SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, announced that American Honda will increase its support of the automotive specialty market by participating as the Vehicle Manufacturer of the 2005 SEMA Show. The announcement came during the SEMA press conference at the Chicago Auto Show.

“It has been quite some time since SEMA has had the pleasure to announce a new Vehicle Manufacturer of the SEMA Show,” said Christopher J. Kersting, SEMA President and CEO. “American Honda Motor Company has been a long-time participant in various SEMA initiatives that help increase the variety and ready availability of specialty parts and accessories for Honda vehicles. We are predicting the synergy between Honda and our 2005 exhibitors will be extremely powerful.”

Historically, three original equipment manufacturers have supported the event through what SEMA has termed ‘Vehicle Manufacturer of the Show’ – a role that demonstrates a heightened awareness, heightened commitment and heightened partnership with the specialty products industry.

“We're thrilled at the opportunity to play a larger part in the 2005 SEMA Show as Vehicle Manufacturer of the Show with the 2006 Civic as Vehicle of the Show,” said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The performance aftermarket has played a big part in the image of Honda with young buyers and performance enthusiasts. SEMA is the perfect venue to highlight our company's commitment to the market and the exciting new products we're building, including our all-new Civic and the new Ridgeline truck.”

The 2005 SEMA Show takes place Nov. 1-4, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nev. at the Las Vegas Convention Center.