Despite the difficult economy, one out of every 10 adult drivers has plans to buy specialty aftermarket equipment, including tires and wheels, according to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).
The latest edition of the SEMA Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index, which tracks July 2008 numbers, reveals that 6% of consumers said they plan to buy tires, wheels and suspension components this summer. Nearly as many (5.7%) revealed they were "likely" to purchase racing and performance products.
"Each percentage is down from last year," say SEMA officials. "However, the decline in those who want to buy racing and performance products is less dramatic than that of (other) categories, a sign that consumers are still looking to enhance the performance and fuel economy of their vehicles."
Each month, SEMA commissions TechnoMetrica Market Intelligence to survey a random sample of consumers to provide data for the index. The July report was based on 896 interviews conducted nationwide.
"Forecasting how specialty equipment sales will fare in the coming months gives the industry an upper hand in planning inventories and strategies."
