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

By Linda Spencer

Exhibitors at the nearly sold-out China Auto Salon (CAS) will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.

As part of the 2016 SEMA China Business Development Program, to be held September 7–11, in Shanghai, exhibitors at the nearly sold-out China Auto Salon (CAS) will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China. The first 12 companies to sign up will receive free booth graphics courtesy of Freeman.

For one low cost participants will:

• Exhibit at the China Auto Salon (CAS) in Shanghai, where they will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.
• Begin promoting their brand to Chinese buyers now through SEMA pre-event outreach to buyers.
• Have access to U.S. government funding to defray the cost of participating for qualified companies.
• Participate in a measuring session in Shanghai featuring vehicles popular globally but not sold in the United States.

The trip includes a four-night hotel stay, meals, interpreters, a turnkey booth, networking events and the chance to measure hard-to-obtain vehicles popularly accessorized in the region.

Wondering what to expect? Read the 2015 SEMA China trip recap.

Find program details at SEMA.org/China, or contact Linda Spencer to arrange a one-on-one briefing about the trip’s features.

By Linda Spencer

Exhibitors at the nearly sold-out China Auto Salon (CAS) will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.

As part of the 2016 SEMA China Business Development Program, to be held September 7–11, in Shanghai, exhibitors at the nearly sold-out China Auto Salon (CAS) will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China. The first 12 companies to sign up will receive free booth graphics courtesy of Freeman.

For one low cost participants will:

• Exhibit at the China Auto Salon (CAS) in Shanghai, where they will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.
• Begin promoting their brand to Chinese buyers now through SEMA pre-event outreach to buyers.
• Have access to U.S. government funding to defray the cost of participating for qualified companies.
• Participate in a measuring session in Shanghai featuring vehicles popular globally but not sold in the United States.

The trip includes a four-night hotel stay, meals, interpreters, a turnkey booth, networking events and the chance to measure hard-to-obtain vehicles popularly accessorized in the region.

Wondering what to expect? Read the 2015 SEMA China trip recap.

Find program details at SEMA.org/China, or contact Linda Spencer to arrange a one-on-one briefing about the trip’s features.

By AJ Carney

Have you registered yet? SEMA invites industry professionals to its General Membership and Town Hall Meeting in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where members and prospective members will gather at Yakima Products, Thursday June 23, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and discussing the state of the industry.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the Association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

Have you registered yet? SEMA invites industry professionals to its General Membership and Town Hall Meeting in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where members and prospective members will gather at Yakima Products, Thursday June 23, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and discussing the state of the industry.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the Association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Members of the racing industry planning to attend the 2016 PRI Trade Show can now apply for their credentials online.

Attendee registration and housing are now open for the 2016 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show. Buyers can apply for credentials, and make their hotel room reservations as part of the registration process; or they can go directly to the PRI Trade Show housing webpage.

A unique email address is required for each registered attendee (PRI does not make these emails available to any other organization). The 2016 PRI Trade Show is a trade-only event, and qualified registrants will first receive an official confirmation by email. Then, several weeks before the Show, credentials will arrive by mail, allowing buyers to bypass long lines at the registration desk on-site at the Indiana Convention Center.

“The PRI Trade Show experienced record attendance last year, and we’re already hearing about how much members of the racing industry are looking forward to PRI 2016,” said John Kilroy, producer of the PRI Trade Show. “We urge everyone to avoid waiting in line at the Show by registering in advance. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s a great convenience to depart for Indianapolis with credentials in your briefcase. Also, attendees and exhibitors take over virtually all of downtown Indianapolis, so it’s always wise to secure hotel accommodations as early as possible.”

Kilroy said attending buyers can check the online 2016 PRI Trade Show floorplan to review exhibitors participating in this year’s PRI Trade Show. The Show started with 1,165 exhibitors on the initial floorplan; that number will surpass 1,200 companies by the time the Show opens.

The 2016 PRI Trade Show will be held December 8–10, 2016, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The Show is the centerpiece event of Race Industry Week 2016, which actually kicks off with events as early as December 5. Altogether, more than 35 conferences, seminars and social events will be held the week of the Show.

