By SEMA Editors

	The ’15 Fiesta ST is among the vehicles Ford is highlighting for its 2015 Project Vehicle Program.

2015 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 2, 2015
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2015

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary. Must be received by February 20, 2015. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2015 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal. Must be received by March 2, 2015. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Featured Vehicles

The Ford booth at the 2015 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to Ford's existing lineup. The provided links will allow you to research these products and find high-resolution images that may be used for proposal renderings.

• All-new ’16 Ford Edge Sport – Edge Sport is equipped with an exclusive, all-new 2.7L EcoBoost engine that will provide an exceptional combination of power and efficiency. Setting a new standard in world-class powertrain engineering, this twin-turbocharged V6 is one of the world’s most advanced engines. Expected to deliver more than 300 hp, this 2.7L EcoBoost will ensure Edge Sport is the highest-performance Edge ever. The suspension in Edge Sport has front and rear antiroll bars that are 15% stiffer than the base model, and unique rear monotube dampers that are larger in diameter. The coil springs are 10% thicker. Overall, with improved damping and control, Edge Sport offers 15%–20% better road-holding capability, giving the driver more control, sharper steering and greater confidence.

• Freshened ’16 Ford Explorer Sport – Explorer Sport is powered by a 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, and features an intelligent four-wheel drive transmission with a terrain management system, sport-tuned suspension, trailer tow package, the Explorer badge emblazoned on the hood, fascia-integrated dual exhaust tips, 20-in. wheels, perforated leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching, multi-piece satin chrome with carbon-fiber interior appearance inserts and a 12-speaker Sony audio system.

• ’15 Ford Fiesta ST – Fiesta ST is still more proof that small cars from Ford Motor Co. are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs more punch under its hood than any other car in the segment.

• ’15 Freshened Ford Focus ST – Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing fun-to-drive DNA to the hot hatch segment with a unique Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style. Now, with improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin, expect the ’15 Focus ST to remain the hottest hatch worldwide.

• ’15 Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) – Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the 9-million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.

• ’15 F-150 – The ’15 F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency—from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

Information for the above models can be found on Ford's media site or on Ford's homepage.

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

Ford Project Vehicle proposals must be submitted to:

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

By SEMA Editors

	The ’15 Fiesta ST is among the vehicles Ford is highlighting for its 2015 Project Vehicle Program.

2015 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 2, 2015
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2015

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary. Must be received by February 20, 2015. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2015 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal. Must be received by March 2, 2015. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Featured Vehicles

The Ford booth at the 2015 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to Ford's existing lineup. The provided links will allow you to research these products and find high-resolution images that may be used for proposal renderings.

• All-new ’16 Ford Edge Sport – Edge Sport is equipped with an exclusive, all-new 2.7L EcoBoost engine that will provide an exceptional combination of power and efficiency. Setting a new standard in world-class powertrain engineering, this twin-turbocharged V6 is one of the world’s most advanced engines. Expected to deliver more than 300 hp, this 2.7L EcoBoost will ensure Edge Sport is the highest-performance Edge ever. The suspension in Edge Sport has front and rear antiroll bars that are 15% stiffer than the base model, and unique rear monotube dampers that are larger in diameter. The coil springs are 10% thicker. Overall, with improved damping and control, Edge Sport offers 15%–20% better road-holding capability, giving the driver more control, sharper steering and greater confidence.

• Freshened ’16 Ford Explorer Sport – Explorer Sport is powered by a 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, and features an intelligent four-wheel drive transmission with a terrain management system, sport-tuned suspension, trailer tow package, the Explorer badge emblazoned on the hood, fascia-integrated dual exhaust tips, 20-in. wheels, perforated leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching, multi-piece satin chrome with carbon-fiber interior appearance inserts and a 12-speaker Sony audio system.

• ’15 Ford Fiesta ST – Fiesta ST is still more proof that small cars from Ford Motor Co. are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs more punch under its hood than any other car in the segment.

• ’15 Freshened Ford Focus ST – Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing fun-to-drive DNA to the hot hatch segment with a unique Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style. Now, with improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin, expect the ’15 Focus ST to remain the hottest hatch worldwide.

• ’15 Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) – Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the 9-million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.

