DIAMOND BAR, CA — SEMA announced that the sport compact season will be kicked off at the SEMA Auto Salon, April 2006, in Philadelphia, PA.

SEMA Auto Salon Philadelphia will open its doors to the public April 8-9, 2006, at the Ft. Washington Expo Center in Fort Washington, PA. SEMA anticipates more than 10,000 attendees will come to the automotive enthusiast event as it is the best opportunity for them to experience the $4.1 billion sport compact industry.

Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of marketing and communications, said the East Coast sport compact segment continues to emerge in terms of automotive trends, and hosting the event in Philadelphia stimulates new opportunities for SEMA members in this fast-growing market.

“Philadelphia and the surrounding states have a large population of young auto enthusiasts, including urban, low-rider, luxury and European car enthusiasts, so the industry’s move to this region gives SEMA members an opportunity to showcase their products and stay on top of important trends developing there,” said MacGillivray.

SEMA Auto Salon typically draws attendees from nearly every state in the U.S., including such key markets as California, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. Visitors also come from numerous other countries around the globe, such as Japan, the UK, France, Germany, Canada and Mexico.

“This event will jump start the season for these influential consumers by giving them an opportunity to see the newest automotive accessories all in one location,” said MacGillivray.

In addition to new product exhibits, SEMA Auto Salon Philadelphia will include interactive activities, such as dyno shootouts and driving demonstrations, along with other dynamic show experiences such as the main stage activities and car show competition.

The Fort Washington Expo Center itself is the largest and busiest exhibition center on the East Coast, with more than 250,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space on a single floor. For exhibitors, the venue provides the flexibility and room necessary for product exhibits, interaction with consumers and business-to-business meeting space. For show attendees, the numerous hotels and restaurants adjacent to the center provide convenient accommodations and easy access to the two-day event.

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