For more information, visit www.pri2016.com.

By SEMA Editors

Members of the racing industry planning to attend the 2016 PRI Trade Show can now apply for their credentials online.

Attendee registration and housing are now open for the 2016 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show. Buyers can apply for credentials, and make their hotel room reservations as part of the registration process; or they can go directly to the PRI Trade Show housing webpage.

A unique email address is required for each registered attendee (PRI does not make these emails available to any other organization). The 2016 PRI Trade Show is a trade-only event, and qualified registrants will first receive an official confirmation by email. Then, several weeks before the Show, credentials will arrive by mail, allowing buyers to bypass long lines at the registration desk on-site at the Indiana Convention Center.

“The PRI Trade Show experienced record attendance last year, and we’re already hearing about how much members of the racing industry are looking forward to PRI 2016,” said John Kilroy, producer of the PRI Trade Show. “We urge everyone to avoid waiting in line at the Show by registering in advance. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s a great convenience to depart for Indianapolis with credentials in your briefcase. Also, attendees and exhibitors take over virtually all of downtown Indianapolis, so it’s always wise to secure hotel accommodations as early as possible.”

Kilroy said attending buyers can check the online 2016 PRI Trade Show floorplan to review exhibitors participating in this year’s PRI Trade Show. The Show started with 1,165 exhibitors on the initial floorplan; that number will surpass 1,200 companies by the time the Show opens.

The 2016 PRI Trade Show will be held December 8–10, 2016, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The Show is the centerpiece event of Race Industry Week 2016, which actually kicks off with events as early as December 5. Altogether, more than 35 conferences, seminars and social events will be held the week of the Show.

For more information, visit www.pri2016.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

“The Amazing World of Automobiles” airs every Monday at 6:00 p.m. (EDT) and Sundays at 5:00 p.m. (EDT).

“Classic Cars” airs Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. (EDT), Thursdays a 6:00 p.m. (EDT) and Sundays at 4:30 p.m. (EDT).

Rev'n Adds “The Amazing World of Automobiles” and “Classic Cars” to Programming Lineup

Luken Communications LLC and Rev’n LLC have welcomed “The Amazing World of Automobiles” and “Classic Cars” as the latest additions to the Rev’n programming lineup. Both series are produced by Switch International. “The Amazing World of Automobiles” can currently be found on Rev’n every Monday at 6:00 p.m. (EDT) and Sundays at 5:00 p.m. (EDT). “Classic Cars” airs Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. (EDT), Thursdays a 6:00 p.m. (EDT) and Sundays at 4:30 p.m. (EDT). “The Amazing World of Automobiles” presents an in-depth look at the invention, innovation and inspiration behind the automobile. It charts the evolution of cars, from the first Model T Ford to the most recent innovations in design, including cars that reduce our carbon footprint, and leads us to ask the question: is mankind servant to the machine or are the machines servants to mankind? “Classic Cars” features many of the most revered classic cars of yesteryear, providing in-depth information on individual makes and models and how each car came to be.

TEN Names Evan Perkins as New Editor-in-Chief of Hot Rod

TEN: The Enthusiast Network’s Hot Rod Network has announced the promotion of senior technical editor Evan Perkins to editor-in-chief of the Hot Rod brand. Perkins replaces David Kennedy, who has moved to a new position at the NHRA. Perkins previously served as editor of the Super Chevy brand in the Super Chevy Network before moving to the Hot Rod Network position earlier this year. David Freiburger will continue his role as senior vice president of aftermarket automotive content, and Jeff Dahlin will continue in his role as the brand’s general manager.

“Helping schools get the resources they need to properly teach the next generation of welders and fabricators is a high priority for Hypertherm,” said Betsy Van Duyne, who manages Hypertherm’s educational program.

10 North American Schools Win 2016 Spark Something Great Educational Grants From Hypertherm

Hypertherm has announced the recipients of its 2016 Spark Something Great educational grant program. The winners represent 10 high schools, vocational schools, community colleges, colleges and universities from throughout North America. Each will receive a Hypertherm Powermax45 plasma cutting and gouging system, Hypertherm’s AWS SENSE approved “Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice” curriculum kit and in-person training from a Hypertherm industrial cutting expert.