• ’15 F-150 – The ’15 F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency—from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

Information for the above models can be found on Ford's media site or on Ford's homepage.

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

Ford Project Vehicle proposals must be submitted to:

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

By SEMA Editors

	The ’15 Fiesta ST is among the vehicles Ford is highlighting for its 2015 Project Vehicle Program.

2015 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 2, 2015
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2015

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary. Must be received by February 20, 2015. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2015 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal. Must be received by March 2, 2015. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Featured Vehicles

The Ford booth at the 2015 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to Ford's existing lineup. The provided links will allow you to research these products and find high-resolution images that may be used for proposal renderings.

• All-new ’16 Ford Edge Sport – Edge Sport is equipped with an exclusive, all-new 2.7L EcoBoost engine that will provide an exceptional combination of power and efficiency. Setting a new standard in world-class powertrain engineering, this twin-turbocharged V6 is one of the world’s most advanced engines. Expected to deliver more than 300 hp, this 2.7L EcoBoost will ensure Edge Sport is the highest-performance Edge ever. The suspension in Edge Sport has front and rear antiroll bars that are 15% stiffer than the base model, and unique rear monotube dampers that are larger in diameter. The coil springs are 10% thicker. Overall, with improved damping and control, Edge Sport offers 15%–20% better road-holding capability, giving the driver more control, sharper steering and greater confidence.

• Freshened ’16 Ford Explorer Sport – Explorer Sport is powered by a 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, and features an intelligent four-wheel drive transmission with a terrain management system, sport-tuned suspension, trailer tow package, the Explorer badge emblazoned on the hood, fascia-integrated dual exhaust tips, 20-in. wheels, perforated leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching, multi-piece satin chrome with carbon-fiber interior appearance inserts and a 12-speaker Sony audio system.

• ’15 Ford Fiesta ST – Fiesta ST is still more proof that small cars from Ford Motor Co. are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs more punch under its hood than any other car in the segment.

• ’15 Freshened Ford Focus ST – Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing fun-to-drive DNA to the hot hatch segment with a unique Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style. Now, with improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin, expect the ’15 Focus ST to remain the hottest hatch worldwide.

• ’15 Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) – Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the 9-million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.

• ’15 F-150 – The ’15 F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency—from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

Information for the above models can be found on Ford's media site or on Ford's homepage.

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

Ford Project Vehicle proposals must be submitted to:

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

By Della Domingo

	Seminar applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Show.

Business and industry experts are invited to submit applications to present a seminar at the 2015 SEMA Show, taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. The association is especially interested in experts within a few key topics, including “How to Protect a Business From Online Hackers” and “How Today’s Kids Will Regard Cars and Trucks.”

The annual trade show, which features new products and innovations that enhance a vehicle’s styling and performance, is where more than 130,000 industry professionals gather each year to do business. In addition to connecting buyers and sellers, an important element of the SEMA Show is the education program.

“The SEMA Show is about helping businesses succeed, whether it is by connecting manufacturers with buyers or providing participants with information that will help their businesses,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The seminars give SEMA Show participants greater return on their investment.”

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five-dozen sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as accounting, marketing and social media, the 2015 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket. Experts who can contribute to the following topics are preferred:

• Is the Internal Combustion Engine Dead? Myths vs. Reality
• The Cyber Security Arms Race: Protecting Your Business Against Hackers
• 5 Things Every Business Needs to Know About the Cloud
• The E.V. Highway: The Business of High-Performance Electrical
• 7 Ways Women are Better Bosses Than Men
• What Will Your Kid's Hot Rod Be?

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

“We’re seeking industry leaders who have proven expertise,” said Zane Clark, SEMA director of education. “The goal is to provide Show participants with top-rated information that will help them in their businesses.”

Applications for speaker submissions are available until February 18. Speaker entries will be answered no later than April 25. For more details, contact SEMA Education Director Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org or 909-978-6743.

By Della Domingo

	Seminar applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Show.

Business and industry experts are invited to submit applications to present a seminar at the 2015 SEMA Show, taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. The association is especially interested in experts within a few key topics, including “How to Protect a Business From Online Hackers” and “How Today’s Kids Will Regard Cars and Trucks.”

