Yo, yo, yo! The International Auto Salon (IAS) is an annual event produced by SEMA for the import and domestic performance-compact marketplace. SEMA definitely knows what it's doing-the organization is nearing its 40th anniversary, having evolved from the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association, founded in 1963 by a handful of manufacturers of performance products for hot rods, to the international trade association it is today-the Specialty Equipment Market Association.
Back in 1963, the companies that formed SEMA concentrated on parts for primitive contraptions with such wacky names as "Deuce Coupe" and "blown Chevy." But even then, SEMA's goals were not so different from those of the manufacturers that today make up the sport compact marketplace.
While governmental and regulatory matters were but a minor issue in 1963, in the 40 years since many laws have been introduced that have a significant impact on people who enjoy modifying their cars. In other words, the man is trying to tell you how to live! SEMA has responded by setting up an office in Washington, D.C., that relentlessly fights on behalf of all the industry sectors it represents and lobbies on such issues as noise restrictions, ride height, and emissions.
Sure, the import craze is relatively new-none of the companies that exhibit at IAS had even heard of a Honda back in SEMA's early days. However, many of the companies involved with the early SEMA will be exhibiting at the '02 IAS: B&M Racing and Performance, Center Line, Crane Cams, Falken Tires, Flex-a-lite, Grant Products, Hedman Hedders (Chikara), Holley Performance/NOS, McGard, McLeod, Moroso, and Primedia (then McMullen Publishing and Petersen Publishing). All of these companies joined SEMA more than 30 years ago.
But why are these "old" boys setting up booths at the '02 SEMA IAS? Because they wanna get hip with it, man! The import and domestic performance-compact marketplace is the fastest-growing segment of the specialty automotive aftermarket-and these companies create products to make your ride go faster, look better, and be more fun.
Today, in the spirit of the Tokyo Auto Salon, SEMA brings the latest and greatest compact car technologies to the International Auto Salon. And for '02, SEMA's kicked it up a notch. No, make that 50 billion thousand notches! Bam! In your face! It has partnered with Vision Entertainment, producers of Hot Import Nights and Import Revolution, to produce a car competition with numerous show categories and the top industry DJs, race car drivers, and models. Drag racing's top promoters will be holding a forum to answer all of your questions. Nearly 200 manufacturers of the hottest products in the market today will be exhibiting at the show. In addition, for the first time ever, not only will you be able to talk to them one on one, you'll be able to purchase parts directly from them at the show.
The '02 SEMA International Auto Salon has it all, and it will all be in Long Beach, California, April 20-21. Be there or be square; Sharon Sotto call Ricky!
By The Super Street Staff
Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!