Gene Winfield was having a big year in 1963 when Petersen Publishing Company photographer Eric Rickman took this photo at Winfield’s car customizing shop in Modesto, California. Rickman was chronicling the progress of several cars being prepped for land speed record attempts at the Bonneville Salt Flats, and he captured Winfield as he was laying out “a super streamlined street roadster over an early Ford frame and running gear.”

No one can foretell the future, at least not with any degree of certainty. But a prudent look at marketplace indicators can often provide insights that savvy businesspeople might interpret for a strategic advantage. What follows is a look at some of the signposts along the current business roadway.

America is reviving its traditional love affair with the light-truck, SUV and off-roading segments. With experts predicting a third consecutive year of rising auto sales in 2012, the light-truck category seems to be leading the way. The Ford F-Series and the Chevrolet Silverado again ranked first and second, respectively, among the top ten vehicles sold last year. Meanwhile, Jeep continued its strong comeback for Chrysler. Many experts credit pent-up consumer demand, while others read from the figures tentative signs of economic recovery. Either way, the growth is welcome.

While submissions are accepted any time before the Show (October 30–November 2), manufacturers that return their ESRAs with deposits by April 27 will have greater opportunities to collaborate with Show organizers and participate in the Priority Booth Selection Process. The selection process is the first opportunity exhibitors have to select the actual location of their SEMA Show booths.

Adding a little more power, even just a horse or two, changes the relationship between a car and its driver. Suddenly, drivers become enthusiasts and their cars become “projects.” The 2011 SEMA Show featured 485 exhibitors in the Racing & Performance section, entering more than 650 new products in the Show’s Ideas Alive: New Products Showcase. In an effort to satisfy those passionate consumers, more than 16,000 buyers registered for the Show, specifically to identify the newest trends and hottest products dedicated to engine performance.

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