There was such a good buzz at the 2010 SEMA show that we wanted you to get a feel for what was going on as quickly as possible, so we created this special edition of Lug Nuts that's all from the SEMA show.
The SEMA show is huge. This...
The SEMA show is huge. This is just one slice of the outdoor display.
According to the SEMA website, "SEMA members make, buy, sell, and use all kinds of specialty parts and accessories to make vehicles more attractive, more unique, more convenient, faster, safer, more fun, and even like-new again. A love of cars, trucks, and SUVs is the motivating force behind the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). This trade association consists of a diverse group of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, publishing companies, auto restorers, street rod builders, restylers, car clubs, race teams, and more."
As OEM vehicles evolve and become more complex, either due to federally mandated regulations or technology advances, the aftermarket industry must stay in step to continue to serve those vehicles. Reflecting on the variety of the manufacturers and inventors of these new products makes us wonder if the "E" in SEMA should stand for Enthusiast. After all, the definition of enthusiast is having an intense, passionate, feeling or support of some person or activity. It is this passion that makes us want to improve, personalize, or otherwise augment the trucks we own.
Beyond the glitz of this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas, today's product manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors say they are gearing up for an exciting new year-albeit with some emphasis on affordability for the end user.
There's lots of concentration on functionality over form, too. While the design elements are critical to the success of any new product, manufacturers are placing more significance on the engineering and technical aspects for maximum performance and efficiency, in turn producing widgets that are more do-it-yourself friendly, and far more advanced than ever before.
We spent all week on the floor at the SEMA show conducting countless interviews to learn more about the direction of the aftermarket and in the process stumbled upon some amazing products, interesting people, and awesome trucks.
This truck showed up looking...
This truck showed up looking good...and then Monster Energy Drink threw its artwork on it and moved it to the Monster booth.
Here's a case in which the...
Here's a case in which the General Grabber red-letter tires work perfectly to match a color scheme.
Custom paint and extreme attention...
Custom paint and extreme attention to detail are necessary to make any truck stand out at SEMA.
Michael Murray's Chevy was...
Michael Murray's Chevy was on the cover of the June '10 issue of 8-Lug, but it has been through a lot of changes since then.
A crane is used to load dirt...
A crane is used to load dirt bikes on this Rize Industries Ford Super Duty.
Truck Toyz from Texas brought...
Truck Toyz from Texas brought this Ford out to the show.
Chrome and bright paint helped...
Chrome and bright paint helped get attention from the thousands of spectators who walked by.
Snow Performance put dualies...
Snow Performance put dualies on the front of this Dodge.
LED lights were all the rage...
LED lights were all the rage this year at the SEMA show.