preview

Light Truck Essay

Decent Essays

Light Trucks Carry Load of Potential for Accessories
Short of projection but ahead of 2014 numbers, light-vehicle sales continue to rise.
Carmakers Fiat Chrysler, Honda, Nissan and Toyota lead the way. According to a report from AutoNews.com, sales climbed 3.9% in June 2014. This trend continues a banner year for light vehicles. June numbers registered below May’s, but above the same month in 2014.
It’s the best first half for the segment in the past decade.
In a recession-recovery climate, light vehicles show consistent growth. Sales have increased for six straight years, prompting optimism for 2015 and beyond. The National Automobile Dealers Association 2015 forecast increased from 16.94 million to 17.17 million.
Bill Fay is division group vice president for …show more content…

Wheels, tires and suspension add-ons leaped 11.7% from 2013 numbers. That represents the largest increase of the three. Performance products saw 8% growth, and accessory and appearance products grew by 5.2%. The report also revealed the continued health of light truck sales.
Only the street performance niche registered a larger percentage gain (14.3% to 9.2%).
Light trucks include CUVs, pickups, SUVs and vans. They took a hit in 2007 with the economic downturn and spike in fuel prices. Accessory sales suffered too. Since its resurgence, light truck accessory sales have shifted in scope, too.
Wheels, tires and suspension accounted for $866 million in sales in the SEMA report. Accessory and appearance products once dominated, but were just $82 million more.
Three areas within wheels, tires and suspension were on the rise:
CUSTOM WHEELS | Lightweight construction and a creative array of finishes make these a favorite.
SPECIALTY/PERFORMANCE TIRES | Light-truck owners can choose from aggressive-tread off-road models to wide, low-profile street

Get Access