By SEMA Editors

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 classifieds posted to the website.

• Marketing Manager: Achilles Tire USA Inc. is hiring a marketing manager with extensive industry experience and established relationships. Responsibilities will include marketing research, data collection and analysis; developing and implementing strategic marketing plans to drive sales plans and forecasts to achieve corporate objectives; and managing, organizing and running all events and shows. The successful candidate must have advanced technical knowledge of tires and motorsports, graphic design skills, photography and video editing experience and a bachelor’s degree in sales, marketing, business management or a related field.
• Export Sales Manager: A major aftermarket wheel distributor is seeking an experienced export sales manager responsible for the development and performance of all export sales activities in their California office. Responsibilities will include establishing strategies to expand the export customer base in Latin American countries and sales team training development. The successful candidate must have prior export sales and management experience in the automotive aftermarket wheel industry and proven technical selling skills and product knowledge.
• Research & Development Technician/Engineer: Energy Suspension seeks a skilled senior-level lead R&D engineer. Responsibilities include designing and developing polyurethane components and creating technical and quality-control documents. The successful candidate must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be proficient in 3D CAD software and have automotive suspension experience.
  
• Experienced Automotive Technician: Valencia Auto Performance & Simply Smog located in Southern California is hiring an experienced automotive technician with a complete set of tools. The successful candidate will have experience in all types of services and repairs, diagnosis skills, a good driving record and a California smog test license.

SEMA recently launched the SEMA Career Center to address the employment challenges of automotive companies and facilitate a talent pipeline for entering into the automotive aftermarket industry. Through an automotive network that includes the Auto Care Association, the SEMA Career Center will expand the volume and reach of job openings from automotive companies throughout the country.

By Jason Catullo

Exhibitors can use the Project-Vehicle Builders form to offer parts to builders planning to construct a project vehicle for the 2016 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors at the 2016 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project—offering exhibitors the additional exposure of their product displayed on today’s hottest custom vehicles.

Updated each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter, the list features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can use the information listed to contact exhibitors directly. With all project vehicles required to be supported by a current 2016 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis beginning June 2016. All submissions are due by Friday, October 7, 2016. 

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2016 SEMA Show.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2016 SEMA Show only. Exhibitors: To be included in the list, access the form online.

Latest Submissions

Engine/Underhood Components

Diamond Eye Performance: Performance diesel and gas exhaust kits, tips and accessories for Ford, Dodge, Chevy, Tundra and Titan SEMA build projects. Contact: Tom Terjeson, tomt@diamondeyemfg.com; 800-635-9950. Website: www.diamondeyeperformance.com.

Hypertech Inc.: Hypertech Power Programmers for GM, Ford and Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles. We also have inline tuners for Toyota Tundras, and offer speedometer calibrators as well. For older vehicles, we continue to offer our Power Chips. Contact: Jason Sakurai, spdnmotion@yahoo.com; 828-260-2324. Website: www.hypertech.com.

JMS: JMS BoostMAX for Ford EcoBoost Vehicles; JMS PedalMAX for Ford, GM, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Range Rover, Mazda, Toyota; JMS FuelMAX for Ford, GM, and Dodge Vehicles; and JMS SparkMAX for Ford, GM, and Dodge Vehicles. Contact: Brad Grissom, brad@jmschip.com; 386-314-6573. Website: www.jmschip.com.

POR-15/Absolute Coatings: POR-15 rust preventive coating, top coats, OEM bed liner, engine paint, fuel tank sealer and other paint and restoration products. Contact: Scott Helliesen, shelliesen@absolutecoatings.com, 973-929-2142. Website: www.por15.com.

ProCharger: Superchargers, complete intercooled supercharger systems and intercooled supercharger tuner kits. Contact: Cary Pangrac, cary.pangrac@procharger.com; 913-338-2886. Website: www.procharger.com. 

