The conventional idea within much of the car-collecting community is that young people are not interested in cars. They don’t drive them, let alone hope to someday collect them.
However, a study conducted by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) belies that wisdom. In fact, according to the SEMA Young Accessorizers Report, 58 percent of respondents aged 16-24 who accessorize their vehicles would rather give up their smart phones for a week than give up their vehicles for a week.
The survey also revealed that there are 24 million drivers in that age demographic and that they drove more than 155 billiion — yes, billion with a “B” — miles in 2017.
They also spent more than $7.2 billion — again with a “B” — modifying their vehicles in 2017. That $7 billion figure represents more than 16 percent of the $43 billion spent last year on aftermarket automotive products. Additionally, more than half of these respondents plan to add accessories within the next year.
“Social life is very important to young people, and 4 out of 5 say that their car helps bring them closer to their friends,” SEMA reported.
Among other findings, the report found that of 38.4 million people aged 16-24 in the U.S., 12.2 million do not have a driver’s license. Only 27 percent of 16-year olds have licenses, but that number ticks up to 83 percent for 24-year olds.
Whether these folks have licenses or not, 80 percent of all travel was conducted via a personal car or truck. Among other means, 13 percent of miles were traveled by walking or on a bicycle. 6 percent were traveled via public transit and 1 percent by taxi, limo, Uber, Lyft, etc.
Of those respondents who accessorize their vehicles, 51 percent of males said that they install the parts themselves, while only 24 percent of females do their own installation.
Primary modifications include wheels, tires, exterior body upgrades, upgraded vehicle chemicals and changes to the vehicle’s interior.
“When thinking about their favorite modification or upgrade,” SEMA noted, “accessorizers were motivated by the desire to make their vehicles look and perform their best, while also adding comfort, entertainment and functionality.”
Of those who do accessorize their vehicles, one quarter are involved in a car-related group on social media.
SEMA said that the study was based on responses from more than 7,000 people.
This article originally appeared on ClassicCars.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Featured Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
