20 hot stories from the SEMA Show

2009 event exceeded expectations

By: Mike Manges and Bob Ulrich

Exhibitors and attendees who participated in the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show report that the event exceeded initial expectations.

Despite the absence of several tire company exhibitors from the trade show floor — an issue that is being actively addressed by both SEMA and the Tire Industry Association the 2009 SEMA Show delivered in terms of bringing buyers and sellers together in an environment that many described as being much more conducive to commerce than previous editions.

Numerous tire manufacturers and marketers used the Tires, Wheels & Equipment Section of the show as a forum to introduce new products.

Many tire equipment, computer, garage equipment and tire repair companies did the same.
Independent tire dealers and distributors of all shapes and sizes also made the investment to attend the event, including representatives from some of the largest independent tire store chains

in the country like Discount Tire Co. Inc., Tire Kingdom Inc., Les Schwab Tire Centers, Monro Muffler Brake Inc., Somerset Tire Service Inc. and others.

Tire dealer program groups were well-represented, too. Also noteworthy was the high number of Chinese tire companies on the trade show floor.

Perhaps the hottest topic of conversation among tire manufacturers, marketers, distributors and dealers during the 2009 SEMA Show was the White House’s decision to place tariffs on Chinese consumer tire imports.

Several top-level executives revealed to MTD how their companies are adjusting to the many complicated changes that have resulted from the controversial action.

This special, first-hand report, “20 hot stories from the SEMA Show,” brings you their stories, as well as the scoop on new products and programs that were unveiled during last month’s Las Vegas, Nev.-based event

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Related Topics: 20 Group, AME International, ASA, Atturo Tire, Daewoo, Double Coin, Falken, Hankook, Hercules, Kenda USA, Nexen, Nitto, Nokian, Pirelli, SEMA Show, SURE Tire, Team Torque, TIA, TPMS, Triangle Tyre, Vogue, Vredestein

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