Voting Now Open to Determine Final Design of First-Ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women

For Immediate Release
Media Contacts:

Della Domingo, SEMA: 909/978-6723, dellad@sema.org
Elizabeth Weigandt, Ford: 313/248-1248, eweigand@ford.com

 

Voting Now Open to Determine Final Design of
First-Ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women
-- Voting continues through June 3 --

Diamond Bar, CA (May 23, 2012) - Voting is now open to help select the final concept for the first-ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. From today to June 3, 2012, the public is invited to visit www.automobilemag.com, www.HotRod.com, www.mustangmonthly.com or www.MuscleMustangFastFords.com to view three different design concepts and vote on the one they would like to see used for the build. Voters will be entered into drawings to win several prizes.

Announced earlier this week, the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women is a collaboration between Ford Motor Co. and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Lead by the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) a 2013 Mustang GT donated by Ford will be completely modified utilizing the winning design from start to finish by women. Beginning with three concepts developed by female designers and concluding with women volunteers performing the hands-on modifications, the project is meant to shine the light on females working in the automotive aftermarket and encourage more women to pursue careers in the industry.

High Gear
Designed by SBN Member, Jennifer Seely of Ford Motor Company.

High Gear – a luxury Mustang concept – is inspired by international products in categories such as jewelry, couture clothing and architecture. Designed to stimulate the senses by fusing luxury and power, the results are fresh and exciting, propelling Mustang into a whole new arena.  Some of the highlights include: Rosegold chrome accents throughout the exterior and interior,  satin black body, plush quilted suede seats with a leather wrapped interior.

Chromatic
Designed by SBN Member Jennifer Seely of Ford Motor Company.

The ultimate Pop culture edition mustang. Taking a futuristic new design approach, this Mustang draws inspiration from elements in pop culture such as street art and products for an exciting color palate that is free of all boundaries and disciplines. The anthracite colored chrome body as a base exemplifies the neon colors bringing this mustang to life. Design details include: Anthracite colored Chrome exterior, bright cyan wheels, white leather racing interior, coupled with an aggressive track suspension and V8 roar.

Fast Metal
Designed by SBN Member Theresa Contreras from L&G Enterprises.

Taking this American muscle car to a whole other level, Theresa uses tone on tone dark metallic finishes and red accents for a dramatic design that underscores Mustang's raw DNA, speed and power.

Source Interlink Media (SIM), a partner in the project, posted the three concepts on several of its websites so the public can vote for the design that will ultimately be selected. The concept with the most votes will be used for the build, which will take place at the SIM Headquarters in El Segundo, California.

"Women play a significant role when it comes to customizing a vehicle," said Bryan Harrison, Sr. Manager of Councils for SEMA and Project Manager on the build. "From purchasing the vehicle and determining what modifications to make, to executing the actual modifications and driving the customized vehicle, women are key players in the entire process. The SEMA Mustang Build demonstrates just how integral women are to customizing today's cars and trucks."

The completed vehicle will debut at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The modified Mustang will then be auctioned off on eBay, with money raised to benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators by awarding cash scholarships to winning applicants.

To learn more about the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women, visit www.automobilemag.com, www.HotRod.com, www.mustangmonthly.com or www.MuscleMustangFastFords.com or contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909/978-6691.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

About the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $29.99 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,383 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.

About Source Interlink Media
Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, home theatre and other niche activities. The division's strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.

About the SEMA Scholarship Fund
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 - $2,000, with $4,000 going to the top student. Assistance is available for career paths in the automotive industry in accounting, administration, advertising, design/graphics, engineering, information technology, manufacturing, photo/journalism, race car driver/crew, sales/marketing, technicians and transportation.