SEMA Show Daily
SEMA SHOW FEATURE VEHICLES
Radical “El Camaro”
Prestolite Booth #22531
El Camaro was born of a
wrecked ’94 Chevrolet Z28
Camaro. The Camaro was cut
in half behind the front doors
to stretch it 16.5 in. Handmade
body panels add a rear
cargo area not unlike an El
Camino. The body’s rear was
widened 4 in. and a new tail section
was fabricated, complemented by an
all-steel ground-effects package. Body
mods include a frenched LED third
brake light, a custom steel wing, shaved
door handles and a carbon-fiber cowl
induction hood. The car was painted
in a two-stage PPG Candy Apple Red,
accented with 24-Karat gold stripe.
Under the hood resides a supercharged
LT1 engine sealed up with
Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal 3 intake gaskets,
Multi-Layered Steel head gaskets,
UltraSeal header gaskets and a onepiece
rubber molded oil pan gasket. A
Vortex supercharger and 2-in. headers
Again, however, Market Update
identifies several potential challenges
for the industry.
“Of course, the 800-lb. gorilla in the
room is the price of gasoline, which we
check into,” Knapp said. “Our study
shows that prices are going up and consumption
is going down. Obviously,
that’s a trend that affects our industry.
It’s not necessarily a death knell, but
it’s something that we do want to look
at and do want to track, because we
know that as gas prices drop, people
open their wallets and have more disposable
income. They’re more likely
to drive more, which can get them
more engaged in their vehicles. By contrast,
less enthusiasm in their vehicles
may translate to less enthusiasm for
the aftermarket.”
Unfortunately, Q2 unemployment
also remained relatively high compared
with historical rates. Current projections
indicate continued improvement,
but not quick or dramatic.
Comparisons and Contrasts
In the area of consumer spending,
Market Update provides some interesting
comparisons with other types of
retail beyond the automotive specialtyequipment
marketplace. According to
SEMA research, retail in general has
been on a steady climb since 2009.
Broad auto-parts retail—not just the
specialty-equipment sector—has likewise
seen overall growth during that
period, although with a few more ups
enhance the LT1 engine. The exhaust
is routed through Flowmaster mufflers
and a custom-fabricated exhaust from
a 304 SS. The new Mallory Firestorm
ignition controls the powertrain. These
mods increased output to 400 hp at the
rear wheels.
The front tires are Z-rated Continental
tires on 8-in. Budnik wheels. The
rear are Z-rated 285/40R18 Continentals
mounted on 10-in. wheels. Brembo
race-quality 4-piston disc brake calipers
and cross-drilled rotors add stopping
power. The interior is equipped with
two Ferrari F1 carbon-fiber bucket
seats and carbon accessories.
and downs than retail
in general. And, while
there was a slight drop in
the retail and auto-parts
graphs at the beginning
of 2012, the numbers
still remain much higher
than they were in 2008.
Turning to industrial
production figures, Market
Update shows them
actually rising to the
point of pre-recession
levels. In fact, when full
motor-vehicle and parts
figures are added to the
mix, the overall picture
is better than in 2007. This indicates
that the nation is seeing a big
resurgence from a manufacturing point
of view.
On the credit front, the report found
that loan rates, including bank autoloan
rates, have continued to fall. Moreover,
financial obligations among the
general population have also declined,
leading to increased savings.
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Current Topics: Needs Survey
In addition to economic and market
snapshots, each quarterly SEMA Market
Update tackles a current topic. For
Q2 2012, SEMA’s research team chose
to focus attention on the annual SEMA
Industry Needs Survey—a project
intended to help the association and its
members better understand challenges
facing the industry at large. Invitations
Coker Tire Offers New
Replacement Wheels for
Model A Owners
Coker Tire has offered high-quality
tires for Model As for quite some time,
but it is now expanding its product line
to include wire wheels with adjustable
spokes. The adjustable spoke design is
versatile for all Model As, with 19- and
21-in. designs. The new Model A wire
wheels feature standard spoke count
and sizing, so it is an authentic replacement
part.
The new Model A wire wheels are
made in the U.S.A. by Roadster Wire
Wheel. Each wheel is thoroughly tested
for trueness and roundness before it
leaves the factory. These wheels are
applicable for Coker Tire’s free mounting
and balancing service for customers
who buy tires and wheels together. The
wheels are available in primer or powdercoating,
which offers a wide range
of authentic colors.
To find out more about the new
additions to Coker Tire’s line of adjustable
spoke Model A wire wheels, or
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Each quarterly Market Update includes a “Current Topics”
section. The Q2 report focuses on SEMA’s recent Industry
Needs Survey. Industry respondents cited increasing costs
as number one among their top 10 challenges.
to participate in the yearly survey were
sent to all of SEMA’s industry contacts,
members and non-members.
The survey identified 10 issues at the
forefront of industry minds, ranging
from the increasing costs of business to
keeping up with emerging vehicle technologies.
As might be expected, the list
closely reflected general concerns about
the economy, but it displayed several
positive concerns as well.
Obtaining Your Copy
Whatever your business within the
specialty-equipment marketplace,
you’ll find SEMA Market Update,
Q2 2012 a valuable resource. The
report is available free to SEMA
members ($199.99 for non-members).
To download your copy, go to
www.SEMA.org/research.
other items in the massive product
line, visit SEMA booth #22775, or
contact Coker Tire Co. at its world
headquarters at 1317 Chestnut St.
in historic downtown Chattanooga,
Tennessee. Coker Tire can be reached
toll free at 800-251-6336 or you can
visit www.cokertire.com to place an
order, request a catalog or simply shop
around to check out all Coker Tire
Co. has to offer.
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