By SEMA Editors

’16 All-New Ford Focus RS

The Ford booth at the 2016 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to its existing lineup. The provided links will allow you to research these products and find high-resolution images that may be used for your proposal rendering.

• ’16 All-New Ford Focus RS – All-new Ford Focus RS introduces advanced performance technologies for an ultimate driving experience; pioneers innovative, race-inspired Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive, and industry-first drift mode. Aggressive, functional design inside and out makes Focus RS the most powerful production Focus ever, with highly capable performance on both road and track, and powered by Ford’s 2.3L EcoBoost engine.
• ’17 All-New Ford Super Duty – America’s work truck reinvented—the all-new Ford Super Duty is the toughest, smartest, most-capable Super Duty ever. Toughest: All-new, high-strength steel frame; segment-first, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body; and stronger axles, springs and suspension create the only Built Ford Tough heavy-duty truck lineup that works as hard as Super Duty customers. Smartest: 16 class-exclusive new features and up to seven cameras make Super Duty the ultimate tow vehicle; and adaptive steering technology makes maneuvering easier. Most capable: Ford-engineered, Ford-built gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions power the all-new Super Duty lineup that tows and hauls more than ever.
• ’16 Freshened Ford Fusion Sport – Fusion V6 Sport is a performance sedan unlike anything in the segment with a twin-turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost V6 delivering a projected 325 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. All-wheel-drive Fusion V6 Sport is projected to make approximately 100 lb.-ft. of additional torque and nearly 50 more horsepower than the 3.5L V6 engines in Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
• ’16 Ford Fiesta ST – Fiesta ST is still more proof that small cars from Ford Motor Company are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs more punch under its hood than any other car in the segment.
• ’16 Ford Focus ST – Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing fun-to-drive DNA to the hatch segment with a unique Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style. The ’16 Focus ST now features improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin.
• ’16 Ford Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) – Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.
• ’16 Ford Explorer Sport – Explorer Sport: 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System, sport-tuned suspension, trailer tow package, Explorer badge on hood, fascia-integrated dual exhaust tips, 20-in. wheels, perforated leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching, multi-piece satin chrome with carbon-fiber interior appearance inserts and a 12-speaker Sony Audio System.
• ’16 F-150 – The 2016 F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency—from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

Information for the above models can be found at Ford’s media site.

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

2016 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2016
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 2, 2016

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

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by February 19, 2016. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2016 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2016. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

All project vehicle requests must meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria shown below. 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 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• 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. Additional exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

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

By SEMA Editors

’16 All-New Ford Focus RS

The Ford booth at the 2016 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to its existing lineup. The provided links will allow you to research these products and find high-resolution images that may be used for your proposal rendering.

• ’16 All-New Ford Focus RS – All-new Ford Focus RS introduces advanced performance technologies for an ultimate driving experience; pioneers innovative, race-inspired Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive, and industry-first drift mode. Aggressive, functional design inside and out makes Focus RS the most powerful production Focus ever, with highly capable performance on both road and track, and powered by Ford’s 2.3L EcoBoost engine.
• ’17 All-New Ford Super Duty – America’s work truck reinvented—the all-new Ford Super Duty is the toughest, smartest, most-capable Super Duty ever. Toughest: All-new, high-strength steel frame; segment-first, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body; and stronger axles, springs and suspension create the only Built Ford Tough heavy-duty truck lineup that works as hard as Super Duty customers. Smartest: 16 class-exclusive new features and up to seven cameras make Super Duty the ultimate tow vehicle; and adaptive steering technology makes maneuvering easier. Most capable: Ford-engineered, Ford-built gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions power the all-new Super Duty lineup that tows and hauls more than ever.
• ’16 Freshened Ford Fusion Sport – Fusion V6 Sport is a performance sedan unlike anything in the segment with a twin-turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost V6 delivering a projected 325 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. All-wheel-drive Fusion V6 Sport is projected to make approximately 100 lb.-ft. of additional torque and nearly 50 more horsepower than the 3.5L V6 engines in Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
• ’16 Ford Fiesta ST – Fiesta ST is still more proof that small cars from Ford Motor Company are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs more punch under its hood than any other car in the segment.
• ’16 Ford Focus ST – Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing fun-to-drive DNA to the hatch segment with a unique Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style. The ’16 Focus ST now features improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin.
• ’16 Ford Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) – Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.
• ’16 Ford Explorer Sport – Explorer Sport: 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System, sport-tuned suspension, trailer tow package, Explorer badge on hood, fascia-integrated dual exhaust tips, 20-in. wheels, perforated leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching, multi-piece satin chrome with carbon-fiber interior appearance inserts and a 12-speaker Sony Audio System.
• ’16 F-150 – The 2016 F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency—from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

Information for the above models can be found at Ford’s media site.

