The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will offer more than 21 seminar offerings at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Business owners, managers and employees recognize the importance of continuous improvement, particularly in the restyling industry where technology and consumer trends are constantly in flux. It’s imperative that installers are given the conditions and resources to succeed. Too often installers are asked to tackle jobs without the proper skill set.

ProPledge staff met with potential partners in a groundbreaking warranty program at the recent NADA conference.

SEMA highlights the provisions of new healthcare legislation that impact member companies, workers and individuals.

Kevin Harvick (Nationwide) and Kyle Busch (Trucks) sweep two major NASCAR events last weekend; the SFI Foundation Inc. gives all clear for teams and drivers to use Impact Racing gear purchased in 2009 and 2010; bad weather and track conditions spoil Eldora Speedway’s opening weekend; John Andretti and Bruno Junqueira land rides for the Indianapolis 500; and more racing news. 

Demonstrating the specialty-equipment industry's growing global reach, international buyer and attendee attendance continues to climb. Hailing from 140 countries and U.S. territories, 2009 SEMA Show international attendees increased to 25%, a 5% rise from 2008, according Hedges & Company data.

Nearly 150 exhibitors are signed up to exhibit in PAACE Automechanika being held in Mexico City July 14–16 in Mexico City Mexico. This represents an increase of 15% from 2008 and reflects growing opportunities for aftermarket companies interested in selling into the Mexican and Latin American markets.

New cars with automatic transmissions must now be equipped with an interlock device that requires the brake pedal be pressed before the driver can shift the transmission out of “park." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration took the action in response to a law passed in 2008 designed to protect children from vehicle rollaways in which a car is inadvertently shifted into neutral or another gear.

The new requirement applies to all passenger cars and light trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or less and takes effect on September 1, 2010.

The federal government finalized new fuel-economy standards for model year 2012–2016 cars and trucks and a national carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions tailpipe standard.

A bill targeted for defeat by SEMA to ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle including motorcycles” was set aside for study by the legislature.