Ford unveiled a 1,500-kW electric transporter looking much like a race car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed—and spies recently caught the car testing on the Nürburgring race track in Germany. The Ford Pro Electric SuperVan features four electric motors powered by a liquid-cooled 50 kWh battery and speeds from 0–60 in less than 2 seconds.
Released by Ford’s commercial vehicles division Ford Pro, the “SuperVan” takes clues from the more down-to-usability Transit Custom, but vows way more attention. “This incredible demonstrator vehicle takes E-Transit Custom’s advanced engineering and distinctive look to a whole new level and is high-speed proof of the power of Ford Pro’s connected services ecosystem,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe.
Behind it, however, was the Ford Performance unit and electric racing specialists STARD in Austria, with exterior design by the Ford Design team in Cologne, Germany. They took the chassis of the new Transit Custom but redesigned almost everything else. Ford had presented the electrified Transit Custom van this May as a PHEV with the zero-emission Transit Custom slated to launch in 2023 with a range of nearly 250 miles.
The Electric SuperVan is of course already all-electric and also otherwise very unlike the E-Transit. The 50 kWh high-performance battery, for example, is not a harbinger of the energy storage system in the upcoming production model. The battery is designed to provide enough power for show appearances like Goodwood and to deliver enough power for the four electric motors.
However, Ford does not provide details on the battery and the motors. They only state that in addition to the liquid cooling of the battery, the customized drive management were essential factors in bringing high maximum power and acceleration to 60 in less than two seconds on the road.
The drive system has five modes designed for driving on the road: track, drag, drift and rally.
Still, motorsport features (there’s also double-wishbone suspension at each corner, a full roll cage and racing seats) aside, Ford Pro hopes to demonstrate enhanced connectivity and even cargo capability. The Electric SuperVan can send real-time data to software for remote vehicle management, using Ford Pro systems used at real-life businesses. Similarly, Ford Performance trackside engineers can monitor the Electric SuperVan via dedicated management software that translates live data into insights on speed, lap times and vehicle systems.
However, Ford Pro’s 125,000 clients may rest assured that the Electric SuperVan is a one-off demonstrator building on three previous ICE SuperVans. “The chance to be part of the iconic SuperVan story and reimagine what it could be in the 21st century was a dream opportunity,” said Amko Leenarts, director, design, Ford of Europe.
Oracle Lighting Hires Brendan Bohac as Marketing Manager
Oracle Lighting has named Brendan Bohac as the company’s new marketing manager, Bohac has a B.A. in communications from the University of Kentucky. In this position, he will be responsible for all aspects of Oracle Lighting’s marketing efforts, including managing SEO and public/media relations teams, creating and executing email marketing campaigns, coordinating promotional and trade show activities and more.
SSV Works Launches New Website
SSV Works has announced the launch of the new SSVWorks.com. Compared to the previous website, the new ssvworks.com has better overall aesthetics and organization and easier navigation for customers and internal system linking that keeps products consistently up-to-date. During the purchase process with the new Shopify platform, zero-interest financing is now available. Popular payments, such as Amazon Pay, Apple Pay and more are now available.
NPW Acquires Hi Tech Auto Parts, Rebranded Johnny’s Auto Parts
NPW—now in their new facility in Miami—has announced its second acquisition and expansion in South Florida in 2022 with the addition of Hi Tech Auto Parts. The deal closed September 12, and the location has been re-named to Johnny’s Auto Parts. It is the second store to be branded as Johnny’s Auto Parts by NPW in South Florida.
Pedal Commander Obtains CARB EO for Its ’11+ Ford Gas and Ford Diesel Throttle Response Systems
Vitalen Auto Performance (DBA Pedal Commander) has announced it has received official notice that a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO) D-840-1 and D-840-3 was issued on September 6, for Pedal Commander’s ’11+ Ford Gas and Ford Diesel Throttle Response Systems. The EO D-840-1 and D-840-3 affirms that it has been found not to reduce the effectiveness of the applicable vehicle pollution control systems and, therefore, is exempt from the prohibitions of Section 27156 of the Vehicle Code. The CARB EO is recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is accepted in all 50 states, meaning the Pedal Commander can be legally purchased and installed in every state, including California. Larry Sartore, of Vitalen Auto Performance, was the driving force behind obtaining the CARB EO. It is illegal to sell aftermarket parts without a CARB EO in California and many other states if the part affects emissions or the emissions-control system.
RNR Tire Express Awarded with Prestigious Honors at RTO World 2022
At RTO World 2022, RNR Tire Express was recognized for its unparalleled operations and advancement of the rent-to-own industry when it received two of the year’s most prestigious awards.
RTO World 2022 recently wrapped up its fifth annual national trade show and convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, and during the Hall of Honor Inductees ceremony, RNR Tire Express was recognized for its unparalleled operations and advancement of the rent-to-own industry when it received two of the year’s most prestigious awards.
Tracy Cintron, franchise director for RNR Tire Express, took home the APRO Steve Kruse Award in recognition of her extraordinary lifelong service and commitment to the RTO industry.
Candice Hill, an RNR Tire Express franchisee out of Springdale, Arkansas, and the president of the Arkansas Rental Dealers Association, won State Association of the Year for her work to advance the industry within her home state.
Adam Sutton, president of RNR Tire Express, was named 2022s APRO Rental Dealer of the Year, not only for his work to expand the boundaries of rent-to-own and aid in the growth of one of the nation’s leading tire and wheel franchise retailers, but also for having served as a mentor and a “beacon” for emerging industry names and concepts over the years.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has requested comments that identify online and physical markets to be considered for inclusion in the 2022 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy. The Notorious Markets List identifies examples of online and physical markets that reportedly engage in or facilitate substantial copyright piracy or trademark counterfeiting.
If your business has specific examples of online markets that have engaged in or facilitated copyright piracy or trademark counterfeiting, please contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org to be incorporated into SEMA’s comments.
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a SEMA-supported bill (AB 1951) that would have provided a full sales and use tax exemption for the purchase of manufacturing and research and development (R&D) equipment not exceeding $200 million.
If enacted, the exemption would have changed the current, narrowly applied exemption, and focused on improving cost competitiveness to spur investment in California. Accounting for both local and state taxes, California’s ranks among the highest tax rates in the country.
In his veto message, Gov. Newsom noted that while he supported the intent of the bill, it would have resulted in significant tax revenue losses for local governments, potentially imperially other essential services, such as health, safety, welfare and transportation services.
For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
Emmitt Smith, the NFL legendary running back who became a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner last summer, will headline the 2022 SEMA Show Educational Program’s Friday Enthusiast Track. The new seven-session series will feature celebrities and iconic personalities as they share personal stories that will inspire and entertain Showgoers.
Smith, who will be joined on the Paradise Event Center stage by television personality Chris Jacobs from the hit show “Overhaulin’” on Friday, November 4, at 8:00 a.m., will discuss career opportunities in motorsports and the importance of paying it forward. His race team, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks to break down barriers in motorsports.
“Through Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, we want bring awareness to the many opportunities available in motorsports,” said Smith. “We want to inspire and educate people of all walks of life to work hard and pursue their dreams.”
SEMA Showgoers will hear from Smith about what motivated him to partner with Iwuji as a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner and how they are supporting minorities, youth and the service-member community.
The SEMA Education Enthusiast Track will continue with sessions throughout the day on how to secure sponsors for project vehicles, protecting the right to modify, land-use sustainability and more. The Enthusiast Track is open at no cost to all credentialed SEMA Showgoers, including top enthusiasts who are SEMA Individual Members attending through the SEMA Ignited Friday Experience.
“We’re excited about the Friday Enthusiast Track; it is the first time the SEMA Show Education Program has dedicated a series of seminars to appeal specifically to enthusiasts,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA Education director. “Given that this is such a passion-driven industry filled with professionals who love their jobs, the Enthusiast Track will be especially entertaining and engaging. Attendees will leave with practical information that speaks to this passion.”
For details about the SEMA Show Education Program and a complete schedule of seminars available, visit www.semashow.com.
For more information about the SEMA Ignited Friday Experience, visit www.semaignited.com.
The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Kail Withers as the council’s newest spotlight volunteer. Withers is the business manager for Armorlite, a complete replacement floor system for Jeep Wrangler JK-model vehicles.
Get to know Withers in his interview with SEMA below:
SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?
Kail Withers: I have a very broad range of taste when it comes to vehicles, but the one thing about off-road is the skill it takes to build something that can endure the roughest of conditions. It is the ultimate test.
SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?