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

2016 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2016
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 2, 2016

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

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by February 19, 2016. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2016 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2016. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

All project vehicle requests must meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria shown below. 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 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• 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. Additional exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

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

By Becca Butler

Reminder: The new SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres nationwide Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Velocity. Watch as hosts Chris Jacobs and Adrienne Janic take fans behind the scenes of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show and the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Viewers will meet top builders and hear personal stories about how they started in the industry, details about their 2015 SEMA Show project vehicles and watch as the ultimate winner is announced in front of thousands at SEMA Ignited. It’s the ultimate SEMA Show builders competition!

Visit www.semaignited.com for more information and join the conversation using #SEMABOTB.

By Becca Butler

Reminder: The new SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres nationwide Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Velocity. Watch as hosts Chris Jacobs and Adrienne Janic take fans behind the scenes of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show and the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Viewers will meet top builders and hear personal stories about how they started in the industry, details about their 2015 SEMA Show project vehicles and watch as the ultimate winner is announced in front of thousands at SEMA Ignited. It’s the ultimate SEMA Show builders competition!

Visit www.semaignited.com for more information and join the conversation using #SEMABOTB.

By Becca Butler

Reminder: The new SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres nationwide Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Velocity. Watch as hosts Chris Jacobs and Adrienne Janic take fans behind the scenes of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show and the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Viewers will meet top builders and hear personal stories about how they started in the industry, details about their 2015 SEMA Show project vehicles and watch as the ultimate winner is announced in front of thousands at SEMA Ignited. It’s the ultimate SEMA Show builders competition!

Visit www.semaignited.com for more information and join the conversation using #SEMABOTB.

By Becca Butler

Reminder: The new SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres nationwide Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Velocity. Watch as hosts Chris Jacobs and Adrienne Janic take fans behind the scenes of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show and the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Viewers will meet top builders and hear personal stories about how they started in the industry, details about their 2015 SEMA Show project vehicles and watch as the ultimate winner is announced in front of thousands at SEMA Ignited. It’s the ultimate SEMA Show builders competition!

Visit www.semaignited.com for more information and join the conversation using #SEMABOTB.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Ivan Korda

Ivan Korda Joins Xceleration Media Group as Sales Director

The Xceleration Media team continues to grow with the addition of Ivan Korda as a dedicated sales director for all XM print and digital properties. He comes to Xceleration Media from COMP Cams, where he worked in the technical services department. He will work to provide a variety of marketing and advertising opportunities for partners in titles including OneDirt, Drag Racing Scene, Power & Performance News, Street Rod Life and Gearheads4Life.

Saleen Opens New Showroom in Shanghai

The Saleen brand opened its first international showroom in Shanghai, China. The showroom is located in the upscale Jing An District in Shanghai. Saleen is planning that the location will  assist in broadening the Saleen experience and further the brand. The opening is the result of an agreement between Saleen and Saleen Motors International (“SMI”), an affiliate of GreenTech Automotive and licensee of the Saleen brand in Asia. The store will have Saleen vehicles, parts and accessories on the showroom floor, which will allow potential buyers to see, touch and buy Saleen.

New Owner of Erik Buell Racing Says the Firm Could Make a Comeback

The sale of Erik Buell Racing (EBR) was approved last week in Walworth County Circuit Court with Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Liquid Asset Partners as the winning bidder. (EBR) is an East Troy, Wisconsin, motorcycle manufacturer that ceased operations in April 2015. EBR was involved in a venture in 2014 with Hero MotoCorp Ltd., which ended in a settlement in July 2015. EBR was founded by Erik Buell in 2010 after Harley-Davidson closed the Buell Motorcycle Company in 2009. Liquid Asset Partners was successful in purchasing the assets after an eight-month process by the court receiver.

Greg Adler goes undercover on “Undercover Boss,” airing February 5, at 8:00 p.m. on CBS.

Greg Adler Goes to Be Featured on “Undercover Boss” February 5

Greg Adler, president and CEO of 4 Wheel Parts will go undercover to meet the employees who keep his company on the right track, on “Undercover Boss,” Friday, February 5, at 8:00 p.m. on CBS. During the boss’ undercover mission, the pressure rises when he is tasked with mounting massive tires on a Jeep.

Drake Automotive Group Announces New Partnership

Drake Automotive Group LLC has announced that it has entered into a partnership with Detroit-based Huron Capital Partners LLC. This new partnership will support the continued growth of the Drake brands through investment in new products, technology and acquisitions.