Tuff Stuff Performance Accessories Ltd.: Premium quality chrome plated, polished, powder coated and as cast alternators, starters, water pumps, power steering pumps, master cylinders, power brake boosters, A/C compressors and related accessories. Contact: Tim Andrews, ta@tuffstuffperformance.com; 216-961-1800. Website: www.tuffstuffperformance.com.      

Exterior Components/Accessories

AnzoUSA: Projector headlights, LED taillights, LED 3rd brake lights, LED spoiler lights, universal lighting. Contact: Shaun Callaway, shaun@anzousa.com; 909-590-8618. Website: www.anzousa.com.

CMYK Grafix: Kryptek camo vehicle wraps in standard and metallic patterns, Kryptek rear quarter panel decals in several different styles, Kryptek camo rocker panel wraps in standard and metallic patterns. Contact: Mark Austin, marka@cmykgrafix.com; 208-377-1556. Website: https://store.cmykgrafix.com/category/kryptek-vinyl-products.    

Daystar Products: D-ring isolators, winch isolators and Jeep JK hood cowl. Contact: Chris Wagner, cwagner@daystarweb.com; 623-980-0932. Website: www.daystarweb.com.

Extreme Dimensions: Exterior styling products for Chevy Corvette C7, 2016+ Chevy Camaro 6th Gen, 2015+ Ford Mustang, 2015+ Mazda Miata, 2015+ Ford F-150. Contact: Sam Piazza, samp@extremedimensions.com; 714-278-8000. Website: www.ExtremeDimensions.com.

HornBlasters Inc.: At HornBlasters, we are known for providing obnoxiously loud horns and the best pneumatic accessories available anywhere in the world. Our main product lines are surrounded around complete air horn and train horn kits, but we also offer a variety of on-board air systems with DOT rated tanks, fittings, valves and airline. Our Conductor’s Special kits are built of mostly made-in-the-U.S.A. parts. Contact: Manny Rizzo, manny@hornblasters.com; 877-209-8179. Website: www.hornblasters.com.   

JMS: JMS Avenger Wheels for Mustang and Challenger/Charger, and JMS Savage Wheels for Mustang and Challenger/Charger. Contact: Brad Grissom, brad@jmschip.com; 386-314-6573. Website: www.jmschip.com.

POR-15/Absolute Coatings: POR-15 rust preventive coating, top coats, OEM bed liner, engine paint, fuel tank sealer and other paint and restoration products. Contact: Scott Helliesen, shelliesen@absolutecoatings.com, 973-929-2142. Website: www.por15.com. 

Rostra Precision Controls: Universal and vehicle-specific LED daytime running light systems. BackZone and FrontZone ultrasonic parking assistance systems. Contact: Bill Simmons, wsimmons@rostra.com; 910-291-2532. Website: www.rostra.com.

Interior Components/Accessories

Daystar Products: Switch pods for UTVs, Jeep JK and Jeep Renegade. Contact: Chris Wagner, cwagner@daystarweb.com; 623-980-0932. Website: www.daystarweb.com.

Rostra Precision Controls: Con-Verse hands-free Bluetooth systems. ComfortHeat seat heaters. ComfortSeat seat lumbar support systems. Dashcam windshield/dashboard recording systems. CiteLite headliner LED lighting. RearSight backup camera systems. Add-on hot rod cruise control systems. Contact: Bill Simmons, wsimmons@rostra.com; 910-291-2532. Website: www.rostra.com.    

Other Products/Services

XIX Wheels: Wheels for luxury cars (19-in., 20-in. and 22-in. staggered) or performance racing cars (15-ft., 16-ft., 17-ft. and 18-ft.). Contact: William Luhai, tig2004@gmail.com; 626-383-8825. Website: www.xixwheels.com, www.ns-wheels.com.

Previous Submissions

Exterior Components/Accessories

AVEC Products: LED light bars, work lights, rock lights and more. Contact Vinny Guzman, avecproducts3@gmail.com; 951-278-0008, ext. 703. Website: www.avecproducts.com.

