She’s at it again: our good friend and business associate, Jamey Wozniak, the Joe’s Hitches’ gal, reports from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in Las Vegas.
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I can’t believe this is my 4th trek to the SEMA show. This is where you’ll see the most innovative, creative and downright astonishing, decked-out cars and trucks in the world. SEMA is all about making a splash and showing off. No wonder I like it so much!
The weather was warmer than normal, so spending time outside watching the dirt-flinging, ground-pounding action over at the Off-Road Proving Ground was awesome. But, having to pacify my need for speed, I took the trip over to Ford Out Front to see the cool rubber-burning, tire-squealing demonstrations. Just seeing the smoke and hearing the loud screeches made my heart race. I was just waiting for someone to hit the wall!
The Truck, SUV and Off-Road section is one of the most popular at the show, with nearly 50% of all buyers seeking products in this market. Despite increasing gas prices, this market generated about $5.6 billion in annual sales in 2009. This area is where I get to spend most of my time schmoozing with my wonderful vendors. Somehow, I’m awfully good at this!
The top SEMA award went to the Chevy Camaro for the Hottest Car, the Ford F-Series for the Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler for the Hottest 4×4-SUV. Show organizers relied on the trend-setting influence of exhibitors to determine the winners. These are considered the most accessory-friendly new models. Nowadays, the ability to accessorize a vehicle impacts the decision as to which vehicle to purchase. C’mon guys, it’s really no different from accessorizing our homes and outfits we wear everyday!
SBN (SEMA Businesswomen’s Network) Speed networking breakfast was a sell-out and I got to catch up with my fellow auto experts at AskPatty.com. The I-CAR TechPro World Tour rocked the show with live demonstrations in every kind of welding imaginable. And, the rows of candy-pasted wheels. I swear, on my next ride I’m gonna get colored ones including a lot of bling to match!
As most of you know, I’m partial to the Toyota Tundras. The Ducati Tundra was a bad boy with custom bike bed and luscious interior. And the Ford Rapture was everywhere. Too bad it’s not a 4-door vehicle. It might have been my next ride!
I got the biggest kick (and did a double take) at the booth where they replaced live models with mannequins! Wow – now that was a sight to be seen! At least those girls didn’t need to worry about cellulite or having to use the restroom!
There were definitely fewer tricked-out cars, fewer monster trucks, fewer lines, downsized booths and lots of empty space. That’s OK though: it just meant more time for ME! It was the best year ever! I got plenty of girlie posters for the guys in the shop and even had time to ride the Coaster at New York New York, check out the sights down on Fremont Street and play a slot or two–and, yes, I won more than I lost!
Now, as I lay awake at night and ponder how I’m gonna deck out my new truck, (yes, this is in the works) I know one thing for sure: guys LOVE their toys! And gals do too!
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Thanks, Jamey, for your usual entertaining report! Jamey Wozniak is owner of Joe’s Hitches and Trailer Accessories in Dallas.
TTSG