The 2016 Spark Something Great grant recipients are as follows:

1. Amboy High School – Amboy, Illinois
2. BOCES – Ellicottville, New York
3. Central Piedmont Community College – Charlotte, North Carolina
4. Hartford Area Career & Technology Center – White River Junction, Vermont
5. Maple Mountain High School – Spanish Fork, Utah
6. St. Stephen High School – St. Stephen, Nebraska
7. Trades Training Initiative – Peace River, Alberta, Canada
8. University of Texas Tyler – Tyler, Texas
9. Washington County High School – Washington, Kansas
10. Wilson Technological Center – Dix Hills, New York

Omix-ADA’s complete vintage and historic Jeep Collection, featuring more than 30 of the world’s rarest Jeeps spanning seven decades, will be on display to the public during its inaugural Jeep Heritage Expo.

Omix-ADA Announces Inaugural Jeep Heritage Expo Celebrating 75 Years of Jeep

Omix-ADA has announced it will hold its inaugural Jeep Heritage Expo, celebrating 75 years of Jeep, at its company headquarters (460 Horizon Dr., Suwanee, Georgia 30024), July 16, 2016, from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. During the event, Omix-ADA will open up its doors to the public for the first time ever, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at its 230,000-sq.-ft. facility where more than 20,000 Omix-ADA, Rugged Ridge and Alloy USA Jeep parts and accessories are developed and housed. Furthermore, Omix-ADA’s complete vintage and historic Jeep Collection, featuring more than 30 of the world’s rarest Jeeps spanning seven decades, will be on display to the public. The Jeep Heritage Expo will also feature a Jeep Show & Shine, benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Limited to 250 vehicles, enthusiasts can pre-register online to enter their own Jeeps—any model, from ’41–present—for display and to vie for prizes and awards from Omix-ADA. Admission to the event is free to the public.

Ididit Products Now Available At Tognotti’s Auto World

A newly forged business relationship means that American-made ididit steering products are now available through Tognotti’s Auto World in Sacramento, California. Tognotti's Auto World offers more than 30,000 sq. ft. of aftermarket accessories for cars, trucks, street rods, boats and SUVs.

MagnaFlow Relocates Corporate Headquarters

MagnaFlow is expanding manufacturing facilities and relocating their corporate offices. The telephone number will remain the same (800-990-0905). MagnaFlow’s new corporate address:

1901 Corporate Centre Dr.
Oceanside, CA 92056

Transfer Flow Inc. was honored by Assemblyman James Gallagher at California Small Business Day on May 25.

Transfer Flow Inc. Honored at California Small Business Day 2016 By Assemblyman James Gallagher

Transfer Flow Inc. was honored by Assemblyman James Gallagher at California Small Business Day on May 25. As Small Business of the Year for the Third Assembly District, Transfer Flow Inc. was celebrated for their hard work and dedication to the community. California Small Business Day honored 85 small businesses for their contribution to the state’s economy. Small business contributes to 75% of California’s gross state product and more than half of the state’s private sector jobs.

Bestop Inc. Opens New Michigan Engineering, R&D Facility

Bestop has announced the opening of a new facility in Sterling Heights, Michigan—a Detroit suburb in close proximity to many major players in the automotive industry. The new standalone facility, which was purpose-built for designing and engineering OEM and aftermarket applications, focuses on Jeep Wranglers, light trucks and UTVs. It features more than 10,000 sq.-ft. of engineering, research and development space, along with a full vehicle build area.

The Monroe “Shockmobiles” will continue to visit races, community events, Monroe customer locations and more across North America during the nearly 10,000-mile 2016 summer tour.

