Specialty equipment manufacturers and consumers are pushing the envelope when it comes to style, performance, mobile communications and appearance accessories at the SEMA Auto Salon, April 8-9, at the Fort Washington Exposition Center, Fort Washington, PA.

“This is the one event where manufacturers, retailers and consumers can mingle and exchange ideas about the next big thing,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of marketing and communications. “It also gives the industry an opportunity to see how enthusiasts are utilizing these products on their cars, which will be on display throughout the show.”

As the only SEMA show open to the public, SEMA Auto Salon will showcase the latest products, technology and emerging trends for the sport compact, urban lifestyle and other youth-oriented auto markets. The New Products Showcase and exhibits will display custom wheels, performance tires, mobile electronics, intake and exhaust systems, performance equipment and accessories that will soon adorn sport compact cars all across the nation.

For retailers, SEMA Auto Salon provides an opportunity to investigate new business opportunities, plan for the coming year and gauge consumer response to the innovative products on display. The show will also include interactive activities, product demonstrations, main stage activities and a car show.

MacGillivray commented that many of the products young auto enthusiasts use to personalize their sport compacts have started to appear in other vehicle segments. “At last year’s Auto Salon, for example, we saw luxury cars customized with aftermarket wheels, low-profile tires and advanced audio systems.” He added that while most of these products are installed on pre-owned cars, appearance accessories are gaining popularity with new vehicle buyers as well. “People want to personalize their vehicles right from the start,” said MacGillivray. “They want them to be unique, something that suits their particular lifestyle and say ‘this is who I am.’”

For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, Phone: (909) 396-0289, or visit www.sema.org and www.enjoythedrive.com.