Owning Your Data Is Owning Your Future

British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee is credited with inventing the World Wide Web in 1989 when he implemented the first successful communication between a Hypertext Transfer Protocol client and a server via the Internet. He had this to say about data ownership: “Customers need to be given control of their own data—not being tied into a certain manufacturer so that when there are problems they are always obliged to go back to them.”

With that in mind, I selected the words in the title of this article very carefully. “Owning Your Data Is Owning Your Future.” Seems simple enough, and certainly makes sense. But think about the reciprocal meaning of that statement. If someone else owns your data, someone else owns your future. Yep, that’s a scary thought.

Car-Care and Restyling Products From the 2012 SEMA Show

The SEMA Show offers thousands of products to automotive professionals, ranging from performance hard parts to purpose-built off-road equipment. But vehicle accessories—body kits, interior additions and restoration parts—can spruce up nearly any car or truck, and car-care products are used throughout the industry on both new and used vehicles.

The next few pages include dozens of restyling and car-care products that were unveiled at the 2012 SEMA Show. We have also compiled comments from industry professionals at some of the leading car-care companies about changes in technology, the distribution process and the influence of the Internet on both consumers and retailers.

Breaking news from SEMA member companies, including Yokohama Tire Corp., Sonoma Raceway, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Lund International Holding Co., and more.

Interested in placing an ad in the SEMA News Product and Catalog Showcase?

The Mobile Connectivity Trend Continues

For 2013 and the immediate future, the buzz phrase in the mobile-electronics market remains “vehicle connectivity.” At least, that seems to be the consensus of a variety of category observers within the field, from journalists to marketing professionals.

“Just as we’ve seen in past years, in-vehicle technology has been driven by the iPhone and the efforts to either connect with it, integrate with it or make it part of the environment,” said Mobile Electronics Magazine Editor in Chief Solomon Daniels. “Manufacturers know that consumers carry their music around with them. The vehicle is no longer the central point for entertainment; it’s more of an offshoot.”

It has become fairly routine for businesses to periodically review health-care coverage to monitor cost and quality. But this year, health-care review will be more difficult. That’s because the Affordable Care Act—the national health-care plan otherwise known as “Obamacare”—is being phased in, bringing with it new rules about how companies offer health care.

The law took effect in 2010, but its most consequential requirement—that all individuals obtain minimum levels of coverage on their own or through their employer—takes effect next year. Starting in 2014, large companies (50 employees or more) must decide whether they will offer affordable coverage or pay a fine. Under the law, companies with 49 workers or fewer have no obligation to offer coverage. Insurance exchanges, both public and private, will take effect to help insurance buyers shop for affordable coverage. These are just a sampling of the highlights. There will be more regulations to consider year by year until the law is fully implemented in 2020.

New product releases from Custom Autosound, TruXedo, Prothane, Hypertherm,ExtendMySeat, LED Wheels and other SEMA members.

Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Lincoln MKC and Dodge Charger SRT8.

Eight candidates entered this year’s election, each vying for a position on the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors.