Here is one of the first looks at the all-new BMW X5, shot near the automaker's headquarters in Munich earlier this month. The photos were delivered by the team at Brenda Priddy & Co.

The team reported that the vehicle will grow significantly in length and include a longer roof, compared to the current-model X5. This additional length will help the vehicle separate itself from the X3 compact SUV. The stretch also provides BMW the option to offer third-row seats, according to Priddy, making the X5 a seven-seater, a popular feature in the U.S. market.

While Priddy says that the X5 featured in the photos was powered by a V8, a hybrid option will certainly be offered as well. The team expects the vehicle to be launched sometime in 2013.

Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Co. 

Here is one of the first looks at the all-new BMW X5, shot near the automaker's headquarters in Munich earlier this month. The photos were delivered by the team at Brenda Priddy & Co.

The team reported that the vehicle will grow significantly in length and include a longer roof, compared to the current-model X5. This additional length will help the vehicle separate itself from the X3 compact SUV. The stretch also provides BMW the option to offer third-row seats, according to Priddy, making the X5 a seven-seater, a popular feature in the U.S. market.

While Priddy says that the X5 featured in the photos was powered by a V8, a hybrid option will certainly be offered as well. The team expects the vehicle to be launched sometime in 2013.

Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Co. 

SEMA is opposing legislation to ban motor-vehicle exhaust systems that increase the noise level above the level emitted by the originally installed system. Under the bill, violators would not pass the state’s required inspection. The bill does not provide an opportunity for vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet an objective 95-decibel limit under a fair and predictable test.

In addition, the measure does not supply inspectors with an enforcement standard, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether an exhaust system increases “the noise emitted by the motor vehicle above the level emitted by the exhaust system as originally installed.” 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA is opposing legislation to ban motor-vehicle exhaust systems that increase the noise level above the level emitted by the originally installed system. Under the bill, violators would not pass the state’s required inspection. The bill does not provide an opportunity for vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet an objective 95-decibel limit under a fair and predictable test.

In addition, the measure does not supply inspectors with an enforcement standard, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether an exhaust system increases “the noise emitted by the motor vehicle above the level emitted by the exhaust system as originally installed.” 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA Member Invis-A-Rack to Appear on ABC's "Shark Tank"
SEMA-member company Invis-A-Rack announced that the company will appear on the ABC television show "Shark Tank" on January 27 at 8:00 p.m. (PST). In 2010, the Invis-A-Rack product received SEMA's Light Truck Industry Alliance (TORA) Industry Award for Best Product Over $500 and received a Global Media Award at the 2010 SEMA Show. More information on  Invis-A-Rack is available at www.invisarack.com.

Auto Meter Acquires ProParts
Auto Meter Products, a Harbour Group Company, has acquired ProParts LLC. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. ProParts designs and engineers gauges and controllers, including the Spek and Spek Pro performance gauges. The company also offers gauge pods, dash pods, instrument-cluster panels and full-pillar clusters. Based in Sycamore, Illinois, Auto Meter Products is a recognized leader in performance and specialty-vehicle instrumentation. 

	Perfect Equipment hired Ken Adams as customer service manager.

Ken Adams Joins Perfect Equipment as Customer Service Manager
Perfect Equipment hired Ken Adams as the company's new customer service manager. According to the company, Adams specializes in the automotive aftermarket and previously served as the customer service manager for five years at Beck/Arnley Worldparts after being promoted from warehouse supervisor, where he served for six years.  

Fras-le Begins Heavy-Duty Lining Production; 100 New Employees Anticipated
Fras-le North America Inc. announced that it will begin to produce heavy-duty lining at its friction manufacturing facility in Prattville, Alabama. This is the first time that Fras-le has produced heavy-duty brake lining in the United States. The company reports that the $11 million investment will expand its capabilities to supply lining to its customer base for commercial vehicle businesses in North America. The company's expansion will add new equipment to its Prattville facility and will involve hiring nearly 100 employees in 2012 and 2013.

eTool Developers Celebrates 10 Years in Business
eTool Developers is proud to celebrate 10 years in business. eTool Developers, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was established in December 2001. “As we celebrate 10 years of bringing online solutions to the aftermarket, we humbly thank our customers and industry partners for giving us the opportunity to be of service, and for contributing to our continued success,” said Luanne Brown, CEO, eTool Developers. “Our goal is to help our customers save time, energy, and money by providing solution-driven technology, user-friendly web-based tools, and knowledgeable, experienced staff, and we are excited to see what the next 10 years will bring.”

Ny-Trex Signs as Product Sposnor of the NADM/DIESEL Motorsports 2012 Race Season
Ny-Trex, a division of Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), recently signed as the endorsed product sponsor for the NADM/DIESEL Motorsports 2012 race season. The 2012 seven-series event begins May 5, in Sedalia, Missouri, and concludes November 30, in Orlando, Florida. According to a DEI release, NADM/DIESEL Motorsports is recognized as the only SFI sanctioning body for diesel motorsports and holds over 60 events nationwide featuring over five classes in drag racing and sled pulling. NADM/DIESEL Motorsports offers multiple competitive events including drag racing, sled pulling and dyno-pulls.

	Superchips is an official sponsor of the AreaBFE Off Road Park outside Moab, Utah.

Superchips Named Official Sponsor AreaBFE Off Road Park
Superchips announced that the company is an official sponsor of the AreaBFE Off Road Park outside Moab, Utah. Superchips will be designated as the “Official Programmer” for 2012 and will work closely with the group that established the park in 2004 to ensure that the private land remains open to all, 365 days a year. In addition, Superchips also announced plans to be on site for the annual Easter Jeep Safari and to co-host a customer appreciation event at AreaBFE with Superior Axle&Gear and Full Traction Suspension. 

Brentwood Communications, Kahn Media, FM3 Performance Marketing Form Alliance
Television and content producers Brentwood Communications International (BCII), PR and social media agency Kahn Media and event marketing firm FM3 Performance Marketing have announced an alliance that will create synergies for the benefit of aftermarket and performance brands. “BCII is at its core a group of storytellers,” said BCII president Greg Glass.  “For years we have been telling the dramatic stories of the automotive industry through our television shows and through our branded entertainment projects.  Working with Kahn Media and FM3 Performance Marketing will help us to expand our storytelling through unique client relationships, web and social media-based distribution and experiential marketing, allowing us to take client-driven, branded entertainment to a whole new level.”  

	Ford project-vehicle requests require two components: an e-mail project summary (due February 21, 2012) and a detailed written proposal (due March 1, 2012).

Ford Motor Co. has announced its Ford and Lincoln project-vehicle program for 2012. The automaker requests that project-vehicle proposals be submitted in two parts, and that all proposals meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria outlined below.

For more information, contact Sherry Kollien or Mike Nicopolis at semainfo@ford.com.

2012 Ford and Lincoln Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2012
Award Recipient Notification Date: May 1, 2012

Submit your project-vehicle request in two parts.

Part 1

E-mail one-page project summary: Must be received by February 21, 2012.

Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2012 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail detailed project proposal: Must be received by March 1, 2012.

• 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
• Information on Lincoln vehicles is available at: www.lincoln.com

FORD AFTERMARKET PROJECT VEHICLE PROGRAM CRITERIA

Aftermarket companies requesting vehicles should be:

• Manufacturers or designers/restylers 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
• Current SEMA member

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2012 Las Vegas SEMA Show
• Register and keep the vehicle in their company name during the entire contract period
• Purchase and maintain $3M in General Liability Insurance and $1M in Vehicle Insurance
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford/Lincoln logos intact and visible
• Order a California-certified vehicle if they 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 be subject 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 vehicle
6. Additional exposure
7. A copy of current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

2012 Ford and Lincoln Project Vehicle Program Highlights

The Ford booth at the 2012 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to Ford's existing lineup. The provided links allow you to research these newly announced products for images that may be used for your proposal rendering. Visit www.ford.com or www.lincoln.com.

2013 Ford Fusion – New Vehicle for 2013 MY

• Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets.
• With seven technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value.

2013 Ford Mustang – Updated for 2013 MY

• Gets even more street swagger with a new design and a list of smart features that signal even more technology in the popular pony car.
• New exterior design with more prominent grille, new hood and new LED signature lighting give the latest Mustang a high-tech look.

2013 Ford Taurus – Updated for 2013 MY

• The new Ford Taurus is even more refined with better fuel economy, more technology, improved craftsmanship, enhanced design and sharpened driving dynamics.
• Expected to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency—at least 31 mpg highway—with the new 2.0L EcoBoost engine, while delivering horsepower comparable to competitive, normally aspirated V6 offerings.

2013 Ford Escape – New Vehicle for 2013 MY

• The all-new Ford Escape brings America's SUV-loving customers versatility, technology and highway fuel economy all wrapped in a modern design.
• Features new hands-free technology, including a liftgate with motion-sensing technology and upgraded MyFord Touch system that makes connecting with digital devices on the go even easier.
• New Escape’s projected fuel economy is up to 5 mpg better than outgoing Escape; 1.6- and 2.0L EcoBoost engines save customers fuel and money.

2013 Ford Flex – Updated for 2013 MY

• Fans of the Ford Flex have even more to love this year with an upgraded model with a sleek new look and even more technology to make driving safer, easier and more fuel-efficient.
• Flex features the latest MyFord Touch system, new safety and driver-aid features, such as adaptive cruise control, Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) as well as push-button start, rear inflatable belts, rain-sensing wipers and active park assist.

2013 Lincoln MKS – Updated for 2013 MY

• The full-size Lincoln MKS sports an updated, sleeker style for 2013 that headlines a range of improvements that rivals more expensive luxury-class contenders.
• Features better handling, increased power, improved fuel efficiency, additional standard equipment, more refinement and new technologies that help drivers reduce accident risks.

Lincoln MKZ – New Vehicle

• The MKZ Concept strongly hints at the production model as well as Lincoln’s design future. For a high-resolution image of the MKZ Concept that may be used for your proposal rendering, contact semainfo@ford.com.

