2013 SEMA Show
Las Vegas, NevadaTuesday, November 5, 2013
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is driven by a love for cars, trucks and power-sport vehicles. This trade association consists of a diverse group of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, publishing companies, auto restorers, street rod builders and many more that push the envelope year after year to make SEMA the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and a new products showcase features nearly 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components.
There were many new product award winners this year in a vast array of categories. Winners are judged and selected based on variety of criteria including innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability. Companies like 3M, Aeromotive Inc., Palmer Performance Engineering, COMP Performance Group and so many others were SEMA’s 2013 New Product Award Winners.
Tablets and mobile devices are very much a part of the automotive industry. ALLDATA showcased its new mobile app and cloud-based Manage Online shop management system. The app allows technicians to access ALLDATA’s database of vehicle manufacturer’s diagnostic and repair information, as well as connect to vehicles through the OBD port to read VIN information and pull standard P codes. The ALLDATA Mobile app is available for iPad now and will soon introduce an Android platform.
The SEMA floor was a buzz as the OEM’s talked about all their new models for 2014 and of course the aftermarket parts and accessories available to the consumer. Scion and Kia have had great success with the XB and the Soul due in part to the large aftermarket available for both vehicles. Chevrolet and Ford are going after the same market with the Sonic and Fiesta which are very customizable.
SEMA is the ultimate trade show for all things automotive and this year’s event proved to be a resurgence of the automotive specialty equipment industry. There were huge numbers of attendees as well as a huge number of exhibiting companies. This is a good sign of things to come for everyone involved with SEMA. If you are serious about growing your company you need to be a SEMA member.
Article and photos by: Allen Smith - Smitty’s Rod & Custom
Additional photos by: Robbie Smith