The economy and the environment have been the major drivers for many markets over the last three years, and they have also been consistent topics of conversation among tire and wheel experts. The tire industry underwent a sort of accordion buckling in inventory as the economic slowdown led consumers to balk at anything other than critical expenditures and then pent-up demand caused a sudden resurgence.

At the 2010 SEMA Show there were more than 2,000 new products submitted for consideration in the New Products Showcase—shattering all previous records. Presented in 15 categories, the New Product Awards highlight the industry’s innovation and represent the first of many accolades for the winners.

More than 114,000 industry professionals gathered in Las Vegas during the week of November 2–5 for the 2010 SEMA Show, and the tone was decidedly optimistic. Exhibitors, buyers, media and other professionals were there to learn, collaborate, network and explore, sharing their passion in order to build their businesses and celebrate their shared experiences.

Every year there are a handful of vehicles that become the stars of the SEMA Show. To celebrate these standouts, SEMA officials will announce three SEMA Awards, Hottest Car, Hottest Truck and Hottest 4x4-SUV for the very first time ever.

The Wally Parks NHRA Museum in Pomona, California, celebrates the cars, and guitars, of icons including Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Michael Anthony and Eddie Van Halen in a new exhibit. SEMA News covers the exciting premiere.

SEMA's Business Technology Committee Chairman, Bob Moore, spends a few minutes with SEMA News in a Q&A about technology, data and why SEMA companies must embrace both.

While the SEMA Show is the industry’s premier trade event, it is also one of the most fascinating displays of automotive excellence to be found anywhere.

All of the custom-designed pinewood cars from the Builder’s Race—part of the annual HRIA-sponsored Pinewood Drag Races that were held in conjunction with SEMA’s Leadership Days on Saturday, July 24, 2010, in Pasadena, California—will be autographed by the builders and displayed at the 2010 SEMA Show.

The 2010 SEMA Show is mere weeks away, but the Show organizers have been working diligently since the Las Vegas Convention Center’s doors closed last year to bring even more value to attendees. In addition to the traditional offerings—more than 1,800 exhibitors, 1,500 industry-changing product innovations and dazzling vehicle displays—this year’s SEMA Show boasts more than a dozen new or improved features.

Collectors, enthusiasts and gearheads of all stripes came out for the second annual SEMA Show ’N Shine car show, July 24, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.