When the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) began in 1963 with a small group of manufacturers who were suppliers of performance equipment, they couldn’t possibly have envisioned how fast this association was going to grow or how popular its annual show would become.
The 2013 SEMA Show is officially history now and in its 50th year it left no doubt that the automotive specialty-equipment industry is stronger than ever. While final attendance figures are still being audited, organizers report that more than 126,000 credentials were issued prior to the event, with thousands more processed onsite. The numbers represented a seven percent increase over the previous year, and the highest in SEMA Show history.
On the Show floor were 2,381 exhibiting companies representing all facets of the automotive industry, including the ever-growing truck segment that includes of course diesel-specific products and equipment.
Countless awards were also given out at the November show that was held in Las Vegas, Nev., including the SEMA Award for the top trending vehicles in four categories where the Ford F-Series won the Hottest Truck award.
The crew from Diesel Tech magazine looks forward to this show each year as we pound the pavement in search of companies and products that fit within our specific niche in the diesel truck industry.
Being a SEMA member, as well as regulars at this show, it’s been rewarding to see the growth and recognition of diesel trucks over the years. Large manufacturers like Toyo Tires who created its Treadpass this year—a passageway connecting the Central and South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center with rows of customized vehicles—included several diesel trucks in its display. In fact, everywhere you looked you were sure to find plenty of Power Strokes, Cummins and Duramax trucks spread out in the different halls and parking lots of this massive show that is now starting to spill over into nearby hotels.
Included in this roundup are cool trucks that we took notice of as well as products that we feel would be of interest to our readers. For more information on SEMA visit www.sema.org.