The federal government finalized new fuel-economy standards for model year 2012–2016 cars and trucks and a national carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions tailpipe standard.

More automotive, paint and body manufacturers plan to exhibit at the SEMA Show for the first time, while many return exhibitors are committing to larger space for 2010.

The SEMA Show may be closed to the public, but the annual event is of great interest to auto enthusiasts and consumers throughout the world because of the thousands of modified vehicles and new products on display. Luckily, international consumer publications continue to make the trip to Las Vegas and share the latest automotive trends with readers throughout the world.

Customer service is not a strategy; it is a way of life, whether business is up or down. The customer and how you take care of that customer will ultimately determine whether or not your business will succeed, according to Robert Spector, best-selling author and international speaker best known for his book The Nordstrom Way to Customer Service Excellence. His latest book is called The Mom & Pop Store: How the Unsung Heroes of the American Economy are Surviving and Thriving.

At the 2009 SEMA Show, 57% of American buyers in attendance had been in business 11 years or longer—a five percent increase from 2008.

A photo collection of BMWs on display at the 2009 SEMA Show.

Exclusively for the tire industry—and open to all its segments—new expo also includes expanded education, efforts to contain exhibit costs, and better industry representation on SEMA Show committee.