Mexico’s expected economic growth rate in 2021 has just been revised upward as Latin America’s second-largest economy, along with the surrounding region, has begun to recover from the sharp downturn caused by COVID-19. While experts predict that the regional economies won’t fully recover until 2022, the quickening pace of the upturn is good news. As the region begins to reopen, U.S. suppliers looking to connect with Mexican and Latin American trade buyers can do so at two upcoming events: the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November, and the INA PAACE Automechanika Show in December.

Although Congress tends to garner the headlines, some of the most important issues that affect the automotive aftermarket are controlled by the states. Issues such as vehicle titling and registration, exhaust noise, optional equipment, inoperable vehicles and many more are regulated on a state-by-state basis. If you want to be able to title and register your vintage Humvee (or HMMWV) but no process currently exists for registering former military vehicles in your state, you can turn to your state legislators to ask for help.

Industry news from SEMA-member companies, including 4 Wheel Parts, Banks Power, Holley and more.

For decades, off-roaders have been able to enjoy riding their vehicles on a California beach and up and down massive sand dunes. That thrill may soon vanish. In March, the California Coastal Commission voted unanimously to abolish off-highway vehicle (OHV) access to California’s Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) within three years. In response, SEMA, along with three other OHV-related organizations, challenged the commission in court.

The Petersen Automotive Museum announced the launch of its new three-month incubator program, which aims to foster the development of women-led businesses in the automotive sector. Each year, the museum will choose one California-based startup with five or fewer employees and provide it with hands-on mentorship, access to the Petersen network of sponsors and partners, and a $25,000–$30,000 investment.

In late 1958, the multi-talented illustrator and cartoonist Pete Millar created just the thing for racers who wanted to record their victories like a fighter pilot. These “easy-to-apply” Drag Decals, advertised in the “What’s New” department of the June 1959 issue of Hot Rod, were available in a choice of 15 different domestic cars “plus a new one for karts.” (A close look at the photo reveals a karting magazine in the back pocket of Millar’s trousers.)

Ours is an industry built on imagination, fresh ideas and entrepreneurship, qualities that offer exciting opportunities. While the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas remains an obvious beacon for industry entrepreneurial activity, awareness of the scale and scope of innovation in the specialty automotive sector—and the opportunities it affords—has mostly been limited to the inner circle of our business community.