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 jobs posted to the website.

Junior Marketing Specialist – Garbage Dream is seeking a hard-working, enthusiastic junior marketing specialist with knowledge of the automotive and powersports industry. This position will be responsible for contributing to the brand voice of multiple automotive brands. Candidates should be automotive enthusiasts with a passion for working on cars, creating content and problem-solving, and be comfortable around a shop environment and production studio. Additional responsibilities include assisting with the day-to-day operations of the studio, including editing images, scheduling and writing social-media posts, and assisting with photography.

Corporate Sales Executive – NHRA is hiring a corporate sales executive to drive new business sales. The position is responsible for generating new revenue through the sale of NHRA-controlled inventory in television, track signage, print, promotions, tickets, suites, jumbotron commercials, title and presenting race sponsorships, PA announcements, internet, track title rights, entertainment features, marketing and youth programs, display and exhibit space, official products, regional and promotion rights, retail programs, contingency programs, activation, bartered goods, track presence packages, licensing and hospitality. Candidates should have 3–5 years of sales experience, preferably in motorsports/automotive performance market, and a list of automotive references.

Chrome Plater – Hurst Auto-Truck Electric is hiring an experienced chrome plater to operate a chrome plating rack hand line that coats steel and aluminum products with nickel and chromium. Candidates must have experience in dealing with liquid-type chemicals in a manufacturing environment. Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs and other techniques to maximizing effective plating are required.

Product Manager – Rolling Big Power is hiring a highly motivated and experienced customer satisfaction expert with truck industry sales experience to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction to customers and channel partners. Candidates should be automotive enthusiasts and have a minimum of five years’ sales experience within the truck/automotive industry.

Outside Sales Representative – Bob Cook Sales is hiring an outside sales representative to increase sales through establishing contact with existing customers, identifying new opportunities and following up on potential leads. Candidates must be willing to make regular overnight travel in the state of Texas and Oklahoma. Basic knowledge of the aftermarket automotive industry is required.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• VelourMat
• Vibrant Performance
• V-Thunder
• Warn
• Weld Racing Wheels
• Westin
• Whiteline
• World American
• XForce
• Yukon Gear

By SEMA Editors

Ford will highlight the ’19 Mustang for its 2019 project vehicle program.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2019 and the models it will highlight. Complete information on the program is below. The first deadline is for project summaries on February 15. The one-page summary should include vehicle/theme, vehicle modifications, new products developed for the vehicle, promotional plan, and vehicle display location at the SEMA Show. 

2019 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Project Summary Submission Deadline: February 15, 2019
Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2019
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2019

The Ford booth at the 2019 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to its existing lineup:

• ’20 Explorer – The SUV that started it all has been totally redesigned—inside, outside and under the hood. Its silhouette features an athletic stance with sculpted angular lines and a revamped grille. A stylish, comfortable interior offers improved cargo capacity and a host of smart technologies. The new Explorer can tow 5,000 lbs., when equipped with a Class III Trailer Tow Package.
• ’19 Ford Transit – The Ford Transit offers the flexibility to fit any business by offering a cargo van or passenger wagon, plus a choice of three roof heights, three lengths and two wheelbases. Also available is the choice of three engines along with a seemingly endless list of upfitting options.
• ’20 Ford Super Duty – Ford, America’s truck leader, introduces the next level of Built Ford Tough heavy-duty pickup capability, power and technology with the new ’20 F-Series Super Duty pickup. New F-Series Super Duty improvements include new gas and diesel engines, an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission, chassis upgrades, exterior and interior design updates, and smart advanced technology that raises the bar again in towing, payload and connectivity.
• ’19 F-150 – The Ford F-150 sets the high standards for light-duty fullsize pickups with its lightweight, yet high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy cab and bed—the same high-grade 6000 series used in military and industrial applications. The results? Best-in-class payload and towing capability. Available class-exclusive Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection can automatically apply F-150 brakes to help prevent a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian, plus available WiFi Hotspot can help you stay connected.
• ’19 Ford Ranger – The all-new Ranger has been developed and tested to the demanding standards of Built Ford Tough. It shares a heritage of toughness, durability and capability derived from more than 100 years of Ford Trucks’ focus on engineering excellence. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine with Auto Start-Stop technology is designed to optimize power and efficiency using turbocharging and direct gasoline injection. The FordPass Connect feature in the Ranger can create an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot to which 10 devices can be connected, so passengers can stay in touch wherever you roam. FordPass can be used to keep track of Wi-Fi data usage. The hotspot can be accessed up to 50 ft. outside the vehicle.
• ’19 Ford EcoSport – With EcoSport, technology—including SYNC 3 with a high-resolution 8-in. floating touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—easily integrates your smartphone and keeps you connected to friends and family while on the move.
• ’19 Ford Escape – Some of the most technologically advanced driver-assist features Ford offers are found in the Escape, while providing convenience and comfort no matter where you are headed.
• ’19 Ford Expedition – The 3.5L EcoBoost engine with 10-speed automatic transmission and best-in-class towing for a fullsize SUV offers more space, connectivity and smart new technology for any adventure. The Expedition has a Terrain Management System for optimal vehicle handling in different driving conditions. Features include wireless device charging pad and four 12-volt power points, six USB changers and a 110-volt outlet to provide energy in every row.
• ’19 Ford Mustang – The (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) Mustang is designed to custom-fit the way you drive, down to the last detail, from the look of the instrument panel to the sound of its growl to the way it feels tackling a curve. Steering and drive modes make it easy to customize your ride and save your go-to settings for next time. Two new features are available: active valve performance exhaust on the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and the B&O Premium Sound System by Bang & Olufsen.