Ranch Hand Truck Accessories: Horizon front and rear, including Jeep Legend grille guard; Legend front bullnose, and rear;  Summit front, front bullnose; and Sport rear bumper. Jerry Courtney, jerry@ranchhand.com; 512-450-8714. Website: www.ranchhand.com.

Interior Components/Accessories

AVEC Products: Interior LED lighting. Contact Vinny Guzman, avecproducts3@gmail.com; 951-278-0008, ext. 703. Website: www.avecproducts.com.

Other Products/Services

AVEC Products: All LED lighting products. Contact Vinny Guzman, avecproducts3@gmail.com; 951-278-0008, ext. 703. Website: www.avecproducts.com.

By Jason Catullo

Exhibitors can use the Project-Vehicle Builders form to offer parts to builders planning to construct a project vehicle for the 2016 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors at the 2016 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project—offering exhibitors the additional exposure of their product displayed on today’s hottest custom vehicles.

Updated each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter, the list features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can use the information listed to contact exhibitors directly. With all project vehicles required to be supported by a current 2016 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis beginning June 2016. All submissions are due by Friday, October 7, 2016. 

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2016 SEMA Show.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2016 SEMA Show only. Exhibitors: To be included in the list, access the form online.

Latest Submissions

Engine/Underhood Components

Diamond Eye Performance: Performance diesel and gas exhaust kits, tips and accessories for Ford, Dodge, Chevy, Tundra and Titan SEMA build projects. Contact: Tom Terjeson, tomt@diamondeyemfg.com; 800-635-9950. Website: www.diamondeyeperformance.com.

Hypertech Inc.: Hypertech Power Programmers for GM, Ford and Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles. We also have inline tuners for Toyota Tundras, and offer speedometer calibrators as well. For older vehicles, we continue to offer our Power Chips. Contact: Jason Sakurai, spdnmotion@yahoo.com; 828-260-2324. Website: www.hypertech.com.

JMS: JMS BoostMAX for Ford EcoBoost Vehicles; JMS PedalMAX for Ford, GM, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Range Rover, Mazda, Toyota; JMS FuelMAX for Ford, GM, and Dodge Vehicles; and JMS SparkMAX for Ford, GM, and Dodge Vehicles. Contact: Brad Grissom, brad@jmschip.com; 386-314-6573. Website: www.jmschip.com.

POR-15/Absolute Coatings: POR-15 rust preventive coating, top coats, OEM bed liner, engine paint, fuel tank sealer and other paint and restoration products. Contact: Scott Helliesen, shelliesen@absolutecoatings.com, 973-929-2142. Website: www.por15.com.

ProCharger: Superchargers, complete intercooled supercharger systems and intercooled supercharger tuner kits. Contact: Cary Pangrac, cary.pangrac@procharger.com; 913-338-2886. Website: www.procharger.com. 

Tuff Stuff Performance Accessories Ltd.: Premium quality chrome plated, polished, powder coated and as cast alternators, starters, water pumps, power steering pumps, master cylinders, power brake boosters, A/C compressors and related accessories. Contact: Tim Andrews, ta@tuffstuffperformance.com; 216-961-1800. Website: www.tuffstuffperformance.com.      

Exterior Components/Accessories

AnzoUSA: Projector headlights, LED taillights, LED 3rd brake lights, LED spoiler lights, universal lighting. Contact: Shaun Callaway, shaun@anzousa.com; 909-590-8618. Website: www.anzousa.com.

CMYK Grafix: Kryptek camo vehicle wraps in standard and metallic patterns, Kryptek rear quarter panel decals in several different styles, Kryptek camo rocker panel wraps in standard and metallic patterns. Contact: Mark Austin, marka@cmykgrafix.com; 208-377-1556. Website: https://store.cmykgrafix.com/category/kryptek-vinyl-products.    

Daystar Products: D-ring isolators, winch isolators and Jeep JK hood cowl. Contact: Chris Wagner, cwagner@daystarweb.com; 623-980-0932. Website: www.daystarweb.com.

