SEMA Says Aftermarket is "Largely Open For Business"Diamond Bar, California, April 20 - SEMA is reporting that the automotive market's specialty aftermarket industry is "Largely Open for Business" with two thirds of the industry continuing to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The findings are from a survey of SEMA member companies conducted April 1-7. SEMA has been working to identify areas to support the aftermarket industry during the pandemic as it moves towards recovery.
"The results of this survey show the resiliency of the specialty automotive industry and how it continues to push forward, working to move past the COVID-19 disruption," said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. "We are using this feedback to further develop resources to help member businesses through this time of economic interruption."
Most aftermarket industry facilities remain open under the "essential business" designation, and more than half of the industry's employees continue to work from a company site, as a large number of production, technical, logistical and retail positions can only be done at a jobsite.
The survey also found that most business owners maintain a positive outlook, with 87% indicating that they are "impacted short-term, but will get through it." The strength of the industry is depicted by the 82% of employees who continue working from a jobsite or from home, and by the nearly 2,000 companies that have signed up to exhibit at this year's SEMA Show."