Key Performance Indicators Report — February 2020

The Brief Moody’s Investor Service, a credit ratings agency, revised its 2020 outlook for global auto sales in the wake of a coronavirus epidemic—a 2.5% decrease, with China expected to shoulder the biggest brunt of -2.9% as the outbreak worsens. According to CAAM data, Reuters reported that January auto sales in China fell to 18.7%,… Continue reading Key Performance Indicators Report — February 2020

Key Performance Indicators Report — January 2020

The Brief Back in January 2019, Cox Automotive estimated domestic light-duty vehicle sales to top out at 16.8 million for the year. Well, the tally is in and for the fifth consecutive year, Automotive News confirmed U.S. auto sales surpassed the 17 million mark—by a hair. The industry may have reached its vehicle target, but… Continue reading Key Performance Indicators Report — January 2020

Key Performance Indicators Report — December 2019

The Brief The year 2019 was an unpredictable one. As unemployment hit record lows, consumer confidence wavered month-to-month with tensions running high from a U.S.-China trade war and increasing uncertainty associated with the pending Brexit battle. To date, the U.S. has imposed tariffs on more than $360bn (£268bn) of Chinese goods. Likewise, China has retaliated… Continue reading Key Performance Indicators Report — December 2019

Key Performance Indicators Report – November 2019

‘Tis that time of year again—the holidays are upon us. From Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday to Super Saturday and everything in-between, consumers are ready to shop until they drop. Nostalgia, excitement and joy may be riding high but for retailers who rely on solid October, November and December sales to carry… Continue reading Key Performance Indicators Report – November 2019

Key Performance Indicators Report – October 2019

State of the Economy While many economic fundamentals remain solid, the September “SEMA Industry Indicators” report points to clear signs the economy is decelerating. The first half of the year delivered 2.6% growth relative to 3% growth in the first half of 2018. Specifically, second quarter economic growth—as measured by GDP—was unchanged at 2.0% in the third… Continue reading Key Performance Indicators Report – October 2019

Key Performance Indicators Report – September 2019

State of the Economy In recent SEMA e-News coverage, Kyle Cheng reported the current U.S. cycle of economic growth is at an historic 11th year amid volatility. At the beginning of August, President Trump announced that he would be moving forward with List 4 – 301 tariffs on approximately $300 billion in Chinese goods. The… Continue reading Key Performance Indicators Report – September 2019

Key Performance Indicators Report – August 2019

The Briefing – Trade War The trade war is heating up, as the U.S. government says China is manipulating its currency. Subsequently, it will involve the International Monetary Fund to eliminate unfair competition from Beijing. Reuters reports, U.S. law has three criteria for identifying manipulation among major trading partners: a material global current account surplus,… Continue reading Key Performance Indicators Report – August 2019

Key Performance Indicators Report – July 2019

Briefing As the first half of 2019 comes to a close, the United States enters the longest economic expansion during its history, according to Kyle Cheng on behalf of SEMA. “The economy is intact, and the risk of recession has diminished. Further risks of additional tariffs appear low for now but tension remains, and growth… Continue reading Key Performance Indicators Report – July 2019

Understanding the Burgeoning Powersports Market

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article excerpt from the upcoming July issue-mailing soon-is part of a three-part series investigating the burgeoning powersports market and its connections with the automotive aftermarket. See Part I in the May 2018 issue of THE SHOP magazine, and Part II in the June 2018 issue. The powersports market has exploded in… Continue reading Understanding the Burgeoning Powersports Market