Extreme Dimensions: Exterior styling products for Chevy Corvette C7, 2016+ Chevy Camaro 6th Gen, 2015+ Ford Mustang, 2015+ Mazda Miata, 2015+ Ford F-150. Contact: Sam Piazza, samp@extremedimensions.com; 714-278-8000. Website: www.ExtremeDimensions.com.

HornBlasters Inc.: At HornBlasters, we are known for providing obnoxiously loud horns and the best pneumatic accessories available anywhere in the world. Our main product lines are surrounded around complete air horn and train horn kits, but we also offer a variety of on-board air systems with DOT rated tanks, fittings, valves and airline. Our Conductor’s Special kits are built of mostly made-in-the-U.S.A. parts. Contact: Manny Rizzo, manny@hornblasters.com; 877-209-8179. Website: www.hornblasters.com.   

JMS: JMS Avenger Wheels for Mustang and Challenger/Charger, and JMS Savage Wheels for Mustang and Challenger/Charger. Contact: Brad Grissom, brad@jmschip.com; 386-314-6573. Website: www.jmschip.com.

POR-15/Absolute Coatings: POR-15 rust preventive coating, top coats, OEM bed liner, engine paint, fuel tank sealer and other paint and restoration products. Contact: Scott Helliesen, shelliesen@absolutecoatings.com, 973-929-2142. Website: www.por15.com. 

Rostra Precision Controls: Universal and vehicle-specific LED daytime running light systems. BackZone and FrontZone ultrasonic parking assistance systems. Contact: Bill Simmons, wsimmons@rostra.com; 910-291-2532. Website: www.rostra.com.

Interior Components/Accessories

Daystar Products: Switch pods for UTVs, Jeep JK and Jeep Renegade. Contact: Chris Wagner, cwagner@daystarweb.com; 623-980-0932. Website: www.daystarweb.com.

Rostra Precision Controls: Con-Verse hands-free Bluetooth systems. ComfortHeat seat heaters. ComfortSeat seat lumbar support systems. Dashcam windshield/dashboard recording systems. CiteLite headliner LED lighting. RearSight backup camera systems. Add-on hot rod cruise control systems. Contact: Bill Simmons, wsimmons@rostra.com; 910-291-2532. Website: www.rostra.com.    

Other Products/Services

XIX Wheels: Wheels for luxury cars (19-in., 20-in. and 22-in. staggered) or performance racing cars (15-ft., 16-ft., 17-ft. and 18-ft.). Contact: William Luhai, tig2004@gmail.com; 626-383-8825. Website: www.xixwheels.com, www.ns-wheels.com.

Previous Submissions

Exterior Components/Accessories

AVEC Products: LED light bars, work lights, rock lights and more. Contact Vinny Guzman, avecproducts3@gmail.com; 951-278-0008, ext. 703. Website: www.avecproducts.com.

Ranch Hand Truck Accessories: Horizon front and rear, including Jeep Legend grille guard; Legend front bullnose, and rear;  Summit front, front bullnose; and Sport rear bumper. Jerry Courtney, jerry@ranchhand.com; 512-450-8714. Website: www.ranchhand.com.

Interior Components/Accessories

AVEC Products: Interior LED lighting. Contact Vinny Guzman, avecproducts3@gmail.com; 951-278-0008, ext. 703. Website: www.avecproducts.com.

Other Products/Services

AVEC Products: All LED lighting products. Contact Vinny Guzman, avecproducts3@gmail.com; 951-278-0008, ext. 703. Website: www.avecproducts.com.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Senate failed to gain final approval before the June 3 deadline for amended legislation (S.B. 1239) to exempt motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement.

In a severe disappointment for the old-car hobby, the California Senate failed to gain final approval before the June 3 deadline for amended legislation (S.B. 1239) to exempt motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement. Under the amended bill, vehicles manufactured after the ’76 model year but prior to the ’81 model year would have been exempted if the owner submitted proof that the vehicle was insured as a collector motor vehicle. This exemption would have been a two-year trial that would have needed to be renewed by separate legislation in order to continue. Current law requires the lifetime testing of all ’76 and newer model-year vehicles. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Senate failed to gain final approval before the June 3 deadline for amended legislation (S.B. 1239) to exempt motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement.