Complete information on all Ford and Lincoln vehicles is available at www.ford.com or www.lincoln.com.

Please submit Ford and Lincoln proposals to:

Ford Motor Company
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Sherry Kollien & Mike Nicopolis
semainfo@ford.com

	Ford project-vehicle requests require two components: an e-mail project summary (due February 21, 2012) and a detailed written proposal (due March 1, 2012).

Ford Motor Co. has announced its Ford and Lincoln project-vehicle program for 2012. The automaker requests that project-vehicle proposals be submitted in two parts, and that all proposals meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria outlined below.

For more information, contact Sherry Kollien or Mike Nicopolis at semainfo@ford.com.

2012 Ford and Lincoln Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2012
Award Recipient Notification Date: May 1, 2012

Submit your project-vehicle request in two parts.

Part 1

E-mail one-page project summary: Must be received by February 21, 2012.

Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2012 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail detailed project proposal: Must be received by March 1, 2012.

• 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
• Information on Lincoln vehicles is available at: www.lincoln.com

FORD AFTERMARKET PROJECT VEHICLE PROGRAM CRITERIA

Aftermarket companies requesting vehicles should be:

• Manufacturers or designers/restylers 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
• Current SEMA member

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2012 Las Vegas SEMA Show
• Register and keep the vehicle in their company name during the entire contract period
• Purchase and maintain $3M in General Liability Insurance and $1M in Vehicle Insurance
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford/Lincoln logos intact and visible
• Order a California-certified vehicle if they 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 be subject 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 vehicle
6. Additional exposure
7. A copy of current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

2012 Ford and Lincoln Project Vehicle Program Highlights

The Ford booth at the 2012 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to Ford's existing lineup. The provided links allow you to research these newly announced products for images that may be used for your proposal rendering. Visit www.ford.com or www.lincoln.com.

2013 Ford Fusion – New Vehicle for 2013 MY

• Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets.
• With seven technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value.

2013 Ford Mustang – Updated for 2013 MY

• Gets even more street swagger with a new design and a list of smart features that signal even more technology in the popular pony car.
• New exterior design with more prominent grille, new hood and new LED signature lighting give the latest Mustang a high-tech look.

2013 Ford Taurus – Updated for 2013 MY

• The new Ford Taurus is even more refined with better fuel economy, more technology, improved craftsmanship, enhanced design and sharpened driving dynamics.
• Expected to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency—at least 31 mpg highway—with the new 2.0L EcoBoost engine, while delivering horsepower comparable to competitive, normally aspirated V6 offerings.

2013 Ford Escape – New Vehicle for 2013 MY

• The all-new Ford Escape brings America's SUV-loving customers versatility, technology and highway fuel economy all wrapped in a modern design.
• Features new hands-free technology, including a liftgate with motion-sensing technology and upgraded MyFord Touch system that makes connecting with digital devices on the go even easier.
• New Escape’s projected fuel economy is up to 5 mpg better than outgoing Escape; 1.6- and 2.0L EcoBoost engines save customers fuel and money.

2013 Ford Flex – Updated for 2013 MY

• Fans of the Ford Flex have even more to love this year with an upgraded model with a sleek new look and even more technology to make driving safer, easier and more fuel-efficient.
• Flex features the latest MyFord Touch system, new safety and driver-aid features, such as adaptive cruise control, Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) as well as push-button start, rear inflatable belts, rain-sensing wipers and active park assist.

2013 Lincoln MKS – Updated for 2013 MY

• The full-size Lincoln MKS sports an updated, sleeker style for 2013 that headlines a range of improvements that rivals more expensive luxury-class contenders.
• Features better handling, increased power, improved fuel efficiency, additional standard equipment, more refinement and new technologies that help drivers reduce accident risks.

Lincoln MKZ – New Vehicle

• The MKZ Concept strongly hints at the production model as well as Lincoln’s design future. For a high-resolution image of the MKZ Concept that may be used for your proposal rendering, contact semainfo@ford.com.

Complete information on all Ford and Lincoln vehicles is available at www.ford.com or www.lincoln.com.

Please submit Ford and Lincoln proposals to:

Ford Motor Company
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Sherry Kollien & Mike Nicopolis
semainfo@ford.com

SEMA News-January 2012

Hisself

Yes, that is Honest Charley Card, Hisself, parked in front of his brand-new, 30,000-sq.-ft. speed parts store on Honest Street in Chattanooga. Hot Rod’s Ralph Guldahl traveled to Tennessee in late 1970 to profile the legendary retailer, who had recently become the second inductee into SEMA’s Hall of Fame.

SEMA News-January 2012

Hisself

Yes, that is Honest Charley Card, Hisself, parked in front of his brand-new, 30,000-sq.-ft. speed parts store on Honest Street in Chattanooga. Hot Rod’s Ralph Guldahl traveled to Tennessee in late 1970 to profile the legendary retailer, who had recently become the second inductee into SEMA’s Hall of Fame.