Information for the above models can be found on Ford’s hompage and media website. 

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, Raptor, Edge ST, Explorer ST and Lincoln products are eligible for the project vehicle program.

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 15, 2019. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2019 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2019. 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 2019 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 2019 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: Dan German and Kyle Ebner
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Ford will highlight the ’19 Mustang for its 2019 project vehicle program.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2019 and the models it will highlight. Complete information on the program is below. The first deadline is for project summaries on February 15. The one-page summary should include vehicle/theme, vehicle modifications, new products developed for the vehicle, promotional plan, and vehicle display location at the SEMA Show. 

2019 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Project Summary Submission Deadline: February 15, 2019
Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2019
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2019

The Ford booth at the 2019 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to its existing lineup:

• ’20 Explorer – The SUV that started it all has been totally redesigned—inside, outside and under the hood. Its silhouette features an athletic stance with sculpted angular lines and a revamped grille. A stylish, comfortable interior offers improved cargo capacity and a host of smart technologies. The new Explorer can tow 5,000 lbs., when equipped with a Class III Trailer Tow Package.
• ’19 Ford Transit – The Ford Transit offers the flexibility to fit any business by offering a cargo van or passenger wagon, plus a choice of three roof heights, three lengths and two wheelbases. Also available is the choice of three engines along with a seemingly endless list of upfitting options.
• ’20 Ford Super Duty – Ford, America’s truck leader, introduces the next level of Built Ford Tough heavy-duty pickup capability, power and technology with the new ’20 F-Series Super Duty pickup. New F-Series Super Duty improvements include new gas and diesel engines, an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission, chassis upgrades, exterior and interior design updates, and smart advanced technology that raises the bar again in towing, payload and connectivity.
• ’19 F-150 – The Ford F-150 sets the high standards for light-duty fullsize pickups with its lightweight, yet high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy cab and bed—the same high-grade 6000 series used in military and industrial applications. The results? Best-in-class payload and towing capability. Available class-exclusive Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection can automatically apply F-150 brakes to help prevent a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian, plus available WiFi Hotspot can help you stay connected.
• ’19 Ford Ranger – The all-new Ranger has been developed and tested to the demanding standards of Built Ford Tough. It shares a heritage of toughness, durability and capability derived from more than 100 years of Ford Trucks’ focus on engineering excellence. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine with Auto Start-Stop technology is designed to optimize power and efficiency using turbocharging and direct gasoline injection. The FordPass Connect feature in the Ranger can create an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot to which 10 devices can be connected, so passengers can stay in touch wherever you roam. FordPass can be used to keep track of Wi-Fi data usage. The hotspot can be accessed up to 50 ft. outside the vehicle.
• ’19 Ford EcoSport – With EcoSport, technology—including SYNC 3 with a high-resolution 8-in. floating touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—easily integrates your smartphone and keeps you connected to friends and family while on the move.
• ’19 Ford Escape – Some of the most technologically advanced driver-assist features Ford offers are found in the Escape, while providing convenience and comfort no matter where you are headed.
• ’19 Ford Expedition – The 3.5L EcoBoost engine with 10-speed automatic transmission and best-in-class towing for a fullsize SUV offers more space, connectivity and smart new technology for any adventure. The Expedition has a Terrain Management System for optimal vehicle handling in different driving conditions. Features include wireless device charging pad and four 12-volt power points, six USB changers and a 110-volt outlet to provide energy in every row.
• ’19 Ford Mustang – The (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) Mustang is designed to custom-fit the way you drive, down to the last detail, from the look of the instrument panel to the sound of its growl to the way it feels tackling a curve. Steering and drive modes make it easy to customize your ride and save your go-to settings for next time. Two new features are available: active valve performance exhaust on the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and the B&O Premium Sound System by Bang & Olufsen.

Information for the above models can be found on Ford’s hompage and media website. 

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, Raptor, Edge ST, Explorer ST and Lincoln products are eligible for the project vehicle program.

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 15, 2019. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2019 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2019. 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 2019 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 2019 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: Dan German and Kyle Ebner
semainfo@ford.com

By Kristopher Porter

The 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were (L–R): Donnie Eatherly, Chris Thomson and Ed Pink.

As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

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 submitting your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website and the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly from P&E Distributors Inc., Ed Pink from Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Chris Thomson from TMG Performance Group.

Submit your nomination for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame before the March 8 deadline.

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

By Kristopher Porter

The 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were (L–R): Donnie Eatherly, Chris Thomson and Ed Pink.

As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

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 submitting your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website and the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly from P&E Distributors Inc., Ed Pink from Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Chris Thomson from TMG Performance Group.

Submit your nomination for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame before the March 8 deadline.

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

Exhibit at the 2019 SEMA Show—Get Started Here

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

http://www.semashow.com/buyabooth

Exhibit at the 2019 SEMA Show—Get Started Here

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

http://www.semashow.com/buyabooth

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.