In a severe disappointment for the old-car hobby, the California Senate failed to gain final approval before the June 3 deadline for amended legislation (S.B. 1239) to exempt motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement. Under the amended bill, vehicles manufactured after the ’76 model year but prior to the ’81 model year would have been exempted if the owner submitted proof that the vehicle was insured as a collector motor vehicle. This exemption would have been a two-year trial that would have needed to be renewed by separate legislation in order to continue. Current law requires the lifetime testing of all ’76 and newer model-year vehicles. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Senate failed to gain final approval before the June 3 deadline for amended legislation (S.B. 1239) to exempt motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement.

In a severe disappointment for the old-car hobby, the California Senate failed to gain final approval before the June 3 deadline for amended legislation (S.B. 1239) to exempt motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement. Under the amended bill, vehicles manufactured after the ’76 model year but prior to the ’81 model year would have been exempted if the owner submitted proof that the vehicle was insured as a collector motor vehicle. This exemption would have been a two-year trial that would have needed to be renewed by separate legislation in order to continue. Current law requires the lifetime testing of all ’76 and newer model-year vehicles. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Here’s a first look at the ’18 Ford Fiesta.

Due on sale in the first half of 2017, the next Fiesta will be bumped up in price, quality, refinement and features to reflect more expensive tastes among supermini customers, and to allow room for a cheaper stablemate—the forthcoming Ka+—which will sit just below it in the range.

The Fiesta stays on Ford’s Global B platform for what will be its seventh generation, so while earlier images have shown a mule sporting a wider track, engineers are likely to have only millimeters to play with when it comes to extending dimensions. The styling will incorporate the latest evolution of the family grille, a slightly squarer nose and slim headlamps.

Staying on the same chassis means that Ford can save considerable sums of money on research and development, and at least some of that cash will be pumped into improving two areas where the Fiesta now lags behind the competition—interior quality and big-car features.

Inside, soft-touch materials will replace the current rubberized finish on the facia, and there will be a major overhaul of the car’s infotainment system. Expect the existing tiny display to be replaced by a larger touchscreen, featuring the company’s latest SYNC 3 software for music, smartphone integration and satellite navigation. New safety equipment is likely to include lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring, along with traffic sign recognition.

Nudging the Fiesta upmarket marks a key shift in Ford’s small-car lineup, as the more basic editions of the Fiesta’s Studio and Style trims are likely to be dropped, moving the entry point for the range to around $18,000.

Production of the ’18 Fiesta will be consolidated; North American-bound Fiestas will be sourced at Ford’s new plant in Rayong, Thailand. The plant, opened in 2012, currently builds Fiestas and Focuses for the Southeast Asian markets. From the next generation, Fiesta production currently taking place in Mexico and India will be moved to Rayong.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the ’18 Ford Fiesta.

Due on sale in the first half of 2017, the next Fiesta will be bumped up in price, quality, refinement and features to reflect more expensive tastes among supermini customers, and to allow room for a cheaper stablemate—the forthcoming Ka+—which will sit just below it in the range.

The Fiesta stays on Ford’s Global B platform for what will be its seventh generation, so while earlier images have shown a mule sporting a wider track, engineers are likely to have only millimeters to play with when it comes to extending dimensions. The styling will incorporate the latest evolution of the family grille, a slightly squarer nose and slim headlamps.

Staying on the same chassis means that Ford can save considerable sums of money on research and development, and at least some of that cash will be pumped into improving two areas where the Fiesta now lags behind the competition—interior quality and big-car features.

