While the SEMA Show is a trade event that is not open to the general public, thousands of journalists from around the world participate in it and serve as the eyes and ears for enthusiasts. These reporters work around the clock to scour the SEMA Show floor in search of standout products to share with their readers and viewers. Even if you were able to attend the 2014 SEMA Show, these publications are helpful in highlighting products that you may have missed. After all, there were more than 2,300 exhibitors and more than 1 million sq. ft. to cover. Take a look at some of the magazines that offered comprehensive coverage that you will not want to miss.

SEMA Indicators admin Wed, 04/01/2015 - 10:50

The first-ever SEMA Battle of the Builders television special is set to air at 8:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, March 8, on the Velocity Network. Months of filming went into the production, culminating on a live stage at the SEMA Ignited afterparty this past November in Las Vegas.Compass Points for Specialty-Equipment Companies

Business trends reveal themselves in a host of incarnations, and we seek each year to ferret out those that pertain to the automotive specialty-equipment aftermarket. The SEMA Show, new-vehicle sales, educational tendencies and other indicators may reveal significant industry developments—or at least give savvy professionals some compass points to steer by. We hope that the following areas of interest help with the navigation.

This chart, courtesy of Ford Motor Co., identifies the countries that will receive the new Mustang. Good News for Worldwide Enthusiasts and U.S. Specialty-Equipment Manufacturers

SEMA manufacturers know that the Ford Mustang is one of the most customized vehicles in the marketplace. This year marks the pony car’s 50th anniversary, and now it comes with a larger-than-ever attraction to those who wish to develop and market products for the highly accessorized musclecar,“ noted SEMA Vice President of OEM and Product Development Programs Mike Spagnola.

Three High-Tech Tools to Advance Small Product Innovators

For medium to large specialty-equipment manufacturers, the concepts of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are not likely to come as anything new. Over the past few decades, most companies with the capital have been investing in these evolving technologies to create and speed new products to market. What’s new on today’s scene is the trickle-down of increasingly cost-effective CAD/CAM solutions into the hands of smaller companies and even individual product designers and manufacturers—a phenomenon that may well make them ever more competitive with the big guys.

The equipment may have changed, but many of the tips laid out in this October 1964 Car Craft magazine story on “Photographing Cars” are still worthwhile for anyone interested in taking better pictures of their cars (or trucks, hot rods, customs, sports cars, motorcycles, you name it). The equipment may have changed, but many of the tips laid out in this October 1964 Car Craft magazine story on “Photographing Cars” are still worthwhile for anyone interested in taking better pictures of their cars (or trucks, hot rods, customs, sports cars, motorcycles, you name it).

The date on the photo job for this story was July 1964, making the subject Mustang a new car. The California hard license plate and Galpin Ford plate frame suggest that it was not a press vehicle but instead belonged...

GMC Canyon Denali

The GMC Canyon Denali prototype’s camouflaged front end hides a revised all-mesh grille design that is consistent with GMC’s other Denali-trimmed models.

’16 Ferrari FF Prototype

Caught in the Arctic Circle, photos of this prototype for the Ferrari FF reveal a revised front fascia for the Italian shooting brake.

The 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) provided a look at the latest vehicle creations auto manufacturers are developing or introducing during the year.The 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) provided a look at the latest vehicle creations auto manufacturers are developing or introducing during the year. For the specialty-equipment industry’s manufacturers, industry influencers and opinion leaders, seeing the car and truck introductions provides an idea of what OEM product strategists think will attract consumers in dealer’s showrooms.

Here is a snapshot of the cars and trucks on display at this year’s NAIAS that members will want to keep an eye on for potential upgrade opportunities. We can foresee a number of recent introductions showing up at cruise nights, track days, road courses, dragstrips and off-road venues in the near future.

Breaking news from SEMA member companies, including Motorcycle USA, AP Exhaust Technologies, Torklift International, Power Automedia, Advanced Clutch Technology and more.

Know the Three Types of SEMA Show Booths

With the Priority Space Selection Process for the 2015 SEMA Show taking place May 4–22, exhibitors may want to begin planning what to feature in this year’s display. For decisions such as where to set up products, whether or not to conduct product demonstrations or to highlight a display vehicle, knowing the booth types will help companies plan accordingly.

Low Rates on SEMA Show Airfare, Hotels

Travelers preparing for the 2015 SEMA Show to be held Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, are encouraged to take advantage of airline discounts and hotel deals through the Travel and Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com.

 

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