Last month, 11.4% (index = 43) of consumers surveyed said that they planned to purchase custom parts and accessories for their vehicle sometime within the next three months, according to the February SEMA Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI). This is actually an increase from a...

Automotive enthusiasts purchase a wide range of custom performance parts and accessories for their vehicles, so while analyzing a "Top 10" or "Top 20" list of products purchased does give useful insight into these enthusiasts, taking a more holistic approach may prove more helpful. With that in mind...

A 2005 Toyota Prius by Barris Kustom Industries displayed in the Making Green Cool Zone at the 2008 SEMA Show.

Realizing that the industry needs new tools to help companies survive the tough economy, SEMA has launched a new financial benchmarking program. Data collected thus far shows that SEMA-member manufacturers project varying levels of growth for the next three months. While 46% project sales to be down...

Businesses exporting chemicals to the European Union (EU) are being advised to provide documentation stating that they comply with registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals (REACH) regulations, following several instances at Dutch and Belgian ports when cargo ships were stopped for...

Importing product into the United States just became more complicated and costly due to a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulation. The Importer Security Filing (ISF), which is commonly known as the “10+2” initiative (because it requires importers to supply 10 pieces of data and...

The E85 ethanol-powered C6.R run by Corvette Racing in the 2008 American LeMans Series marries horsepower and greenpower.The race is on. The race to innovate more efficient and planet-friendly motorsports technology continues at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 16.

Germany has developed a “Cash for Clunkers” program at a time when the initiative has been rejected in the United States. Earlier this year, SEMA launched the largest grassroots effort in its 46-year history to successfully prevent inclusion of a national Cash for Clunkers program within the...

The specialty-equipment industry lost two innovators this past week with the passing of safety pioneer Jim Deist and SoffSeal’s Gary Anderson, a founding member of the Automotive Restoration Marketplace Organization (ARMO). Deist was 80, Anderson 64.

SEMA members responded to a comprehensive survey with a clear message that the nation’s health care system is broken. The survey results underscored the need to make tough, balanced decisions to help solve the problem. Issues include whether to require businesses to offer coverage and individuals to...