KW: I came from years in the hot-rod industry and made many good connections through the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA). Coming into the truck and off-road industry I was starting out, in some cases, as the new guy. In the HRIA, I met new up-and-comers who joined, so I figured this would be a great way to get going.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
KW: Working in an industry that you are passionate about makes it easy to be engaged, but sometimes the lines of personal life and work life can blur. Finding a balance is the key to not get burned out. Use your passion as experience, but remember the industry is full of people with varying style and experience. There is no absolute one direction, so try to step outside of your comfort zone a little.
SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?
KW: I work with mostly new vehicles right now, but my passion has always been the old stuff.
Right now I want to build a tube chassis Baja truck with either a C10 or F-100 body. Something that has timeless style but has chassis that will take the dunes at over 100 mph. Powertrain would likely be twin turbo LS based because that is what I know, but I would be open to other powertrains.
Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA News and future TORA-member updates.
With nearly 3,000 credentialed media at the SEMA Show, the annual trade event is ideal for exhibitors that are making newsworthy announcements. Following is the official SEMA Show press conference schedule. Media are encouraged to attend all press conferences. To apply for media credentials, visit www.semashow.com/register.
Exhibitors that have breaking news announcements that are of interest to a large number of media are utilizing press conferences during the 2022 SEMA Show.
Official 2022 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule
(As of September 13, 2022)
Monday, October 31
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. – SEMA: SEMA Vehicle Reveal featuring the SEMA Award Presentation (outside of the Grand Lobby entrance)
Tuesday, November 1
7:30 a.m.–8:50 a.m. – SEMA: Kick-Off Breakfast, featuring announcements of Best New Products (Paradise Event Center)
9:00 a.m. – Volkswagen Group of America Inc.: Vehicle Unveil (Booth #10509)
9:30 a.m. – Toyota Motor North America: Toyota Press Conference (Booth #22200)
As the SEMA Show concludes on Friday, November 4, iconic cars and trucks will emerge from the Las Vegas Convention Center and make their way to the West Hall Parking Lot for SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party—where enthusiasts will see some of the hottest custom vehicles in the world that debuted earlier in the week.
General admission tickets allow access into SEMA Ignited and are available at www.SEMAIgnited.com. Enthusiasts can purchase upgraded tickets for reserved seating to watch the SEMA Cruise and performances from Formula DRIFT and the Urias Globe of Death—daredevil motorcycle riders who perform jaw-dropping stunts in a mesh sphere ball. A limited number of Friday Experience packages are available for general admission into SEMA Ignited, as well as entrance into the SEMA Show on Friday, November 4, and come with a one-year SEMA Individual Membership. The SEMA Friday Experience ticket price is $70 if purchased by September 30, or $100 if purchased between October 1–November 4.
“The SEMA Ignited Friday Experience is a rare opportunity for gearheads to experience the trade-only SEMA Show, and engage with the industry as SEMA Individual Members,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Through the Friday Experience, enthusiasts will get a behind-the-scenes look at what industry professionals are doing at the SEMA Show and witness the trends as they are happening.”
Now in its eighth year, SEMA Ignited is a combination of a car show, parade, music, food, entertainment and exhibitions all rolled into what becomes the ultimate automotive celebration. It’s where consumers see, hear and, in some cases, get up close and connect with award-winning vehicles and their owners. With more vendors and exhibitors than ever before, the 2022 SEMA Ignited is where enthusiasts will be able to discover the newest trends, learn about new products, meet industry celebrities and experience the excitement of the growing aftermarket.
All SEMA Showgoers will be able to attend SEMA Ignited with their Show credentials. For more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. To learn more about the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.
At the Media Trade Conference, time is allocated for 42 private, 30-minute meetings over a span of three days, providing the ideal opportunity to share product demonstrations, company updates and plans for the future race season.
Taking place in Anaheim, California, at Embassy Suites Anaheim South, January 24–26, 2023, the annual conference connects manufacturers of racing and performance products with journalists though one-on-one quality meetings and interviews. Exhibitors share new and relevant information on their products, and in return receive coverage in trade and consumer outlets, including print, online, video/television, radio/podcasts and social-media outlets.
By signing up now, manufacturers can build and strengthen relationships with journalists and influencers who can help promote their brands. Time is allocated for 42 private, 30-minute meetings over a span of three days, providing the ideal opportunity to share product demonstrations, company updates and plans for the future race season.
Manufacturers can learn more and sign up at www.sema.org/mtc or contact MPMC Director marcy@sema.org with questions.
NPW Acquires Hi Tech Auto Parts, Rebranded Johnny’s Auto Parts