Inside, soft-touch materials will replace the current rubberized finish on the facia, and there will be a major overhaul of the car’s infotainment system. Expect the existing tiny display to be replaced by a larger touchscreen, featuring the company’s latest SYNC 3 software for music, smartphone integration and satellite navigation. New safety equipment is likely to include lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring, along with traffic sign recognition.

Nudging the Fiesta upmarket marks a key shift in Ford’s small-car lineup, as the more basic editions of the Fiesta’s Studio and Style trims are likely to be dropped, moving the entry point for the range to around $18,000.

Production of the ’18 Fiesta will be consolidated; North American-bound Fiestas will be sourced at Ford’s new plant in Rayong, Thailand. The plant, opened in 2012, currently builds Fiestas and Focuses for the Southeast Asian markets. From the next generation, Fiesta production currently taking place in Mexico and India will be moved to Rayong.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the ’18 Ford Fiesta.

Due on sale in the first half of 2017, the next Fiesta will be bumped up in price, quality, refinement and features to reflect more expensive tastes among supermini customers, and to allow room for a cheaper stablemate—the forthcoming Ka+—which will sit just below it in the range.

The Fiesta stays on Ford’s Global B platform for what will be its seventh generation, so while earlier images have shown a mule sporting a wider track, engineers are likely to have only millimeters to play with when it comes to extending dimensions. The styling will incorporate the latest evolution of the family grille, a slightly squarer nose and slim headlamps.

Staying on the same chassis means that Ford can save considerable sums of money on research and development, and at least some of that cash will be pumped into improving two areas where the Fiesta now lags behind the competition—interior quality and big-car features.

Inside, soft-touch materials will replace the current rubberized finish on the facia, and there will be a major overhaul of the car’s infotainment system. Expect the existing tiny display to be replaced by a larger touchscreen, featuring the company’s latest SYNC 3 software for music, smartphone integration and satellite navigation. New safety equipment is likely to include lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring, along with traffic sign recognition.

Nudging the Fiesta upmarket marks a key shift in Ford’s small-car lineup, as the more basic editions of the Fiesta’s Studio and Style trims are likely to be dropped, moving the entry point for the range to around $18,000.

Production of the ’18 Fiesta will be consolidated; North American-bound Fiestas will be sourced at Ford’s new plant in Rayong, Thailand. The plant, opened in 2012, currently builds Fiestas and Focuses for the Southeast Asian markets. From the next generation, Fiesta production currently taking place in Mexico and India will be moved to Rayong.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the ’18 Ford Fiesta.

Due on sale in the first half of 2017, the next Fiesta will be bumped up in price, quality, refinement and features to reflect more expensive tastes among supermini customers, and to allow room for a cheaper stablemate—the forthcoming Ka+—which will sit just below it in the range.

The Fiesta stays on Ford’s Global B platform for what will be its seventh generation, so while earlier images have shown a mule sporting a wider track, engineers are likely to have only millimeters to play with when it comes to extending dimensions. The styling will incorporate the latest evolution of the family grille, a slightly squarer nose and slim headlamps.

Staying on the same chassis means that Ford can save considerable sums of money on research and development, and at least some of that cash will be pumped into improving two areas where the Fiesta now lags behind the competition—interior quality and big-car features.

Inside, soft-touch materials will replace the current rubberized finish on the facia, and there will be a major overhaul of the car’s infotainment system. Expect the existing tiny display to be replaced by a larger touchscreen, featuring the company’s latest SYNC 3 software for music, smartphone integration and satellite navigation. New safety equipment is likely to include lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring, along with traffic sign recognition.

Nudging the Fiesta upmarket marks a key shift in Ford’s small-car lineup, as the more basic editions of the Fiesta’s Studio and Style trims are likely to be dropped, moving the entry point for the range to around $18,000.

Production of the ’18 Fiesta will be consolidated; North American-bound Fiestas will be sourced at Ford’s new plant in Rayong, Thailand. The plant, opened in 2012, currently builds Fiestas and Focuses for the Southeast Asian markets. From the next generation, Fiesta production currently taking place in Mexico and India will be moved to Rayong.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde