SEMA to Exhibit at Chicago Auto Show; Marks First-Time Formal Participation in a Consumer Auto Event

DIAMOND BAR, Calif.--Dec. 21, 2004--SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, announced that it will be exhibiting at the Chicago Auto Show in February, making it their first-ever formal consumer auto show exhibit. Taking up over 7,000 square feet of booth space, the exhibit focus will be on the winners of SEMA's inaugural Vehicle Design Awards Program, a new initiative created to honor original equipment manufacturers that make vehicles with accessorization and personalization in mind.

"An increasing number of consumers are demanding accessories for their new cars and trucks," said Christopher J. Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The industry SEMA represents provides accessories for virtually every car and truck on the road today and we want consumers to be aware of all that the automotive aftermarket can offer them. Our exhibit at the Chicago Auto Show will do just that."

SEMA's 7,000 square foot exhibit will include different customized versions of the Vehicle Design Award winners, demonstrating the breadth of their customizing/accessorizing potential.

"New car or truck buyers want vehicles they can personalize and customize," said Carl Sheffer, SEMA vice president, OEM relations. "The Vehicle Design Awards display at the Chicago Auto Show will help identify for the consumer which vehicles have the greatest potential for accessories such as wheels, mobile electronics, performance parts and exterior styling components."

The winners: "Best All-New or Redesigned Vehicle" went to the Ford Mustang; "Best Truck Design" to the Ford F-150; and "Best SUV Design" to the Chevy Tahoe.

"The interplay between OEMs and SEMA members is a distinguishing difference between the historic SEMA and today's evolved association," said Sheffer. "This new dynamic enables OEMs to better connect with, and profitably serve, customers by having immediate access to cutting edge, purpose-built aftermarket goods. Our participation in the Chicago Auto Show is the next step in our expanding symbiotic relationship between SEMA member aftermarket companies and OEM manufacturers."

SEMA's participation at the Chicago Auto Show doesn't just stop at exhibit space. SEMA Chairman Corky Coker will be the keynote speaker at a breakfast to kick-start the event, discussing the synergy between SEMA member companies and original equipment manufacturers and how consumers benefit from this strengthening relationship. SEMA will also be revealing the Vehicle Manufacturer of the 2005 SEMA Show, an exciting announcement for those who attend the annual November event in Las Vegas.

"Every year, we see a stronger penetration of aftermarket accessories for the motoring public," said Jerry Cizek, Chicago Automobile Association president and Chicago Auto Show producer. "The past decade has demonstrated an ever-increasing cooperation between original manufacturers and the aftermarket industry. SEMA will help spotlight this at the nation's largest consumer auto show."

The Chicago Auto Show will be held Feb. 11, 2005-20, 2005. For more information on SEMA involvement at the show, contact Carl Sheffer at carls@sema.org.

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $29 billion specialty automotive industry of 5,727 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty autoparts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765: call 909-396-0289; or visit www.sema.org and www.enjoythedrive.com.