The annual trade show, which features new products and innovations that enhance a vehicle’s styling and performance, is where more than 130,000 industry professionals gather each year to do business. In addition to connecting buyers and sellers, an important element of the SEMA Show is the education program.

“The SEMA Show is about helping businesses succeed, whether it is by connecting manufacturers with buyers or providing participants with information that will help their businesses,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The seminars give SEMA Show participants greater return on their investment.”

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five-dozen sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as accounting, marketing and social media, the 2015 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket. Experts who can contribute to the following topics are preferred:

• Is the Internal Combustion Engine Dead? Myths vs. Reality
• The Cyber Security Arms Race: Protecting Your Business Against Hackers
• 5 Things Every Business Needs to Know About the Cloud
• The E.V. Highway: The Business of High-Performance Electrical
• 7 Ways Women are Better Bosses Than Men
• What Will Your Kid's Hot Rod Be?

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

“We’re seeking industry leaders who have proven expertise,” said Zane Clark, SEMA director of education. “The goal is to provide Show participants with top-rated information that will help them in their businesses.”

Applications for speaker submissions are available until February 18. Speaker entries will be answered no later than April 25. For more details, contact SEMA Education Director Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org or 909-978-6743.

By Della Domingo

	Seminar applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Show.

Business and industry experts are invited to submit applications to present a seminar at the 2015 SEMA Show, taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. The association is especially interested in experts within a few key topics, including “How to Protect a Business From Online Hackers” and “How Today’s Kids Will Regard Cars and Trucks.”

The annual trade show, which features new products and innovations that enhance a vehicle’s styling and performance, is where more than 130,000 industry professionals gather each year to do business. In addition to connecting buyers and sellers, an important element of the SEMA Show is the education program.

“The SEMA Show is about helping businesses succeed, whether it is by connecting manufacturers with buyers or providing participants with information that will help their businesses,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The seminars give SEMA Show participants greater return on their investment.”

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five-dozen sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as accounting, marketing and social media, the 2015 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket. Experts who can contribute to the following topics are preferred:

• Is the Internal Combustion Engine Dead? Myths vs. Reality
• The Cyber Security Arms Race: Protecting Your Business Against Hackers
• 5 Things Every Business Needs to Know About the Cloud
• The E.V. Highway: The Business of High-Performance Electrical
• 7 Ways Women are Better Bosses Than Men
• What Will Your Kid's Hot Rod Be?

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

“We’re seeking industry leaders who have proven expertise,” said Zane Clark, SEMA director of education. “The goal is to provide Show participants with top-rated information that will help them in their businesses.”

Applications for speaker submissions are available until February 18. Speaker entries will be answered no later than April 25. For more details, contact SEMA Education Director Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org or 909-978-6743.

Join us for SEMA's ’15 Toyota Camry, Ford Mustang Eco Boost and Chevy Camaro Measuring Session, hosted by the SEMA Garage during the month of February 2015.

The SEMA Garage offers on- and off-site domestic and international measuring sessions. The Garage is equipped with specialty tools for product development, including spring measuring equipment, corner weight scales and a CMM Machine (FaroArm must be operated by SEMA staff). Measuring session invitations are delivered via e-mail and the times and dates are listed on www.SEMA.org.

Join us for SEMA's ’15 Toyota Camry, Ford Mustang Eco Boost and Chevy Camaro Measuring Session, hosted by the SEMA Garage during the month of February 2015.

The SEMA Garage offers on- and off-site domestic and international measuring sessions. The Garage is equipped with specialty tools for product development, including spring measuring equipment, corner weight scales and a CMM Machine (FaroArm must be operated by SEMA staff). Measuring session invitations are delivered via e-mail and the times and dates are listed on www.SEMA.org.

Join us for SEMA's ’15 Toyota Camry, Ford Mustang Eco Boost and Chevy Camaro Measuring Session, hosted by the SEMA Garage during the month of February 2015.

The SEMA Garage offers on- and off-site domestic and international measuring sessions. The Garage is equipped with specialty tools for product development, including spring measuring equipment, corner weight scales and a CMM Machine (FaroArm must be operated by SEMA staff). Measuring session invitations are delivered via e-mail and the times and dates are listed on www.SEMA.org.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit MPMC's website.

	John DiBartolomeo

DiBartolomeo Honored as 2015 Robert E. Petersen Award Winner

By Amanda Gubbins

John DiBartolomeo, editor of Drag Racing Action, was presented with the 2015 Robert E. Petersen Award at last week’s Media Trade Conference in Santa Ana, California. Each year, the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) recognizes an individual in the media whose work has enhanced the motorsports industry.

DiBartolomeo is known among racers for his enthusiastic support of motorsports and the parts manufacturing niche. He routinely publishes technical articles, bringing exposure to many council-member companies’ products. Along with his coverage of drag-racing events around the country, DiBartolomeo supports MPMC as a media attendee at the annual Media Trade Conference and volunteers his time to photograph MPMC’s events at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show.

MPMC exists to provide community-building and problem-solving opportunities to the industry. This year marked the council’s 16th annual Media Trade Conference, giving manufacturers a chance to meet one-on-one with many high-caliber media representatives. To learn more about the council or this event, visit www.sema.org/mpmc.

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Visit ETTN's website

Improve Your E-Commerce Skills At a Discount

Applications are being accepted now through March 16 for a second ETTN Professional Development Program. The Internet Retailer Conference and Exhibition (IRCE), will take place June 3–4, 2015, in Chicago. On its own, the costs associated with this conference could prove prohibitive for members, but through ETTN, participants receive a specially negotiated registration rate, and the company of the participating employee receives a $500 grant from SEMA to assist with registration (all benefits received are considered taxable income). IRCE, a two-day conference, originally cost $1,095. Combining the negotiated rate and SEMA grant, ETTN members save 80% and pay only $216 for registration.

IRCE is in its 11th year and is largely considered to be a flagship event of the e-commerce industry. Each year, more than 10,000 attendees travel to Chicago to hear from more than 200 expert speakers representing all areas of the industry. This year, exciting speakers include top executives from Target, 1-800-Flowers.com, QVC and more. In addition to the educational opportunities, the 250,000 sq.-ft. exhibit hall presents more than 600 companies in the e-commerce solutions industry.

Applicants may be selected to attend one of three conferences in 2015, along with SEMA staff and a group of nine other network members. The first conference selected was the Social Media Strategies Summit, which will take place in Las Vegas, February 10–12. Later in the year, a third group of members will learn customer service and engagement skills at the Disney Quality Service course.

To learn more about the program and apply, visit the ETTN Professional Development Program homepage or contact Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison.

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Visit TORA's website.

Truck Industry Professionals Connect in Indianapolis

By Clayton Drescher

Members of SEMA’s Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and professionals in the light-truck industry are invited to a happy hour and TORA mixer at the Slippery Noodle Inn, Indiana’s oldest bar, Monday, March 2, from 6:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. The Slippery Noodle is just around the corner from the Indiana Convention Center, host to the NTEA Work Truck Show that week.

This is a great opportunity for local members and those in town for the NTEA Show to network, unwind, grab a bite and a drink, and learn about what SEMA and TORA are doing to strengthen and support the light-truck industry. The elected volunteer leaders of the TORA Select Committee will be there to hear input from membership about upcoming strategic planning meetings and answer questions regarding the council’s activities.

All professionals in any aspect of the light-truck industry interested in learning more about SEMA and TORA are invited to attend the event. Questions? Contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or RSVP online.

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Visit WTC's website

Wheel and Tire Council to Host Open Meeting and Industry Discussion in Southern California

Members of the wheel and tire industry will gather at the SEMA Garage—Industry Innovations Center for an industry discussion, Thursday, February 5, 2015, from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

On the agenda is discussion of the “Ride Guide” promotional efforts and additional vehicle data being compiled, the latest news on Chinese tire tariffs, industry support of tire safety education and more.

This is members’ opportunity to let the council know what other challenges and opportunities they see in the wheel and tire industry. By participating in this open meeting, individuals can help determine the focus and direction of the council for the next year and beyond.

The meeting will include a networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC-member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Register now.

Unable to attend in person? Join the discussion in our GoToMeeting session. Join the conference call: 888-387-8686 room ID 9194075#. Meeting ID: 947-340-549.

For more information about WTC or this event, contact Senior Manager of Councils Clayton Drescher.

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