While American automakers have experienced a sales slump in recent months, Volkswagen sales have been soaring. According to The Detroit News, sales are up 5% compared to June 2007 and net profits are up 35% in the second quarter.

Stillen displays its front lip spoiler on the 2008 Nissan Altima coupe.

The Honda CR-Z concept shown here will likely evolve into one of several production hybrids Honda plans to sell by 2010.

SEMA has compiled a list of 15 facts about the Chinese market:

Filler for eNews

In the first half of 2008, Russia for the first time displaced Germany to become the largest car market in Europe, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. Russian new-car registrations hit 1.64 million during the first half of 2008, compared with 1.63 million cars in Germany.

The U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service Global Automotive Team has organized a webinar for U.S. suppliers interested in supplying Renault/Nissan. The automaker plans to open a plant in Tangiers, Morocco, in 2010, which will have the capacity to produce 400,000 vehicles per year. For more details...

Commercial News USA, the U.S. Department of Commerce publication, is now accepting nominations for the 2009 Exporter of the Year awards. The ThinkGlobal/Commercial News USA Exporter of the Year awards are given to one U.S. company in each of 14 industry categories. An Overall Exporter of the Year...

SEMA Show exhibitors: Get some extra company exposure at the 2008 SEMA Show by offering your products to builders through the SEMA Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. Included each week in SEMA eNews, the list is accessed by hundreds of builders seeking the pieces that add extra flair to...

Thousands of international buyers are already registered to attend the 2008 SEMA Show. Check out what products they are seeking and invite them to visit your booth—all online. The International Buyer Locator is available free of charge to all SEMA Show exhibitors. Get started at www.semashow.com...