News and updates from SEMA's councils and committees.

Thirteen SEMA-member companies recently traveled to Beijing for a firsthand look at the developing Chinese market for specialty-equipment products.

While YouTube has emerged as a marketing juggernaut for business, many firms are also discovering that that the free video-sharing service has scores of other uses—all of which are also free for the taking.

Company recruiting, client communications, product/service how-to's and dissemination of company news are all increasing popularity on YouTube as firms transform the medium into a Swiss Army Knife of business communications.

Top 10 Free Business Uses YouTube

Ford is now accepting proposals for its annual project vehicle program. This is a great time to put together a design, build and marketing plan for a 2010 project Ford, Lincoln or Mercury. But don't delay—proposals are due by March 1, 2010.

A photo collection of more than 100 products entered into the mobile electronics category of the 2009 SEMA Show New Products Showcase. To see all of the products, visit www.semadigital.com. 

Auto show season is in full swing and the early themes focus on fuel efficiency and green technology.

A photo collection of new products entered into the Outdoor & Towing product category of the 2009 SEMA Show New Products Showcase.

Decked out with custom mods inside and out from SEMA member companies, this 2009 Ford F-150 Super Crew 4x4 is now up for auction on eBay. Proceeds from the sale benefit SEMA Cares charities ChildHelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the standard business-mileage deduction at $.50 a mile for 2010. The rate is below the $.55 cents allowed during 2009, reflecting lower transportation costs during the past year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a finding that carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and the environment.