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 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...

New Product announcements from McLeod Racing, Burns Stainless, DiabloSport, BDS Suspension and more.

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.

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.

GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia is reportedly moving to GM’s new Chi architecture, which is said to result in a slightly downsized crossover.

Nissan Maxima Sport.

This new Nissan Maxima test car has less camouflage around key elements of the design, including its C pillar and side-window profile.

Breaking news from SEMA member companies, including Lucas Oil Products, Turn 14 Distribution, Luken Communications, Champion Oil and more.

The first-ever SEMA Ignited event may have looked like a great party and car show, but Ignited was actually much more than that. The event was a way to show off the incredible cars, trucks and specialty equipment that our industry brings to the SEMA Show. It was also a means to interact with consumers, both on-site and through the media. The immediate social-media coverage was awesome, and now we have the longer-lead media pieces coming to fruition.

One important consumer-facing program is set to debut March 8—the one-hour, SEMA-sponsored Velocity Channel special called “SEMA Battle of the Builders.”

Exhibitors participate in the SEMA Show primarily to connect with buyers from throughout the world. The main objective of the exhibitor is to sell and promote products, and journalists are often attracted to the innovations that appear at the SEMA Show.