The restyling market, generally separated into accessories and appearance, performance, and wheel/tire/suspension products, posted retail sales of $4.1 billion in 2006, making it an 11% slice of the specialty-equipment market, according to SEMA research. The retail sales number represents a 7.3%...

More than 200 mobile electronics companies exhibited at the 2007 SEMA Show, 32 percent of them first-time exhibitors looking to tap into the hottest segments of the mobile electronics market. Stand-alone GPS navigation units, for example, continued on their hot streak, accounting for 9.6 percent of...

The German government has updated its guidelines regarding aerodynamic parts. For the first time, German testing agencies are expected to approve products affixed to the outside of a vehicle only if they comply with the EC pedestrian protection requirements. This is a significant expansion of the EC...

German regulators have sent notices to the various government-approved testing services reminding them that all aftermarket wheels sold throughout Germany must strictly adhere to the German national directive for light-alloy wheels. The government is seeking to crack down on certain technical...

Phillipe Jean, the new head of the Automotive Industry Unit of the European Commission based in Brussels, Belgium, recently met with SEMA and the European-wide association of seven national associations (ETO) to provide assurances that the Commission has no immediate intent to create new regulations...

Looking for some money for school or to pay off existing college loans? Applications for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship are now being accepted. To access the form, criteria and available loan amounts, click here.

Registration for SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD, February 8–9, 2008, is open! The spring events deliver the acclaimed SEMA Show experience to the Indianapolis area and surrounding regions. Attendees can interact face-to-face with industry manufacturers, save money through multiple exhibitor...

SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie (left), Chairman-Elect Rick Rollins and President/CEO Chris Kersting (right) discussed industry challenges, such as legislation and vehicle technology, at the State of the Association presentation, February 7.

For those consumers looking to 'personalize their ride,' SEMA will display this year's most accessory-friendly vehicles at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, February 8–17, 2008, at McCormick Place.The vehicles that will be on display are the 2008 SEMA Design Award winners: the Nissan Titan (truck)...

SEMA members, here is an opportunity for you to take part in the SEMA Hall of Fame selection process. It's time once again to gather your thoughts and recommend, for consideration, nominees for the 2008 Hall of Fame. Induction into the prestigious SEMA Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors the...