The 2010 SEMA Show provided the collision repair industry with an expanded program that featured larger and more prominent floor space, targeted educational programs (such as the Society for Collision and Repair Specialists’ Repairer Driven Education—RDE—series) and close collaboration with groups...

An unusually popular event, the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference (MTC), brings together writers and editors from all over the world with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers. Those not familiar with the MTC event can think of it as “speed dating”...

Law and Order is an update of some of the most recent federal and state legislative and regulatory issues that could potentially impact the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These include issues affecting small-business owners and their employees.

Each year, a few vehicles dominate the automotive landscape. It stands to reason that the most popular vehicles among consumers and specialty-equipment manufacturers would also be among the most profitable for all SEMA members. To help sort the vehicular wheat from the chafe, we examined a series of...

The light-truck industry was particularly hard hit by the recession that began about three years ago, but at last, the tide seems to be turning. The automakers are seeing definite and consistent sales increases, and while some sectors of the truck market remain tentative, fullsize pickups and...

Business users who are already comfortable with Twitter are in luck: There are currently hundreds of analytics and time-saving tools available that will enable you to quickly sort through the noise, retrieve the insights you want and generate the reach you’re looking for with minimal effort.

Below is a roundup of recent and proposed legislative and regulatory actions around the world that will directly impact the specialty-equipment industry. For more information on any of these items, contact SEMA International Relations Director Linda Spencer.

Customer service has become a key difference-maker in an interconnected world. The growth of social media means a single customer can broadcast what he or she thinks of your company, good or bad. And others can give that message an exponential pop—making or breaking your company’s image.

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced July 8, 2011 as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive...