February 25, 2004

By: Konrad Navrotny
Website: http://www.1st-in-cars.com

More Than 16,000 Sport Compact Car Fans Attend 2002 SEMA International Auto Show

More than 16,000 people filled the aisles of last weekend’s 2002 SEMA International Auto Salon in Long Beach, Calif., enjoying the spectacle of more than 300 tuned sport compact cars and other vehicles modified and accessorized to appeal to the fast and curious crowd.

On display, along with the eye-catching vehicles, were the newest products from nearly 200 exhibitors aimed at this rapidly growing market that sold $1.5 billion worth of merchandise in 2001, according to research conducted by SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association. The products ranged from decorative neon items to nitrous oxide systems, from rims to gauges and in-vehicle DVD systems and camshafts.

SEMA President Charles R. Blum said, This show has really turned the corner and reflects the vibrancy and energy of this compact sport accessory market. Television crews, including those for the new Speed Channel show, Hi-Rev Tuners, and from cable-TV network channel Tech TV, roamed the show’s aisles shooting footage for their programs and reports. Talk radio show personalities were on-site to broadcast live phone-in accounts from the show floor.

The Ford Focus on Performance Live project was a popular display at this year’s IAS, drawing viewers who watched installation of such accessories as a supercharger, a sunroof, and a high performance clutch and brakes. The build-out, organized and produced by Performance West for Ford, took a stock Ford Focus ZX5 and turned it into a totally tuned vehicle during the weekend.

Vision Entertainment, SEMA’s consumer marketing partner for the 2002 IAS, set the stage, literally, with a high-octane stage, along with its own high-decibel exhibit featuring D.J.s and Miss HIN. Miss HIN was one of many models and celebrity drag race drivers signing posters at the show.

News announcements included the launch of two compact vehicle drag racing series -- NOPI’s The Fast and the Furious Racing Series and the 2002 Auto Trader IDRC Championship Drag Racing Series.

The 2002 IAS Car Competition for all vehicles at the show was judged by a panel of 10 industry professionals, distributors, auto manufacturers and show producers.

About The Author:

Konrad Navrotny is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com.  Great car accessories and parts plus financing, insurance and leasing tips.