Not content with launching just a publishing empire, Robert E. Petersen put on a series of car shows in the early ’50s that he called Motorama. The first one was held in 1950 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, but later shows were staged at the art deco palace that was the Pan Pacific Auditorium. Hot rods, Bonneville race cars, drag racers and custom cars straight from the pages of Petersen’s magazines made up a big portion of these Motorama shows, but they also included new cars, antiques, motorcycles and classics from the ’30s and ’40s.

As global interest in and demand for automotive customization grows, so does the opportunity for increased business for SEMA-member companies. That is the reason why SEMA sponsors international business-development programs and connects SEMA members with potential buyers in emerging markets such as China, Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

’16 Ford Fusion

This less-disguised prototype ’16 Ford Fusion provides a good look at what’s in store for the model’s facelift.

’16 Chevrolet Camaro

These photos of a ’16 Camaro prototype—caught while Chevrolet’s famous musclecar was slowed by construction traffic—offer a peek at some of the styling nuances in store for the all-new pony car.

Porsche Panamera

The Porsche Panamera hit the Nürburgring for some hot laps and showed off some new details for this next-generation model.

SEMA News: Why are you running for chair-elect on the SEMA Board of Directors (BOD)?

Wade Kawasaki: I was 10 years old and working at my father’s gas station in L.A., watching musclecars and hot rods drive in and out, when I realized that this is my passion. My passion is what drives me, and it has been a dream come true to work and learn about everything in our industry, from manufacturing to distribution. I have had the opportunity to travel the globe doing business, attending cool car shows and speaking on behalf of the aftermarket.

Breaking news from SEMA member companies, including Tulsa Technology Center, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. VIPAR Heavy Duty and more.

SEMA News: Why are you running for chair-elect of the SEMA Board of Directors (BOD)?

Donnie Eatherly: I am very passionate about this industry and channels of distribution. I think my perspective would be good on all distribution-channel issues as well as how industry changes, policies and legislation affect how our products make it to consumers.

Buyer registration for the 2015 SEMA Show, November 3–6 in Las Vegas, is open and available at www.SEMAShow.com/register. Distributors, retailers, installers and buyers are encouraged to refer to these simple tips to help ensure a fast and efficient registration process for the annual trade show.

Microsoft’s Mea Culpa to PC Users

Businesses that reacted to Windows 8 with howls of incredulity can take heart: Microsoft is bending over backward with its next Windows release to win back the mouse-and-keyboard crowd. With Windows 10 (there will be no Windows 9), due for release in the summer of 2015, Microsoft will make it simple once again to navigate the operating system with a keyboard and a mouse. Moreover, the Redmond Goliath will be bringing back other features, such as the Start Menu that made Windows a hit in previous incarnations. “It’s a practical approach, which is ‘customer first,’” said Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.

In late 1963, Ed “Big Daddy” Roth was a busy guy. By that point in his career, he had built the Outlaw, Beatnik Bandit and Tweedy Pie—cars that established him as one of the premier (and wackiest) car customizers on the West Coast. Model maker Revell took notice of Roth’s creations and began offering scale versions of them as well as model kits of Roth’s freaky monsters, including Mr. Gasser, Drag Nut and Rat Fink.

Get to Know the Nominees

Eleven candidates entered this year’s election, each vying for a position on the 2015–2018 SEMA Board of Directors. The SEMA Board provides strategic direction to the association and plays a critical role in shaping the future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Voting for the 2015–2018 SEMA Board of Directors Election opened May 13 and will be available online until June 9. Voting is open to current SEMA members, and votes must be submitted by the designated primary contact of each voting SEMA-member company.