Sema reports people still want to modify their trucks....

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SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 24 - Jun 12, 2008
PICKUPS COULD STAY POPULAR AMONG ENTHUSIASTS

The specialty-equipment market is not always directly affected by new-car sales as evidenced by the latest SEMA survey. SEMA’s monthly Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI) showed a one percent increase in the three-month moving average for consumers who are planning to modify a pickup. This means that even after a 32% drop in new-pickup sales in May 2008 compared to one year ago, pickups still dominate the specialty-equipment market share.


There may be an explanation for pickups keeping their popularity while the automakers struggle to make sales in this segment. Current pickup-owners are keeping their trucks longer due to the high cost of buying a new one, so personalizing their older pickups with specialty equipment helps to improve the performance and appearance. Also, a May 2008 SEMA survey directed at automotive enthusiasts showed an average age of 46 years old and the average income was in excess of $96,700.

The age and income coincides with what auto dealers are saying about pickup sales. James Coleman of Plainview Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Plainview, Texas, says, “About 60%–70% of our business is pickups. It’s the Baby Boomers and maturing families that buy pickups.”

The light-truck market is important for the specialty-equipment industry. In 2007, the light-truck niche accounted for 42.3% of all manufacturer sales. This is out of nine niches and by far the largest, almost doubling the manufacturers’ sales volume of the sport-compact niche. This also gives insight into the specialty-equipment market by showing that it is not affected as much by external forces. The specialty-equipment market is built on enthusiasts that are less deterred as much by external economical forces.

For more original SEMA market research, visit www.sema.org/research.



 

Yep, but more and more of those modifications are aimed at increasing fuel economy. Tonneau covers, engine programmers, etc.  

I wish i could get a new truck. I my 2007 sierra few months before the market started to crash. and now you can get the 6.0 fully loaded reg cab for 35 out the door here in Buena Park,CA. So to help I been getting performance parts on mine. But not fuel economy but for Horsepower and Torque. I rather have more power then more gas mileage.