Eric Andres

Eric Andres Joins Wilwood; Attending King of The Hammers 2016

Wilwood Disc Brakes has announced Eric Andres has joined the Wilwood sales and technical team, and will attend King of The Hammers 2016. Andres brings to Wilwood more than two decades of experience in the off-road market with various companies, including Jackson Racing, Sway-A-Way and The Brake Man. Andres will attend his first event of the year this week at King of The Hammers in Johnson Valley, California. Wilwood attends each year to help educate drivers on the best braking applications for their budget, experience level and suspension setup. Technical representatives are available throughout the week to provide hands-on support and to answer questions.  Wilwood’s exhibit space is #41A and will be on the lakebed February 1–6.

Matt Sather

RealTruck Announces Creation of Merchandising Manager Position

RealTruck.com’s rapid growth and expansion has led to new position additions to better manage growing departments. In the newly created merchandising manager position, Matt Sather will oversee the brands team in its efforts to grow brand and category offerings and onboard new products. Sather began working for RealTruck in 2013 as a customer service representative, and he later transferred into the brands department as a brand manager assistant. He was then promoted to the brand manager position in November 2013. Sather will report directly to Business Development Director Shawn Herrick.

ITW to Acquire ZF TRW Engineered Fasteners and Components Business

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the Engineered Fasteners and Components business from ZF TRW for approximately $450 million. EF&C, a global supplier of engineered fastening systems and interior technical components to the automotive OEM market, generated revenues of approximately $470 million in 2015. Headquartered in Germany, the company operates 13 manufacturing facilities globally and employs approximately 3,500 people.

Pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2016.

Mark Iasiello

Mark Iasiello Named General Manager of Power Heavy Duty

At its annual member meeting during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) 2016, Power Heavy Duty announced the appointment of Mark Iasiello as the organization’s new general manager. During the past four years, Iasiello served as director of business development, national accounts for VIPAR Heavy Duty. In his new role, Iasiello will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Power Heavy Duty, including member development. Iasiello spent more than 20 years at Dayco Products LLC, where he served in a variety of sales management positions before becoming the company's heavy-duty national sales manager. He also spent five years at the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association as vice president of member development for commercial vehicle suppliers. He received the Northwood University Management Education Award in 2009. Brett Upton will continue in his business-development role with the organization.  

Omix-ADA Announces Year-Long Consumer and Jobber Rebate Program

Omix-ADA has announced that it is continuing its Year-Long Customer Rebate Program for 2016, and for the first time ever, is extending its rebate program to jobbers. From January 1–December 31, 2016, both consumers and jobbers can submit a mail-in rebate to Omix-ADA when they purchase $149.99 or more of Rugged Ridge, Omix-ADA, Alloy USA, Outland or Precision Gear products from a qualified retailer or wholesale distributor on a single invoice. For every eligible purchase, consumers and jobbers will receive a cash rebate equal to 5% of the retail purchase price, with a maximum of a $200 rebate per invoice. Complete instructions are available on the Omix-ADA website.

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.

By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Joel Ayres, Dennis Gage and Jim Bingham were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2015.

It’s that time of year for SEMA Hall of Fame nominations. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame form by March 11.

If you have any questions, contact Marcela Ortega at marcelao@sema.org or 909-978-6744.

By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Joel Ayres, Dennis Gage and Jim Bingham were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2015.

It’s that time of year for SEMA Hall of Fame nominations. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame form by March 11.

If you have any questions, contact Marcela Ortega at marcelao@sema.org or 909-978-6744.

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Sales Manager

Covercraft Industries is hiring a sales manager to represent the Western region. The successful candidate will supervise and develop reps on Covercraft product lines. There will be scheduled trips into territories, seeing existing accounts and maximizing potential with them while looking for new business opportunities, tracking sales trends, finding new avenues of distribution and setting goals to increase sales in territory. Good communication and interpersonal skills are required.

Catalog Data Specialist

AAM USA Inc. is hiring a catalog data specialist to categorize PIES file data into its taxonomy using a provided template and recommend changes/additions to taxonomy due to missing sub-categories. The successful candidate must have a strong understanding of automotive products, be highly capable in Microsoft Excel and deliver accurate data inputs.

Outside Salesperson

Engine Parts Warehouse has an immediate opening for an outside sales representative. This territory will include Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Northern Virginia. Applicants should have good communication skills and knowledge of internal engine parts.

Phone Salesperson

Erson Cams has an immediate opening for an experienced phone salesperson. This person will be responsible for helping customers select camshaft profiles to match their needs. Applicants should have engine-building or camshaft technical experience.

Social & Online Community Coordinator

Rigid Industries is hiring a social and online community coordinator responsible for creating, editing, distributing and optimizing relevant, contextual and personalized content across social media, online blogs and communities to attract, engage and retain consumers. This role requires excellent strategy and creative and communications skills—both written and visual. Responsibilities also include constructing and executing email marketing campaigns.