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

SEMA 2010 – Day 1

In the process of uploading hundreds of aftermarket wheel pictures to Photobucket.  In the mean time here’s a great new product release.  Mopar has introduced a Charger Grille, Challenger Grille and 20″ Chromtec® wheel in Black Chrome produced with our Spinelle™ Metal Finish.  Here are some more details courtesy Popular Hot Rodding http://bit.ly/bItoW5

Mopar 20" Chromtec wheel in Black Chrome

 

To Clad or Not To Clad? That is the question!

I should probably start this post by stating I have never been fond of the term “cladding” when describing Chromtec® wheels.   In my opinion it’s a little like calling a moonroof a hole in the ceiling – yes, technically it’s a valid description, but it paints a rather poor picture of what you are talking about.  We can thank some (not so) astute product attorneys for coming up with this generic term⁽¹⁾ (don’t worry, I’ll post more on this point in the future).  But before we delve into today’s question, let’s take a look at what we’ve learned thus far.  We learned that wheels are more important to the sale of some vehicles than others, and we learned that a lot of people like bright chrome wheels (we also learned not to include many Audi Enthusiasts, and the random designer in that last group).  So if you have already decided that your vehicle program is going to have chrome wheels, or your customers are demanding them, the next logical step in the process is to ask what chrome wheel technology should you use?   

It’s Bigger Than You Think!

Now that I have your attention it’s probably a good time to assure everyone this blog will always be SFW (Safe for Work). Sorry to disappoint you, we will not be hosting a discussion related to the enhancement website mentioned in last week’s post. Instead, I would like to address a huge issue that comes up as we help our customers plan vehicle wheel lineups; Chrome Wheels. One thing for sure, you either LOVE them or HATE them. Does anybody even know what it is about chrome that makes people choose sides like this?  Can’t we all just get along?  The argument might even be worse than Coke versus Pepsi (or Michigan versus Michigan State for my local readers).  But regardless of our personal tastes (full disclosure – I do not own a vehicle with chrome wheels), the marketplace ultimately will find a way to decide.  So, before you hit the “more” button, lets test your expertise with this quick poll: 

 

“Hot alloy chrome wheels have a lot more to offer other than being chick magnets”

I have to admit, the suspense has been killing me.  Ever since I stumbled upon this internet pearl of wisdom I have been looking forward to writing today’s post.  Chrome wheels are Chick magnets?  Learn something new every day.  The owners of the Bad Ass Chrome Wheels website⁽¹⁾ may not be aware of the FTC or their rules pertaining to internet marketing⁽²⁾.  “Advertising must tell the truth and not mislead consumers.  In addition, claims must be substantiated.”  Then again, maybe they actually did the scientific research necessary to verify that claim.  I imagine that process went something like this ……