Automakers spent a good deal of effort at this year’s auto shows focusing on electrics, plug-in hybrids and a range of alt-technology hopefuls.

The specialty-equipment industry lost of one of its most dedicated and active volunteers, Dick Wells, who died January 18 from complications following heart surgery in November.

To highlight the customization possibilities of the just-released Chevy Cruze in the United Arab Emirates, GM Middle East and SEMA partnered to customize two of the all-new compact global cars.

For the sixth year, a panel of top automotive journalists from 15 countries throughout Asia, Europe, South Africa and South America served on the SEMA Global Media Awards (GMA) panel.

Don Garlits’ accomplishments in drag racing are literally the stuff of legends.

In a move that is raising eyebrows in the online marketing world, Google is intimating that companies with websites that download faster than those of competitors could soon be given preference in Google search-engine returns.

The 2009 SEMA Show’s Tire, Wheels & Equipment—Sponsored by TIA section included 290 exhibitors, making it one of the most prominent areas at the event.

Here is a roundup of proposed or recently enacted legislative and regulatory developments affecting the specialty-equipment industry in key overseas markets.

BMW 1-Series Five-Door Hatch, Ford’s High-Performance Raptor, 2011 Dodge Charger

The automotive specialty-equipment industry was born in the racing and performance segment. In fact, the original name of SEMA, now the Specialty Equipment Market Association, was the Speed Equipment Manufacturer’s Association.