Factory designed trucks may not appeal to dedicated truck owners. Many take pride in their trucks, and want to accessorize its interior and exterior with aesthetic and specialty performance equipment. According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the truck accessory industry started its endeavors during the 1930s. Once motor vehicles became more widely available and affordable to consumers, a group of racing and competition enthusiasts emerged. Racers in the Southern Californian deserts started tinkering with stock equipment prior to the start of the Second World War. As with other domestic industries, the country’s shift towards military and defense production delayed the expansion of auto accessories. Fortunately, the expertise acquired by manufacturing and maintaining military trucks coupled by the war-suppressed consumer’s desire for new vehicle innovation, allowed for the emergence of an improved truck accessories industry. This enabled consumers to augment their trucks to look and perform better than before.
Some people choose their truck solely for aesthetic reasons, while others look at the performance ratings. Before purchasing accessories, consumers have to consider choosing the right truck model to ensure all of its features coincide with their needs. For instance, some people may need a truck for utility purposes, such as towing campers or plowing snow. Others may look at the fuel efficiency of certain truck models. Consumers can make an informed decision after considering these key points. In order to extract the most from this investment, consumers must monitor the vehicle’s maintenance requirements, fuel-consumption, and performance output. They can enhance each of these factors with specially designed accessories. In addition, they can customize the appearance of their vehicle with body modification kits. According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the share of aesthetic accessories rose from 51.1 percent in 1996 to 58.1 percent in 2005. In 2006, SEMA states that truck enthusiasts spent 6.94 billion dollars on aesthetic accessories alone. Compare this in contrast to the entire automotive specialty equipment industry, which raked in 11.95 billion dollars that same year.
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According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), truck enthusiasts spent 6.94 billion dollars on aesthetic accessories alone in 2006.
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Truck enthusiasts spent a total 11.95 billion dollars on all specialty equipment and performance accessories.
Serious truck enthusiasts realize that investing in accessories will yield meaningful returns, which may manifest in increased performance and fuel economy. The entire truck accessories industry thrives on these enthusiasts to survive, because it obviously does not make its profit from casual drivers. Specialty equipment consumers buy truck accessories as a matter of choice. Even the non-enthusiast enjoys scoping out what the aesthetic specialty equipment and accessories industry has produced over the years. According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), non-enthusiasts make initial contact with the specialty equipment industry by checking out aesthetic accessories. After time has passed, non-enthusiasts may start to study possible performance enhancements to get the ball rolling on their investment.
Before truck enthusiasts and casual drivers dive into the specialty performance and accessories industry, they should first understand what each of these parts provide. For instance, aesthetic accessories include hood deflectors, tail light lens covers, ground effects, sunroofs, windshield wipe control systems, and chrome components. Aesthetic accessories improve the look of a truck or may slightly improve comfort. Specialty equipment and accessories geared towards improving the vehicle’s performance may include engine monitors, downloaders, performance exhaust systems, air intake and filter systems. Specialty equipment designed to enhance wheels, tire, and suspension is self-explanatory. The specialty equipment and accessories industry caters their market to light trucks and off-road vehicles. Light trucks include Pickup Trucks, Vans, and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Most people who own off-road vehicles rarely take them off the pavement; however, specialty equipment and accessories exist for those who do take them off-road.
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Aesthetic accessories include sunroofs, ground effects, headlamp covers, hood deflectors, and chrome components.
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Racing and performance accessories include performance exhaust systems, air intake systems, downloaders, engine monitors, and more.
Every truck owner can consider looking at specialty equipment and accessories to help enhance the performance and appearance of their vehicle. Not only may it increase the enjoyment of owning a truck, it will save money by enhancing its performance. In addition, truck owners can feel free to express their taste catered to their own individual creativity. Investing in the right performance accessories makes sense from both a financial and environmental perspective. The specialty equipment and accessories industry offers solutions that every truck enthusiast can take advantage of.
Interior Accessories
Exterior Accessories
