By SEMA Editors

Ford will highlight the ’18 Mustang, among other models, for its 2018 Project Vehicle Program.

Proposals for the 2018 Ford Project Vehicle Program are due March 1. The Ford booth at the 2018 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles, in addition to its existing lineup:

• ’19 Ford Ranger
• ’19 Edge ST
• ’18 Ford Super Duty
• ’18 All-New Ford EcoSport
• ’18 Ford Expedition
• ’18 Ford Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT)
• ’18 F-150
• ’18 Ford Raptor
• ’18 Ford Transit

Information and high-resolution images for proposal renderings for the above models can be found at the Ford media website or www.ford.com.

While the above vehicles have the greatest probability of being awarded, the entire retail Ford product lineup, with the exception of Ford GT, GT350/R and Lincoln products, are eligible for the Project Vehicle Program. The criteria is listed below:

2018 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2018
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2018

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker's compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2018 SEMA Show will follow in January. Details will be provided to allow you to research those products and find high-resolution images for renderings.

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Rob Fridenberg
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries can apply at www.sema.org/scholarships.  

New this year, high-school and part-time students can apply for a scholarship. The change is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship Committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.

“SEMA is dedicated to activating the next-generation automotive workforce by providing financial support and career resources to students enrolled in various high schools, universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in the United States,” said SEMA Chairman-Elect Tim Martin.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships. The deadline for the program is March 1, 2018.

Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000–$3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan-forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off a loan for a completed program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries can apply at www.sema.org/scholarships.  

New this year, high-school and part-time students can apply for a scholarship. The change is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship Committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.

“SEMA is dedicated to activating the next-generation automotive workforce by providing financial support and career resources to students enrolled in various high schools, universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in the United States,” said SEMA Chairman-Elect Tim Martin.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships. The deadline for the program is March 1, 2018.

Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000–$3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan-forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off a loan for a completed program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

By Jenny Galvan

SEMA is now accepting nominations for council and network select committee positions.

Nominations are still being accepted for select committee positions on SEMA’s councils and networks, but they must be received by midnight February 23.

SEMA council or network select committee volunteers work alongside automotive professionals from different segments of the industry and identify common challenges. More importantly, they work toward solutions, make key connections, grow in their professions and gain fulfillment from being an integral part of something bigger.

If you are ready to dive deeper into the industry, or if you know someone who is, now’s your chance to nominate yourself or fellow professionals who have the skills and character to influence industry progress.

Currently, there are 10 councils and networks within SEMA. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges for member companies in a particular market segment, while the professional networks are a platform for individuals within a SEMA-member company who share a common interest or characteristic.

Join your peers and become an industry leader. Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee today by using the quick and easy online councils nomination form. The select committee elections will take place in late April.

For more information about SEMA’s councils and networks or the nomination and election process, contact Katie Carson.

By Jenny Galvan

SEMA is now accepting nominations for council and network select committee positions.

Nominations are still being accepted for select committee positions on SEMA’s councils and networks, but they must be received by midnight February 23.

SEMA council or network select committee volunteers work alongside automotive professionals from different segments of the industry and identify common challenges. More importantly, they work toward solutions, make key connections, grow in their professions and gain fulfillment from being an integral part of something bigger.

If you are ready to dive deeper into the industry, or if you know someone who is, now’s your chance to nominate yourself or fellow professionals who have the skills and character to influence industry progress.

Currently, there are 10 councils and networks within SEMA. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges for member companies in a particular market segment, while the professional networks are a platform for individuals within a SEMA-member company who share a common interest or characteristic.

Join your peers and become an industry leader. Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee today by using the quick and easy online councils nomination form. The select committee elections will take place in late April.

For more information about SEMA’s councils and networks or the nomination and election process, contact Katie Carson.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Vehicle Personalization Experts: Insignia Group is hiring vehicle personalization experts responsible for prospecting and closing new opportunities within their assigned territories and developing successful vehicle personalization profit centers within dealership showrooms. This position will be responsible for supporting and maintaining existing clients, prospecting dealerships and fostering management cooperation, guiding the development of a successful process and supporting the long-term business advantage of vehicle personalization. Candidates should have more than two years of sales experience. Working in or selling to dealerships is a plus.

