Are automakers or consumers at fault? Recent headlines have focused on one alarming statistic: average new vehicle payments have climbed to record highs, now approaching $770–$780 per month, with a growing percentage of buyers taking on payments exceeding $1,000. The conclusion many articles draw is simple: the automotive industry has become unaffordable, and consumers are trapped in a dangerous cycle of debt. While there is certainly truth behind the affordability concerns,

To start, these are simply my personal observations and opinions based on my review of the report. I strongly encourage everyone to download and read the full report for themselves to better understand the potential impact and review the data in greater detail. You can download the report here: SEMA MARKET RESEARCH PAGE. I recently spent time reviewing the 2026 SEMA Future Trends Market Report, and one word continues to stand out above everything else: uncertainty. The last

Look around the room; AI sure does know me. I recently spent some time reviewing the 2026 SEMA Market Report, and there were several insights that stood out to me. The first takeaway is simple: the automotive aftermarket remains incredibly resilient. U.S. consumers spent just under $53 billion on vehicle accessories and modifications in 2025, which is a strong indicator that demand remains healthy despite a challenging economic environment. That said, the market is clearly se