2008 was an interesting year for the custom wheel industry. It saw the successful deployment of 32 inch wheels by Lexani with DOT approved tires from Yokohama - though in extremely limited quantities. There was also the successful response by tire manufacturers to over-sized wheels, by producing tires that work safely with these wheels when mounted on passenger cars. So, for example, no longer do 24 inch and 26 inch wheels on cars seem so outrageous, and now they require less aggressive modifications for fitment.

There is also a growing trend among manufacturers and dealers to customize wheel finishes on demand. This is the new direction of the wheel industry, as wheel sizes approach (if they have not  already surpassed) their practical limits. Individualization is the new rave, and two or three-tone finishes are not uncommon. ‘Flat black’ is a popular new finish, while ‘chrome’ is expected to take a backseat (but not die completely) during the coming months. All in all, expect to see a gradual shift in focus from size, to appearance, going through 2009.