LAS VEGAS (Nov. 6, 2003) — Being called “perhaps the most outrageous new wheel ever displayed” during the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show's 37-year history, American Racing Equipment is exhibiting an oversize 28-inch custom rim at the huge trade trade show in Las Vegas.
The custom wheel is part of the company's Twenty Inches Strong premium wheel collection. It increases the overall wheel diameter by two inches over contemporary “big wheels,” according to SEMA. Fitted to Kumho custom tires, the 28-inch TIS-01 rims are being shown on a customized Hummer sport utility vehicle and have gained considerable attention as the “biggest roller” at the show, which is running through Nov. 7 in conjunction with the International Tire Expo.
“While many original equipment manufacturers now select the SEMA Show to show-off concept, new-to-the-industry or production vehicles, their efforts are matched by more than 1,000 new product launches from SEMA Show exhibitors of every size,” said Christopher J. Kersting, CEO and president of SEMA.
“The idea of specialized wheels and tires is fundamental to any custom car or truck. They are the primary step when a consumer decides to set his or her vehicle apart from the standard model, be it a Mini Cooper or Hummer,” he continued in a prepared statement. “Custom wheels and tires are the most obvious defining fashion or function statement vehicle car owners can make.”
Diamond Bar, Calif.-based SEMA represents the $27 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in 1963, the trade association has 5,222 member companies.