2009 SEMA Show: Better than expected, future looks greener

Another SEMA show has come and gone, and cleared its chopped, channeled, flamed and chromed self out of Las Vegas until next year.
 
We went to the show this year not entirely sure of what to expect. With the economy still reeling, it seemed like chrome wheels and custom accessories might not be on as many shopping lists as in previous years.
 
But according to Vice President of Communications and Events for SEMA Peter MacGillivray, the show held its own. Exhibitors were off by 12 percent, but compared to the 30-34 percent reductions seen on average by other Las Vegas trade shows this year, SEMA might even be considered something of a home run. Even in this economic climate, MacGillivray says 70 percent of new car buyers still make some sort of modification to their vehicles within 60 days of purchase, whether it be a floor mat or a metal-flake paint job.
 
As in previous years, attendance was good, topping out at 120,000 visitors, all of whom were industry buyers and professionals. SEMA is not open to the public. Whether buyers were actually buying is another question, but most of the show was jammed with wall-to-wall crowds.  
 
One area where both exhibitors and buyers seemed to be fewer and farther between than last year was the mobile electronics area. Whether that means fewer new products are coming to market, exhibitors are opting for other shows like the Consumer Electronics Show in January, or that the category is off is hard to say.
 
On the other hand, SEMA was looking greener than in the past, with everything from more vehicles powered by alternative fuels to more customs displaying water-based paint. The “Making Green Cool Zone” showcased a variety of products and vehicles, and was both larger and more heavily trafficked than last year.
 
MacGillivray sees the segment as an important growth area for SEMA and its membership, although he says it amounts to less than five percent of all business now. But he says SEMA is working to educate member shops and businesses about the importance of going green, and that savvy members will find going green both profitable and the right thing to do. The organization is conducting seminars to educate members about the changing marketplace and new technologies.
 
“My sense is this is an element that isn’t going to go away,” he says. “It is incumbent on us to help these businesses stay in business year after year.”
 
—Jim Travers

Also see from the 2009 SEMA show:
Tire testing and the transformation of the tire industry
Our favorite modified Chevrolet Camaros
New iPhone apps for auto diagnostics
World's fastest Honda Civic circa 1976
All shades of green project cars
Surfrider Toyota Camry hybrid CNG
Kustomizing the Toyota Prius
Hot rodders turning green
Auto aftermarket prepares for show time in Las Vegas

Comments

[DMV Hours]

No wonder that the future holds for hybrid cars for greener effect. This can save my bucks for gas and fuel too.

[Richard Matthews]

The transition to advanced electric transportation systems is already underway and led by Washington, state capitals around the world are racing to ramp up domestic electric vehicle production.

[Curtis Hanlin]

Thank you Mr Jim..
really nice collection of the cars..
the cars brought out the child from me out...
some times i feel somebody could provide me with a contract hire
cars & i would fly the machine like m riding a plan..
ny ways thanks a lot...:)