DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2014) — Sales of aftermarket light-truck accessories in the U.S. jumped 8 percent in 2013 to $5.57 billion, with wheels, tires and suspension products for off-roaders leading the way, according to the Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) latest market research.
The sales jump last year followed several years of flat or falling sales, SEMA said, as the light-truck accessory segment was hit hard by the recent recession and the escalation of fuel prices.
“The light-truck sector has always been an important part of the specialty-equipment market, as trucks are accessorized for a wide variety of applications,” saied Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “With new truck sales on the rise again and the economy stabilizing, the light-truck parts and accessories market looks set to re-emerge as a growth engine for the industry.”
Besides wheel, tire and suspension products, demand for accessory and appearance products and performance components showed a rebound, SEMA said. Overall, sales of parts and accessories for the off-road segment, which have held relatively steady since 2007, increased more than 6 percent in 2013.
More detailed information on the sector is available through the recently released 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report, which provides detailed insight on the compact-performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom, and racing niches.
SEMA members can download a free copy of the report on the association's website. For non-members, the cost is $299.