A new report by the market research company Mintel estimates that the total automotive aftermarket (specialty equipment and “hard parts”) grew 3.5% in 2007 from the year prior. But the firm also expects that growth to stagnate in 2008 and slightly rebound in 2009. That’s the bad news.

Enthusiasts like the idea of an electric Jeep. But will they buy one? Chrysler plans to put an electric car into North American production by 2010 and recently displayed four working prototypes developed under its in-house ENVI organization. The four models include a Town & Country minivan, the GEM...

Enthusiasts who purchased a new vehicle within the last year did not wait long before adding their personal touches to their rides. The latest results of SEMA’s Automotive Lifestyle Survey showed that 85% of those who purchased a new car or truck sometime in the last 12 months also purchased custom...

Toyota is advancing the idea of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Camry hybrid by building one for auto show display. This will not be the first time the manufacturer has toyed with CNG in the Camry; it experimented with the idea in 1999. “With the combination of plentiful long-term supplies in North...

In September, the SEMA Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI) gained some much needed momentum. The PADI improved by five points, or 12%, going from 43 in August to 48 in September.

Chrysler's lineup of secretly-developed electric cars: Town & Country minivan, Jeep Wrangler and two-seat Dodge EV.

SHOW DAYS: Tuesday, November 4–Friday, November 7 Election Day: The SEMA Show opens on Election Day. Be sure to get your absentee ballot and vote! DEADLINES October 3

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...

SEMA Show exhibitors: Generate more buzz for your company and products by announcing your SEMA Show incentives and specials in SEMA eNews. Exhibitors with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers and other incentives are encouraged to let SEMA know so that the information can be included. To...