Customer service has become a key difference-maker in an interconnected world. The growth of social media means a single customer can broadcast what he or she thinks of your company, good or bad. And others can give that message an exponential pop—making or breaking your company’s image.

More and more, OEMs see that the availability of accessories improves their dealers’ ability to sell vehicles. And they acknowledge that aftermarket manufacturers, who are in touch with enthusiastic car owners, are often the first to recognize important trends. Smart dealers are increasingly recognizing that a customized vehicle in the showroom can bring more customers through the door and get them more excited about a purchase. But until now, there was not much real data on the “accessory effect.”

This issue of SEMA News continues our tradition of highlighting the great new products our manufacturers unleashed at the SEMA Show. Through SEMA News, the SEMA website and a variety of other media outlets, we amplify and carry forward one of the Show’s primary value propositions: creating high-level awareness for the industry’s innovative and trendsetting new products.

It has been said that a rising tide lifts all boats. Well, the industry was buoyed appreciably in November at the 2010 SEMA Show, and I’d like to thank all who participated in once again delivering the industry’s most valuable annual business gathering.

The SEMA Show serves as a powerful springboard that catapults the industry into the coming year. Exhibitors and attendees alike should have a full head of steam as they carry the enthusiasm generated on the Show floor back to their businesses.

For those of you reading this in Las Vegas, welcome to the greatest automotive specialty-equipment show on earth! The SEMA Show is the most universally known and recognized benefit that the association offers to its membership and to the industry.

The SEMA Show is without a doubt one of the strongest indicators of emerging trends in the automotive industry. Each year, SEMA exhibitors must decide which vehicles will be their “canvass” of choice to highlight the innovative and exciting new products they’ve worked so hard to bring to market.

Each year, the SEMA Show becomes the focal point for innovation in the automotive industry. It is the venue where manufacturers are able to connect with retailers to bring innovations to consumers around the world.

SEMA-member companies have continually appealed to consumers through the creation of new and interesting products—and not just to stay competitive within our own marketplace.

We’ve just come from the first SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, held May 25–27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the feedback we’ve gathered has been tremendous.