By SEMA Editors

This is the latest look at the Ford F-150 Hybrid/PHEV mule, caught while testing in Dearborn, Michigan.

Confirmed earlier this month by CEO Mark Fields, the F-150 will get a hybrid variant in late 2020 in conjunction with a heavily refreshed version of the truck. Previous photos have revealed the hybrid system has long been in the works, and a plug-in may also be in the works based on the charge point seen through the camouflage, suggesting an Energi version will be in the cards.

A noticable difference on this mule is that it appears to have a narrower track width than the current F-150. In 2014, Ford showed off a modified Fusion lightweight concept that featured narrower tires, and that’s what we could be seeing here. We also could be seeing narrower axles, but the cost associated with that doesn’t make fiscal sense.

This particular F-150 Hybrid mule was using a four-cylinder engine rather than a V6 to team with the electric powertrain based on the sound of the prototype. Being able to function at low speeds on electric power only, the prototype was able to accelerate quickly in city and highway driving.

Count on the hybrid getting the 2.3L EcoBoost four found in the Mustang and other Fords, where it’s capable of as much as 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. A 10-speed automatic is the likely transmission, but sources have hinted at a new transmission dedicated strictly to the hybrid truck.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is the latest look at the Ford F-150 Hybrid/PHEV mule, caught while testing in Dearborn, Michigan.

Confirmed earlier this month by CEO Mark Fields, the F-150 will get a hybrid variant in late 2020 in conjunction with a heavily refreshed version of the truck. Previous photos have revealed the hybrid system has long been in the works, and a plug-in may also be in the works based on the charge point seen through the camouflage, suggesting an Energi version will be in the cards.

A noticable difference on this mule is that it appears to have a narrower track width than the current F-150. In 2014, Ford showed off a modified Fusion lightweight concept that featured narrower tires, and that’s what we could be seeing here. We also could be seeing narrower axles, but the cost associated with that doesn’t make fiscal sense.

This particular F-150 Hybrid mule was using a four-cylinder engine rather than a V6 to team with the electric powertrain based on the sound of the prototype. Being able to function at low speeds on electric power only, the prototype was able to accelerate quickly in city and highway driving.

Count on the hybrid getting the 2.3L EcoBoost four found in the Mustang and other Fords, where it’s capable of as much as 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. A 10-speed automatic is the likely transmission, but sources have hinted at a new transmission dedicated strictly to the hybrid truck.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is the latest look at the Ford F-150 Hybrid/PHEV mule, caught while testing in Dearborn, Michigan.

Confirmed earlier this month by CEO Mark Fields, the F-150 will get a hybrid variant in late 2020 in conjunction with a heavily refreshed version of the truck. Previous photos have revealed the hybrid system has long been in the works, and a plug-in may also be in the works based on the charge point seen through the camouflage, suggesting an Energi version will be in the cards.

A noticable difference on this mule is that it appears to have a narrower track width than the current F-150. In 2014, Ford showed off a modified Fusion lightweight concept that featured narrower tires, and that’s what we could be seeing here. We also could be seeing narrower axles, but the cost associated with that doesn’t make fiscal sense.

This particular F-150 Hybrid mule was using a four-cylinder engine rather than a V6 to team with the electric powertrain based on the sound of the prototype. Being able to function at low speeds on electric power only, the prototype was able to accelerate quickly in city and highway driving.

Count on the hybrid getting the 2.3L EcoBoost four found in the Mustang and other Fords, where it’s capable of as much as 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. A 10-speed automatic is the likely transmission, but sources have hinted at a new transmission dedicated strictly to the hybrid truck.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

This is the latest look at the Ford F-150 Hybrid/PHEV mule, caught while testing in Dearborn, Michigan.

Confirmed earlier this month by CEO Mark Fields, the F-150 will get a hybrid variant in late 2020 in conjunction with a heavily refreshed version of the truck. Previous photos have revealed the hybrid system has long been in the works, and a plug-in may also be in the works based on the charge point seen through the camouflage, suggesting an Energi version will be in the cards.

A noticable difference on this mule is that it appears to have a narrower track width than the current F-150. In 2014, Ford showed off a modified Fusion lightweight concept that featured narrower tires, and that’s what we could be seeing here. We also could be seeing narrower axles, but the cost associated with that doesn’t make fiscal sense.

This particular F-150 Hybrid mule was using a four-cylinder engine rather than a V6 to team with the electric powertrain based on the sound of the prototype. Being able to function at low speeds on electric power only, the prototype was able to accelerate quickly in city and highway driving.

Count on the hybrid getting the 2.3L EcoBoost four found in the Mustang and other Fords, where it’s capable of as much as 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. A 10-speed automatic is the likely transmission, but sources have hinted at a new transmission dedicated strictly to the hybrid truck.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Matt Agosta, Chip Foose and Gary Hooker were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2016.

SEMA is now accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate an industry professional for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

The 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products; Chip Foose, Foose Design; and Gary Hooker, Hooker Headers.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Matt Agosta, Chip Foose and Gary Hooker were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2016.

SEMA is now accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate an industry professional for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

The 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products; Chip Foose, Foose Design; and Gary Hooker, Hooker Headers.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, 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 16, 2017, Baer Inc., Phoenix, Arizona

• 2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 28, 2017–April 1, 2017, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, April 13, 2017, Omix-ADA, Suwanee, Georgia

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, May 9, 2017, Heidts, Lake Zurich, Illinois

• 2017 SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference, May 23–27, 2017, Melbourne, Australia

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, July 11, 2017, Competition Specialties, Auburn, Washington

• Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 14, 2017

• 2017 SEMA China Business Development Program, September 6–10, 2017, Shanghai, China

• 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• 2017 PRI Trade Show, December 7–9, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

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

The deadline to submit your company’s Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit is March 31, 2017, to participate in the 2017 SEMA Show Early Space Selection, which will take place May 1–19, 2017.

The deadline to submit your company’s Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit is March 31, 2017, to participate in the 2017 SEMA Show Early Space Selection, which will take place May 1–19, 2017.

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.