The August 2010 issue of SEMA News is available to view online. This month's issue provides an in-depth look at the accomplishments of 2010 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Richard "Dick" McMullen, Chuck Schwartz and Van Woodell. Learn more about their careers and how their contributions and service have left an indelible mark on the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

SEMA News also goes inside the restoration market to see how modern technology, enthusiasts' tastes and the popularity of resto-mods have helped reshape the market. While a significant portion of the market continues to desire traditional recreations of the original vehicle, others want a combination of modern conveniences and factory-spec. These changes in the market have created new opportunities for product lines that incorporate the traditional style with modern accessories.

The restoration market is not the only area where traditional approaches are being altered. Automaker Local Motors methods to auto manufacturing is based on open source and open design, and its customers help design and develop the cars that the company creates. With the feedback and direction from a community of artists, enthusiasts and designers, Local Motors uses the traditional tier-supplier network and the specialty-equipment aftermarket to construct its vehicles.

Get started with the August 2010 issue of SEMA News.
Over the past 18 months, our nation has experienced what many have identified as a modern depression. Business owners from all industries have experienced lower earnings and a real threat toward their corporate survival. Those with capital are avoiding disaster, but often not until a major reduction in work force has to be implemented. For others, cutting key resources might be the only step to survival, which has meant reducing or eliminating critical insurance coverages and thereby putting the business on the edge of financial disaster with no safety net after just one claim. The experiences are real to automotive specialty-equipment jobbers and installers who have been the first to experience a tremendous reduction by consumers purchasing automotive specialty parts and accessories.

Learn more about SEMA's business insurance benefits by reading "Living on the Edge" in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
No one can afford to lose sales, but many companies miss out on profitability by not following one simple procedure: ensuring that they offer customers complete and informative product information. Properly presented product data can boost a company’s image, increase sales, lower product return rates and improve product exposure.
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