Happy New Year and Welcome to The Main Event

I have to be honest, I woke up this morning with butterflys in my stomach.  Its been so long since I’ve physically been in the office it seems like the first day of a new job.  That does not mean I haven’t been reading all the warm wishes we received via email from our readers, and for that I would like to say on behalf of the entire office, we are all thankful.  My original intent was to take a week off and start posting again next week with reports from the Auto Show but an opportunity came along and I wanted to make sure to pass it on to those of you who may be in town next week.  I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Sunday.

Here’s a note from the Event Chairman, Keith Nagara.  Please note that attendance is limited so register soon:

Welcome to our first MAIN Event (MotorCity Automotive Industry Night event).  This event is a welcome and homecoming to Detroit for all Automotive professionals, especially those attending the NAIAS.  This is in keeping to the Detroit tradition of a city energized with excitement and a metropolis full of talent.  The city is a global magnetic to both, professionals and students having the passion to be practicing and studying in the automotive capital of the world.  

The host location for this year’s event is the beautiful downtown Detroit headquarters of the Compuware Corporation on Sunday January 9^th, 2011 from 7:00-10:00pm.  The modern venue’s premium accommodations include spectacular views of Campus Martius Park and Comerica Park, along with plenty of safe parking for event participants.  We would like to recognize and “Thank our Sponsors” for their contribution to making this event come to fruition.  Please see the attached postcard for this year’s sponsorship list.

We have only a limited number of tickets to the event and encourage you to register while seats remain open.  Please see the link below for MAIN Event details and registration:  www.mainevent2011.com

We hope to see all of you there and further announcements and details will follow.

-Keith Nagara

2011 MAIN Event, Chairman

LA 2010 – Day 2 Trend Summary

Well, we are finally back in Michigan after a great week in Southern California visiting friends, customers and the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.  The good news? The weather here has been awesome since we returned.  The bad news?  None, really.  The show was great and our customer visits all went well.  It seems the auto industry is rediscovering its mojo and there were many great new vehicle introductions which should be cause for celebration.  On a side note, for anyone who has not been to the LA Show the biggest difference between there and Detroit is the space with which to maneuver though the stands and around the vehicles.  In fact, there is so much space that the press conferences can actually be comfortably held in the booth with the vehicles.  But the real reason we went was to observe the trend in wheels and report that back to you, our customers and readers.  So, what have we learned after 2 days at the show,  a couple of parties, 14 meetings, 900+ pictures and almost 2500 words on the blog?  Here’s a quick summary of the past two days of posts.

Audi Quattro Concept wheel

LA 2010 – Day 2 Wheel Finish Trends

As I mentioned yesterday, today’s post is going to cover the things we noticed about wheel finishes.  This is just a summary of our observations and opinions on which way the industry is heading.  Without having quantitative date from past shows it is not possible to prove trends, so please consider the comments below with that in mind.  If you want to see what we saw, here is a link to our photo album http://photobucket.com/chromtec.

LA 2010 – Day 2 Wheel Design Trends

Unlike SEMA, International Auto Shows give you a great insight on what manufacturers think will sell.  That is not to disparage events like SEMA, it’s just that they tend to represent a fringe element and not the meat of the market.  In North America somewhere between 10 and 17 million vehicles were sold annually over the past few years, and while the aftermarket is huge, it is not 60 million wheels huge.  So let’s review the vehicles on display at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show and see if any wheel design trends emerge (we will look at wheel finishes tomorrow).

2011 GMC Acadia Denali with two-tone chrome Chromtec® wheels

LA 2010 – Day 1

Los Angeles Auto Show 2010

Unfortunately, we arrived a bit too late today to get a full overview of the show.  Therefore you will have to wait until tomorrow to hear our report of wheel design and finish trends.  But I will show you a few teaser shots……

SEMA 2010 – The Good, The Bad and the Just Plain Strange

As if yesterday’s post of eye candy wasn’t enough for you, its time to close the show report with even more fun.  But before I forget, the best of the pictures have all been uploaded and you can access them here:  www.photobucket.com/chromtec . 

SEMA 2010 – Eye Candy

One of the most anticipated aspects of the SEMA show every year is the eye candy.  Expressive, sensuous, exciting and eye-pleasing, it doesn’t matter what your personal preferences are, there is something beuatiful there for everyone.  .  Some may say beauty is only skin deep.  But you have to admit that voluptuous and nicely proportioned will get your attention every time.  So with that in mind, let’s take a look at the most beautiful things I saw this past week at SEMA (in my humble opinion, your mileage may vary).

SEMA 2010 – Day 4: Musings

Yesterday, I tried to get some industry experts to help me understand where consumer wheel preferences were heading.  I got a lot of different predictions but in truth, there was no consensus.  Some things are clear, others not so much.  So I decided to take another tact and try to ascertain where things are going by simple observation.  Mind you, this is not a scientific study.  In fact, I am sure there are many who will disagree with my methods.  But bear with me a bit – I think that logic is on my side.  Let me explain my thinking and then let’s review the results.

SEMA 2010 – Day 3: The Aftermarket

So, after 3 days of walking the show, interviewing industry stalwarts and listening to the mom and pop shops that drive the vehicle aftermarket, you would expect a clear picture of wheel trends to emerge.  A couple of years ago it was color – not the greys and silvers that have been an industry standard for years, but bright and lively matching body colors or in some cases bold contrasting  colors were the trend.   So what are you predictions for this year? More chrome, less chrome, new colors, new finishes, new designs, old designs or new technologies? 

SEMA 2010 – Day 2: Dealer Day

Well, it’s the second day at SEMA and time to sit a bit and rest.  If you have never been to SEMA, the reason it lasts a whole week is that’s how long it takes to see the whole show.  The upside is that pretty much anything you could ever desire to accessorize your vehicle is on display (and a few things you’ve never thought about), the downside is that your feet hurt for a week after you leave.  Or, if you are my age, everything hurts. 

My Pick for Best of Show