June North American output will be unimpressive but give way to a major rebound in July, according to a recent WardsAuto.com article. June will finish with an estimated production of 1,425,251 cars and trucks, falling 6.3% short of 1,521,101 units last year. That means second-quarter 2007 will wrap...

Small-business owners showed neither excitement nor anxiety over the state of the economy in May, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Their outlook, as measured by the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, edged up four-tenths of a point from April to 97.2 (1986=100)...

Dealerships around the nation are receiving a growing number of Alternative Fuel Automobiles (AFA), claims a survey by R.L. Polk & Co. The continual rise in these vehicle configurations might signal a widespread acceptance of hybrids, diesels and other forms of energy.

Google and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the utility serving Northern California, recently displayed its six Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrids that partly run on electricity provided by the power grid in order to achieve up to 75 mpg, according to a recent article by The New York Times. One of...

Toyota recently released details of its new Valvematic variable-valve timing technology for improving the efficiency and performance of its gasoline internal-combustion engines, according to a recent WardsAuto.com article. In addition to employing elements of its existing VVT-i (Variable Valve...

Below is this week’s list of SEMA Show 2007 exhibitors offering products to project-vehicle builders for free or at a discounted rate. To see previous submissions, click here.

How do you get your customers to buy more? Successful jobbers and retailers have discovered how to do just that when they offer their customers the Car Care One card. Designed to help sell more products, it also offers help with raising your average sales price per customer. This is a program you...

The U.S. Senate continues to debate legislation (HR 6) to increase vehicle fuel economy as of press time. The vote count for a SEMA-supported "Levin Amendment" is still too close to call. SEMA has contacted undecided Senators urging their support.

Members of the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA) are not only setting the fundraising pace in the Council Cup-Cash for Kids charity golf tournament, but they're also talking up a good game. The golf tourney, to be held in the morning and afternoon on the day of the SEMA Installation Banquet &...