If you are a supplier in the $30 billion automotive specialty-equipment market, it is important to have a complete understanding of why standardized, well-distributed product data is critical to business growth. The bottom line is to sell more parts, right? Well, in this age of instant information and aggressive competition, it’s going to take more than “the way we’ve always done it” to succeed. Consumers are becoming more and more accustomed to having information at their fingertips, and the competition for their money is tougher than ever before with the myriad choices available.

Breaking news from member companies Formula Drift Holdings, CargoGlide, Shelby American, Source Interlink Media, National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Car Guy Nation and more.

It’s hard to believe, but here we are again in Las Vegas to showcase the work of our family members from the past year. The SEMA family consists of everyone on the Show floor and everyone back home that made all this possible. When you enter the Show you will see only a glimpse of the automotive specialty parts world, which is far larger than even the Show itself. However, the dedication, passion and vision of the entire SEMA family is plainly evident, concentrated into one week in Las Vegas. It’s a view of the future that we are proud to present.

Congratulations to Russ Deane, SEMA’s General Counsel, on becoming a member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club. Deane set a new world land speed record for four-cylinder production cars (SRT-4, aka Dodge Neon) of more than 226 mph.

For those of you just tuning in to this historical project, Ford Motor Co. donated a ’13 Mustang GT to SEMA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), and the vehicle is being modified entirely by SBN members. The project is designed to shine the light on women working in the automotive aftermarket and to encourage more women to pursue careers in the industry.

2013 Honda Crosstour, Jeep Liberty Replacement, 2014 MINI Countryman Coupe S, 2014 Chevrolet Silverado

Everyone’s busy these days, so the decision about what to read is a big one. There are hundreds of great publications and websites out there that are filled with valuable news and information. Deciding which ones to read regularly depends largely on what market segment you are in and what role you play in your company. Here are a few key publications to consider:

As you read this, thousands of exhibitors are preparing hundreds of cars and trucks that will be on display at the 2012 SEMA Show. By the time the Show opens on October 30, exhibitors will have finished customizing the vehicle models they think will best showcase their new products and styling innovations for 2013.