2002 SEMA - Bigger than Expected

Financial doom and gloom dominated the headlines before we headed to the biggest industry trade show for those seeking all things vehicle related to make you go fast and look good doing it. Would the country's imminent recession pull the performance parts business into the tank? If the Specialty Equipment and Market Association (SEMA) Show is any kind of indicator, things are looking good! It's still going to be a tough 2002, but the collective attitude was positive.

Nearly 70,000 people attended the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) activities, which includes both the SEMA show at the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) at the Sands Convention Center. SEMA had more than 1,200 companies exhibiting over an awesome 625,000 square feet!

Surely, folks will be closely watching their wallets, but when the going gets tough, the tough go racing! We saw numerous companies with record numbers of new parts on display. The wheel and tire companies again dominated the giant trade-only show where PHR staffers and major mail-order houses seek out what's hot and what's not, but there was some news there, too. These days, SUV applications get the first fitments when it comes to new styles. However, we saw all sorts of technologies debuted last year in the 17-inch fitments that the consumers are demanding.

The original equipment manufacturers, otherwise known as the Big Three from Detroit, had mixed offerings this year. With the demise of the Camaro and Firebird, only C5 Corvettes were on hand for serious GM performance enthusiasts. Yes, there were what seemed like a dozen Cavalier drag cars and tuner rides on display in the GM corporate booth, but the actual product that you can buy doesn't come close to resembling the amazing (read expensive) special projects on the floor. One couldn't mistake GM's desire to attract attention in the small-car market, even if they don't have the small cars to back it up.

Ford had a few cool Mustangs, but not much else to offer for the traditional performance fans. DaimlerChrysler showed off a few fun concepts, like a PT Cruiser with a Hemi between the framerails, and a hardtop Prowler, but without a rear-drive ride for the masses, there wasn't much to offer.

These new car disappointments shouldn't be construed as a lack of effort in terms of performance parts; however, as all the Big Three still care that their customers are satisfied and showed it with new engines, kits, and parts.

The brake industry has continued to blossom, with new fitments and new companies entering the marketplace. The cooperation and communication between wheel manufacturers and brake suppliers has never been better, witnessed by larger-diameter wheels designed to fit around rotor and pad upgrades that utilize the same caliper.

We could go for pages and pages, showing the cool stuff that we saw. So, we will! Enjoy and keep your chin up, enthusiasts, the performance industry is working hard, too.