Marketing/Sales Representative: Ron Francis Wiring is hiring a marketing/sales representative to manage marketing and advertising efforts, manage search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and track data, coordinate with management and graphic design companies on all promotional materials and attend industry trade shows as a company representative. The successful candidate will have more than two years of experience with online marketing, sales, advertising and SEO, and have strong automotive knowledge.

Web Application Developer: Speedway Motors Inc. is hiring a web application developer to work with designing, coding, testing and debugging multiple software applications in various software languages using Agile Development Methodologies and testing. The ideal candidate will have an associate’s degree in applications web programming, consumer science or a related field, a solid grasp of basic software development best practices and a thorough understanding of Agile Development Methodologies, including both Scrum and Kanban. More than two years’ web application programming experience is preferred.

Automotive Technicians: Golf Links Automotive is hiring two technicians with experience in general repair, diagnostics, electrical, undercarriage and air conditioning.

Advertising Sales Manager: Hemmings Motor News is hiring an advertising sales manager to oversee a sales team of 10 account executives. This position will be responsible for all print and digital advertising revenue. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of seven years of successful sales management experience and a thorough understanding of print and digital sales.

By Jenny Galvan

(L–R): Doug Evans, GiGi Carleton and Barry Meguiar were inducted into the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame.

SEMA Hall of Fame nominations are now open. As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame.

The SEMA Hall of Fame Award honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry's growth.

By nominating a candidate, you will participate in recognizing the contributions and achievements of people who have helped shape the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

When making your confidential nomination, please provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves this prestigious award. Feel free to mention previous accomplishments and notable industry contributions. This will help the Hall of Fame Committee choose the most deserving candidates. 

Before you submit your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, and review the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were GiGi Carleton, Robert E. Petersen Foundation; Doug Evans, High Performance Advisors; and Barry Meguiar, Meguiar’s.

Submit your 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 9 deadline.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Jenny Galvan

(L–R): Doug Evans, GiGi Carleton and Barry Meguiar were inducted into the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame.

SEMA Hall of Fame nominations are now open. As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame.

The SEMA Hall of Fame Award honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry's growth.

By nominating a candidate, you will participate in recognizing the contributions and achievements of people who have helped shape the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

When making your confidential nomination, please provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves this prestigious award. Feel free to mention previous accomplishments and notable industry contributions. This will help the Hall of Fame Committee choose the most deserving candidates. 

Before you submit your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, and review the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were GiGi Carleton, Robert E. Petersen Foundation; Doug Evans, High Performance Advisors; and Barry Meguiar, Meguiar’s.

Submit your 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 9 deadline.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, February 27, 2018, K&N Engineering, Riverside, California
• YEN General Membership Teleconference, February 28, 2018
• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, March 13, 2018, SRI Performance, Mooresville, North Carolina
• TORA Gathering, March 29, 2018, Grandpa’s Garage, Moab, Utah
• SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, April 3–8, 2018, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• SEMA Measuring Session: ’19 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ and High Country, April 10–11, 2018, SEMA Garage, Diamond Bar, California
• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, April 12, 2018, COMP Performance Group, Memphis, Tennessee
• ARMO Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle, April 14–21, 2018, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
• ARMO Mixer, April 19, 2018, Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
• SEMA Measuring Session: ’19 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ and High Country, April 24, 2018, Detroit
• SEMA Washington Rally, May 16, 2018, Washington, D.C.
• SEMA Australia Business Development Program, May 24–28, 2018, Melbourne, Australia
• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, June 7, 2018, Flaming River Industries, Berea, Ohio
• SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 25–26, 2018, Las Vegas
• Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD), July 13, 2018
• SEMA China Business Development Conference, August 22–26, 2018, Shanghai, China
• SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• PRI Trade Show, December 6–8, 2018, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.