Vehicle technology is evolving at lightning speed. For the automotive aftermarket, revolutionary new technologies such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) present both challenges and opportunities.

Over the years, the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC, formerly known as the Wheel Industry Council, WIC) has not only brought together two related industry segments for the common good but has also centered its sights on the collective technical and educational needs of its members.

It’s official. Against an awe-inspiring backdrop of towering red rock formations for which Moab, Utah, is renowned, the light-truck and off-road communities celebrated the rebranding of the Light Truck Accessories Alliance (LTAA) into the more inclusive Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) at an official launch party on April 18.

Members of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) are not just part of a community of like-minded professionals. Membership in PRO also gives employees of member companies a voice on matters that influence and impact the restyling market—and that can help to effect change.

In today’s ever-evolving market, it’s critical that SEMA members have a chance to weigh in on issues that influence and impact the specialty-equipment market, and one of the most effective ways to have a voice is through participation in a SEMA council. For companies engaged in the motorsports segment, the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) provides that opportunity, but the success of any SEMA council or network is reliant on volunteers—industry pros who raise their hands and express their willingness to become actively involved.

From its early days as the Street Rod Marketing Alliance (SRMA) to what is now the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), the hot-rod industry has been a formidable force within the specialty-equipment market. In keeping with its efforts to provide business-building resources, the council has always ranked education as a top priority. Nowhere is the focus on learning experiences more in evidence than at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals.

There’s no business like show business—trade-show business, that is. Just ask buyers. The vast majority of them rank trade shows as the number-one place to see new products, discover new sources of information, learn about industry trends, and make long-lasting connections.

The Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA) is slated to host fun and engaging events throughout the week of the 2018 SEMA Show, to be held October 30–November 2 in Las Vegas. LTAA focuses on creating a community among those in the light-truck segment of the aftermarket industry. Members and nonmembers alike are encouraged to attend LTAA events taking place at the SEMA Show or stop by the new LTAA booth location, booth #34185, centrally located within the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

The Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA) will once again host its Media Preview at the 2016 SEMA Show. The event is designed to connect members of the media to LTAA-member companies that are spotlighting new products. The event traditionally attracts more than two dozen exhibitors and is open to all members of the media. The 2016 event will be held in the Media Center, located on the Sky Bridge in the Las Vegas Convention Center on Monday, October 31. Save the date!

Members of the Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA) showcase their vehicles throughout the SEMA Show each year to promote their products and expertise. LTAA recognizes a handful of amazing vehicles from member companies that have supported SEMA Cares charities during the year by featuring them either in the LTAA booth, on the Show floor or on the outdoor promenade between the South Hall and the Performance Pavilion. Here is an inside look at the LTAA feature vehicles that were at the 2015 SEMA Show, from the owners and builders.