At last November’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, an overwhelming majority (nearly 85 percent) of enthusiasts who took part in a marketing study indicated that they had purchased tires or wheels for their vehicle. Further, they indicated that tires and wheels were the first accessories they purchased, states SEMA, which outlines the latest trends, insights and innovations from the tire and wheel industry in a recent issue of SEMA News.
Because of its place in the market as a wear item, the replacement industry for tires is vast, SEMA states. The SEMA News article goes on to say that U.S. passenger tire replacement rates should rebound this year after seeing significant drops last year.
Other trends include one-piece forged wheels and painted wheels in favor of chrome.
With more than 290 exhibitors and 110 new-product registrations within the Tire, Wheels & Equipment section of the Show, the popularity of the segment was readily apparent, according to organizers.
The 2009 show also marks the association's first ever Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Research Program, coordinated in part with the Ford Motor Company. As part of the program, more than 100 exhibitors agreed to participate by having opinion leaders visiting their booths.
For more information, visit www.sema.org.
