Powertrain Forecast and Analysis: What is Coming and What Are the Implications for the Specialty Equipment and Performance Aftermarket Industry

Full Description:

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) have engaged in a multi-phased project to create vehicle technology planning and business strategy guideposts for SEMA members. The first Phase I report in the program—The Specialty Equipment Company of the Future: Guideposts for Technology Forecasting and Strategic Planning—was released in the third quarter of 2008. This, the Phase II second report—Powertrain Forecast and Analysis: What is Coming and What are the Implications for the Specialty Equipment and Performance Aftermarket Industry—addresses the rapidly changing powertrain paradigm in the U.S. market.

The Phase I report stated “the automotive industry—both original equipment and aftermarket—is experiencing rapid and dramatic structural changes and is currently in a state of significant upheaval.” It further stated, “Due to this upheaval, many industry participants are experiencing what can best be described as tactical tunnel vision. These companies, faced by severe near-term market vehicle technology and product development challenges and uncertainties, have been actively addressing tactical operational concerns, often at the expense of strategic long-term planning. While this is understandable—even necessary—it does present potential risk and opportunity costs for these companies.” The authors believe that statement to be even more relevant today.

The SEMA–CAR industry research project is part of SEMA’s Vehicle Technology strategy and is intended to assist SEMA member companies by investigating strategic concerns, challenges and opportunities and provide the most up-to-date information that is relevant and important to helping members sustain and grow their businesses.. The project is specifically designed to illustrate and communicate these coming challenges and create a forum for discussion (both within companies and between stakeholders) as well as provide a framework for effective scenario planning and bridging strategic thinking with operational business planning.. Individual companies will most certainly respond differently to these strategic challenges and scenarios. That creativity and innovation is the essence of SEMA members’ entrepreneurial spirit and drive. The goal established by the CAR-SEMA project is to look ahead at what is coming down the road and provide advance notice of industry and vehicle changes in order to help member companies understand and prepare for those strategic challenges and opportunities.