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.

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 – 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

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

 

SEMA 2010

In advance of direct reports from the floor of SEMA, take a look at this vehicle introduction.  The Police Interceptor Stealth concept was designed by one of our friends at Ford.  I especially love the way the wheels fit the overall theme.  Check it out here http://aol.it/bh6aqC and check back on this blog for pictures and trends on the wheels at SEMA.

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: 

 

Are Wheels really THAT important to the sale of a vehicle?

In survey after survey a vehicle’s appearance is a key part of  the purchase decision process.  Therefore, common sense dictates since wheels are approximately 20% of the side view of a car, they must be pretty important.  Last week we published research results that indicated 98% of Audi Enthusiasts felt wheels were at least somewhat important in the buying decision.  But if wheels are so important, why do dealers line their inventory up side-by-side so you can’t see them?  And why does it seem like almost half the vehicles on the road today have steel wheels with wheel covers, the lowest of the low⁽¹⁾?  There just doesn’t seem to be a clear answer, but I’ll let you in on a little secret, the correct answer to the question “Are Wheels really THAT important to the sale of a vehicle?” is ………..

WWAED? (What Would Audi Enthusiasts Do)

Since Audi has recently introduced Chromtec® wheels on a few of their vehicles, we thought it might be a good idea to go and meet our customers in person and see what kind of wheels and finishes they wanted on their next Audi.  We dismissed our first two ideas of hanging out at shopping malls and visiting owners door-to-door because they sounded a bit stalkerish.  Luckily Motorstadt 7 came to the rescue.  Billed as the “premier midwest car show for Volkswagen and Audi” our visit resulted in an earful.  Before we tell you what everybody said back in June, here are a few great cars we saw while there. 

Hello World, Now What?

First off, we’d like to start by welcoming you to our new blog about wheels.  Yep, you read it right.  An entire blog talking about nothin’ but car and truck wheels.  Exciting, no?  And before we get inundated with your “Oh great, another blog about the auto industry” comments perhaps we can answer the one question you are already thinking right off the bat.  “With every Tom, Dick and Harry publishing a blog these days⁽¹⁾,  why should I read this one?”