DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.13.2021) – The year 2020 was a roller coaster, with COVID-19 and the response to it creating an unprecedented and unpredictable disruption throughout the U.S. economy. Still, the specialty-equipment industry showed resilience with industry retail sales climbing from $46.2 billion to a new high of $47.89 billion in the U.S., according to the new 2021 SEMA Market Report.

The report provides an overview on the state of the U.S. specialty-equipment market and examines how consumers and businesses adapted to the pandemic, along with how much was spent, and where, on specialty-automotive parts and accessories in 2020.

While the industry was certainly affected by the pandemic, some businesses were spared from full lockdowns as auto parts were considered an essential business in some areas. Even amid the disruption of the pandemic, many of the industry’s companies reported record sales in 2020 as enthusiasts spent money on their cars instead of other pursuits that were unavailable during the lockdown. Forty-eight percent of enthusiasts did more online shopping for parts in 2020 than in 2019, and 40% of enthusiasts spent more time working on their vehicle.

Filled with data on market sizing by parts category and vehicle segment, purchasing channels, and types of consumer, the new report contains key findings such as:

Forty percent of enthusiast consumers modify their vehicle to stand out vs. 28% of non-enthusiasts.
Sixty percent of specialty-equipment consumers are under the age of 40. Young drivers continue to be an important and engaged part of the industry and often buy more involved performance parts or accessories and make heavier modifications to their vehicles.

Forty-three percent of accessorizors turn to search engines and review websites when looking for parts information, while 41% look to manufacturer’s websites and 36% to retail websites.

Just over 50% of dollars spent in 2020 went through online channels. However, even with social-distancing measures in place, many consumers still preferred brick-and-mortar retailers for their aftermarket parts purchases.

Pickups remained the biggest vehicle segment for the specialty-equipment market, accounting for 28% of all dollars spent, followed by CUVs at 16%.

For more data on the size and scope of opportunity available in the automotive specialty-equipment market, download the 2021 SEMA Market Report for free today at www.sema.org/research.

WASHINGTON, DC (07.09.2021) – SEMA representatives escalated their advocacy efforts by taking part in nearly 100 meetings with Republican and Democratic lawmakers from Capitol Hill during June and July. As part of the virtual 2021 SEMA Washington Rally, more than 60 SEMA-member companies joined SEMA staff in a record-high number of meetings with officials from the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Discussions focused on top industry issues, challenges and concerns, chief among them passage of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act.

SEMA members also spoke with federal lawmakers in opposition to electric vehicle mandates while voicing support for increased federal investments in roads and bridges, protecting motorized off-road recreational access, tax credits for businesses participating in trade shows and ensuring that aftermarket businesses can market products that are interoperable with vehicles that are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The bipartisan RPM Act is a top priority for SEMA, and will protect the motorsports industry against overreach from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill clarifies the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete and protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars.

“We must continue to communicate with and educate elected officials about the issues that are important to the industry,” said Daniel Ingber, SEMA vice president of government and legal affairs. “We value the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and will continue to push for the rights of the aftermarket industry.”

The RPM Act was first introduced in 2016, after the EPA began interpreting the 50-year-old Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) to include race car conversions. SEMA has led the fight to advocate for passage of the bill, which was introduced earlier this year in the House of Representatives after enthusiasts sent more than 1.3 million letters to lawmakers urging them to pass the RPM Act. The bill currently has Congressional support from 82 co-sponsors, including a number of lawmakers who signed on after meeting with SEMA-member business representatives and staff. SEMA urges racers and race fans to continue to reach out to lawmakers and demand that the RPM Act be passed into law.

“We cannot let up on our efforts to push for the RPM Act,” said Ingber. “As the EPA attacks the motorsports industry, we must protect our rights to modify vehicles. The RPM Act will clarify that it is legal to modify street vehicles into dedicated race cars and give the industry the assurance it needs to continue to legally compete.”

With strong bipartisan support and engagement from the industry, the RPM Act is well positioned for passage in the current Congressional year. Committees have reviewed the bill in previous years and are prepared to expedite the bill.     

“It was great to meet with lawmakers who seriously considered the RPM Act, which allows street vehicles to be converted into racing vehicles,” said Braden Liberg, director of compliance and calibration engineering of the Edelbrock Group. “Without the RPM Act there is a threat to the motorsports industry. Many lawmakers are unaware of the challenges facing our industry, and it’s imperative that we work with them to ensure that motorsports businesses can continue to operate.”

Racers, race fans, and related businesses are encouraged to continue to contact their legislators to pass the bill and #saveourracecars by visiting www.saveourracecars.com.

Written by Juan Torres for sema.org

ARLINGTON, TX (07.08.2021) – 7 time- Rep Firm of the Year – Marketing Pros Inc. has added Pedro Rodriguez to its team to assist in the North Texas region with Pete Daley.

“With our vendors market share growing over the past several years in the TALO market, we felt now was the time, and that Pedro was the ideal candidate for the job. We wanted to provide better service for our dealers, distributors, and vendor partners, this allows this continued expansion,” said Pete Daley, Marketing Pros Inc. President.

“Pedro brings a new perspective to our team since his experience comes from the bay, in addition to being bi-lingual, and his impeccable customer service skills from his prior endeavors, he can only flourish in this environment.”

Pedro can be contacted at pedro@marketingprosinc.com

Visit www.marketingprosinc.com for more.

THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.08.2021) – The 12volt STP Tool provides a vehicle for members of the 12volt industry to deliver their respective brand’s news and activities to the 12volt industry. With a smartphone it’s as easy as Snapping and Txting the image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO..your company could be in the news.

Trauma Car Audio has hit the 12volt scene with a line of Bluetooth enabled amplifiers. Slamology 2021 provided a venue for the company to introduce that new product to a large audience of enthusiasts. Damian Reyes, along with Steve Garone and Paul Castellano, were in the booth and provided demos for attendees.

This recent 12voltSTP Tool post provided a vehicle for Trauma Car Audio to extend the ROI from Slamology 2021.

Damian Reyes held the company’s new M80.4d mini BlueTooth amplifier. He snapped and txt’ed the image. PRESTO..staff at the 12volt Central Studios made a post to Instagram and Facebook.

“WOW…that was a great post and we really appreciate the support” Reyes stated following the post.

It is extremely important for vendors to tell the 12volt dealer base about their products and activities.

The 12voltSTP Tool can make that happen for companies across the 12volt industry. #12voltSTP to see examples.

WASHINGTON, DC (07.07.2021) – The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 292 (S. Res. 292) at the request of SEMA recognizing July 9, 2021 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD).” A similar resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (H. Res. 491). The date marks the 12th commemoration of what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

The two resolutions were introduced by co-chairs of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. S. Res. 292 was sponsored by Senate Co-Chairs Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) while House Co-Chairs Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) and Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) sponsored H. Res. 491. These Congressional leaders are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, D.C. The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan member organization that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

Automotive businesses and enthusiasts are encouraged to take part in this year’s CCAD celebration by planning or participating in events in their community. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) maintains the official event list to commemorate the day, which includes car shows, cruise-ins and parades nationwide. If you or someone you know is hosting a vehicle-related gathering in July—whether public or private—submit the details on the SAN website if you haven’t done so already! Those planning live gatherings and virtual celebrations (online event, livestream, digital gallery, etc.) are welcome to provide details for official inclusion.

Check out the video PSA above featuring TV personality Courtney Hansen.