SEMA 2008: The Car Guys to to Vegas
World's best auto show?
I've been to an awful lot of auto shows over the years - from Tokyo, to LA, to Detroit to Frankfurt to Geneva etc. I can't really say that the SEMA show is the best, but I can say that it is the auto show that I enjoy the most.
The Specialty Equipment Marketing Association show is held in Las Vegas early each November. Unlimited production cars (and trucks) and custom cars (and trucks). Performance and style rule the aisles! All the major OEMs are represented along with countless suppliers of automotive components and accessories.
The nation's auto industry is in the dumps right now, but you'd hardly now it based on SEMA attendance and participation. Pre-registration was down - but only by about 5 percent. My guess is that total attendance was down maybe 10 percent, not much considering the economy. Some booths were empty, but not many. Some press conferences were canceled and some usual exhibitors (like Michelin) were absent this year. But, all in all, it was a pretty exciting show.
One of the highlights was the GM presentation of the 2010 Camaro. Perhaps not ideal timing given the state of the economy, but entirely appropriate for SEMA where car enthusiasts abound.
Another highlight was the new Ford F-150 Raptor, a super off-road capable, 6.2L V8 powered pickup scheduled for production next year. Again, an appropriate vehicle for SEMA, but not quite right for the times. Ford needs volume, and while the Raptor may devastate Dodge Ram Power Wagon sales, it won't be more than a speck on the sales charts. It does, however emphasize Ford's commitment to performance, as did the Super Cobra Jet Mustang announcement.
There were many photo ops - of the cars, the trucks, and the "talent - but for a sampling, best check out autoextremist.com. They have posted about 1000 of them!