Monroe “Shockmobiles” to Deliver Safety Message to Consumers During 2016 Summer Tour

Beginning with the Indianapolis 500 race, the Monroe “Shockmobiles” will continue to visit races, community events, Monroe customer locations and more across North America during the nearly 10,000-mile 2016 summer tour. The Monroe Shockmobiles will help celebrate the Monroe brand’s 100th anniversary this year while emphasizing the critical “Everything Gets Old. Even Your Shocks.” inspection message at consumer tour stops throughout the United States and Canada. Both vehicles feature 100th anniversary graphics, “Made for the Road Ahead” message and “#InspectYourShocks” and “#Shockmobile” hashtags. One Monroe Shockmobile will travel the Northeast of the United States and Eastern Canada, including stops in Pittsburgh; Virginia Beach, Virginia; New York City; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Ottawa, Ontario; and Toronto, Ontario. The second Monroe Shockmobile will have stops, including Little Rock, Arkansas; Fort Worth, Texas; Dallas; Houston; Tucson, Arizona; Phoenix; San Diego; Los Angeles; and San Francisco. Fans can get in on the action by posting pictures of the Monroe Shockmobiles to the Monroe Facebook page; tweeting pictures and using the Monroe Twitter handle or posting to Instagram and tagging Monroe.

Roadwire Rolls Out Interior Extended Care Warranty

Roadwire Inc. has rolled out its Interior Extended Care program—an initiative that ensures repair or replacement of any stained, faded or damaged OEM or aftermarket cloth or leather interior installed in a new or used vehicle. The program was developed to provide a seamless process for auto dealers to offer customers a long-term solution to maintaining the look and performance of their vehicle interior, while also generating a new dealership revenue stream. The Roadwire Interior Extended Care program, administered by Innovative Aftermarket Systems (IAS), is not exclusive to Roadwire OEM or aftermarket leather products. It provides coverage for all cloth, vinyl or leather interiors regardless of origin—no matter if they were supplied by other aftermarket manufacturers or an automaker. Coverage is available for three or five years.

Holley and Hooker teamed up with several companies to bring the ’15 Ford Mustang GT to its full potential.

Hooker BlackHeart Mustang Giveaway Winner Announced

The winner of the Hooker BlackHeart Mustang Giveaway was Ron Masters of Frankfort, Indiana. More than a year ago, Holley and Hooker Headers purchased a ’15 Ford Mustang GT. The 5.0L Coyote V8 packed 435 hp, and the optional Performance Pack added 19-in. wheels with Pirelli PZero tires, Brembo six-piston calipers and 15-in. rotors up front, a front splitter, a Torsen rear differential with 3.73 gears and several other chassis enhancements. Holley and Hooker teamed up with several companies to bring the Mustang to its full potential, including a Hooker BlackHeart exhaust system and longtube headers, a set of Eibach springs, Forgeline wheels, an MGW shifter, a DiabloSport T1000 programmer, an Airaid cold-air intake and an NOS nitrous system. Over the course of the contest, tens of thousands entered to win the Mustang as it made several appearances across the country, including a long haul on the Hot Rod Power Tour.

Gold Eagle Co. Receives Honda Supplier Performance Award for Ninth Consecutive Year

Gold Eagle Co. has been named a recipient of the Honda Supplier Performance Award for its outstanding service delivered to American Honda Service Parts. Acknowledging its network of more than 600 OEM and service parts suppliers in North America, Honda recognized top-performing companies for excellence in key areas of operation, including quality, value, efficiency and delivery. This is the ninth consecutive year Gold Eagle Co. has been recognized by Honda.  

Cory Martin

CRP Automotive Names Cory Martin as West Coast Regional Sales Manager

Cory Martin has joined CRP Automotive and will serve as the regional sales manager for the Western region of the United States. Martin will be based out of the San Francisco Bay area, responsible for all sales activities, account management and product training for West Coast customers. Prior to joining CRP, Martin spent four years at IMC—an import-focused parts distributor—as a sales manager in Texas and South Florida. Before joining IMC, Martin spent three years as a diagnostic sales developer with Snap-On where he provided sales and support to independent repair facilities. He holds a B.S. in resource management from Virginia Tech University and is also an AIA Import Parts Specialist and an ASE Certified P2 Parts Specialist.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.