Tuner Crowd

Recently the New York Times ran an article about the decline of car culture among young people today.

And while urbanization and the high cost of car ownership may change the future auto market — the industry prospects look pretty good for the next few decades.

Not only do car crazy Boomers show no sign of giving up their keys — but the following generation of gearheads are still going strong.

The Tuner movement began in the 90’s with kids buying mostly smaller late model Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans and Volkswagens — and accessorizing them with all manner of bling — flashy rims, under-carriage neon lighting — flat-screen displays — and power-enhancing chip kits and nitrous boosters.

Now that older and more prosperous Tuner crowd drives an annual $40 billion US auto after market industry.

This weekend 400 of the hottest tuner rides from throughout the East Coast — and as far away as Chicago Canada and North Carolina — will converge at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oakes PA — for the 7th annual Tuner Evolution competition. The first time the event will be held in the Philadelphia area. Organizers expect about 5000 spectators, competitors and vendors to take part.