
Jason Chandler
What is the most accessorized vehicle?

That is a question we have heard over and over. It’s also a question that can have many interpretations. Most likely to be accessorized?
Highest number of cars accessorized? Most parts installed? There are many ways to look at this. Ultimately, we settled on one key question:
Which vehicle models present the biggest opportunity for our industry?
This report represents the first time SEMA has been able to quantify the impact and opportunity that individual car and truck models have on the specialty-equipment market. The SEMA Market Research team developed a new framework to explore the current market and to track
changes as we revisit this topic in the future. We see “opportunity” as a combination of direct industry impact and potential volume.
• Industry Impact: Is this a good platform for modification? Consumer purchase data is used to assess the likelihood of modifying a vehicle
and the types and amount of parts installed.
• Potential Volume: Are there enough of these to matter? Vehicles in operation and new vehicle sales projections provide a sense of scope.
These data points are combined into an algorithm that allows us to rank each vehicle model on their potential opportunity for businesses in
the specialty parts industry.
The light vehicle landscape is ever changing. Our industry has always shown the ability to both lead and adapt to change. Right now, the
industry is largely focused on a few key models. Without opening the report, you can probably guess many of the top 10 opportunity vehicles.
But the industry is also incredibly broad in the types of products available and these products can appeal to drivers of almost any car or truck.
Judging by our history of innovation, the changing landscape may be the catalyst to even more opportunities for the industry
Classic cars are an important part of the specialty-equipment
industry. Older cars represent only a small fraction of the
vehicle fleet. But, classic car accessorizers tend to be highly
enthusiast and do a lot to their vehicles.
There’s not a lot of data or information about classic cars, so
we are presenting a list of the classic models both the industry
and consumers are talking about.
As time goes by, the number of these vehicles gets smaller and
smaller, which lowers the overall opportunity. Nevertheless,
owners continue to spend a lot of money and a lot of effort
restoring or modifying classics. Although not high volume,
expect these vehicles to continue to be a specialized and niche
market for our industry.
Popularly Accessorized Classic Car Models
Sports/Muscle Cars
Ford Mustang
Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird
Chevrolet Chevelle
Chevrolet Nova
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Corvette
Dodge Charger
Sedans/Coupes
VW Beetle
Chevrolet El Camino
Pickups
Ford F-100
Chevrolet C/K (10 and 1500)
Hot Rods
Chevrolet Bel Air
Ford Hot Rods (Model T, A or B)/Ford Tudor/Coupe
Chevrolet Standard/Street Rod
Courtesy 2017 & 2018 SEMA US Market Data; SEMA Select Committee Leadership