This is ’19 RAM 1500, caught testing on public roads just outside of Detroit.

FCA is working overtime to get the next-generation RAM out, predicting a big sales bump for truck-hungry consumers. It will come to market with further innovations and refinements that have helped the current truck stand out.

The wheelbase provides a preview into a vastly roomier model, and therefore, more space inside for passengers and cargo. Chrysler is expected to upgrade the interior, especially on popular top-tier models, with the latest UConnect systems and other technologies previewed in the ’17 Pacifica minivan.

The new RAM should also have an innovative split tailgate as an option, based off the new tailgate seen in these images. The RAM 1500 will build on the current model’s technical traits. Expect air suspension and the RAM Boxes.

The V6 and V8 engines should carry on in the lineup, but with a few updates. The 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel should stay put, but FCA’s ongoing problem with the EPA over diesel emissions may alter those plans. The next RAM will also gain a mild hybrid system with a 48-volt electrical system, which sounds like the perfect place to put a turbocharged four in (which has already been spied).

The RAM will be more visible throughout the year, although its debut will likely be the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, with sales beginning shortly thereafter.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is ’19 RAM 1500, caught testing on public roads just outside of Detroit.

FCA is working overtime to get the next-generation RAM out, predicting a big sales bump for truck-hungry consumers. It will come to market with further innovations and refinements that have helped the current truck stand out.

The wheelbase provides a preview into a vastly roomier model, and therefore, more space inside for passengers and cargo. Chrysler is expected to upgrade the interior, especially on popular top-tier models, with the latest UConnect systems and other technologies previewed in the ’17 Pacifica minivan.

The new RAM should also have an innovative split tailgate as an option, based off the new tailgate seen in these images. The RAM 1500 will build on the current model’s technical traits. Expect air suspension and the RAM Boxes.

The V6 and V8 engines should carry on in the lineup, but with a few updates. The 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel should stay put, but FCA’s ongoing problem with the EPA over diesel emissions may alter those plans. The next RAM will also gain a mild hybrid system with a 48-volt electrical system, which sounds like the perfect place to put a turbocharged four in (which has already been spied).

The RAM will be more visible throughout the year, although its debut will likely be the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, with sales beginning shortly thereafter.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is ’19 RAM 1500, caught testing on public roads just outside of Detroit.

FCA is working overtime to get the next-generation RAM out, predicting a big sales bump for truck-hungry consumers. It will come to market with further innovations and refinements that have helped the current truck stand out.

The wheelbase provides a preview into a vastly roomier model, and therefore, more space inside for passengers and cargo. Chrysler is expected to upgrade the interior, especially on popular top-tier models, with the latest UConnect systems and other technologies previewed in the ’17 Pacifica minivan.

The new RAM should also have an innovative split tailgate as an option, based off the new tailgate seen in these images. The RAM 1500 will build on the current model’s technical traits. Expect air suspension and the RAM Boxes.

The V6 and V8 engines should carry on in the lineup, but with a few updates. The 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel should stay put, but FCA’s ongoing problem with the EPA over diesel emissions may alter those plans. The next RAM will also gain a mild hybrid system with a 48-volt electrical system, which sounds like the perfect place to put a turbocharged four in (which has already been spied).

The RAM will be more visible throughout the year, although its debut will likely be the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, with sales beginning shortly thereafter.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is ’19 RAM 1500, caught testing on public roads just outside of Detroit.

FCA is working overtime to get the next-generation RAM out, predicting a big sales bump for truck-hungry consumers. It will come to market with further innovations and refinements that have helped the current truck stand out.

The wheelbase provides a preview into a vastly roomier model, and therefore, more space inside for passengers and cargo. Chrysler is expected to upgrade the interior, especially on popular top-tier models, with the latest UConnect systems and other technologies previewed in the ’17 Pacifica minivan.

The new RAM should also have an innovative split tailgate as an option, based off the new tailgate seen in these images. The RAM 1500 will build on the current model’s technical traits. Expect air suspension and the RAM Boxes.

The V6 and V8 engines should carry on in the lineup, but with a few updates. The 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel should stay put, but FCA’s ongoing problem with the EPA over diesel emissions may alter those plans. The next RAM will also gain a mild hybrid system with a 48-volt electrical system, which sounds like the perfect place to put a turbocharged four in (which has already been spied).

The RAM will be more visible throughout the year, although its debut will likely be the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, with sales beginning shortly thereafter.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Measuring sessions featuring the ’18 Ford F-150, ’18 Mustang and ’18 Expedition will be held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, July 24–25, 2017. At the measuring sessions, attendees will be allowed to examine pre-production ’18-MY vehicles. These vehicles are as “production representative” as possible and may aid your development process for future upfits.

Measuring sessions featuring the ’18 Ford F-150, ’18 Mustang and ’18 Expedition will be held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, July 24–25, 2017. At the measuring sessions, attendees will be allowed to examine pre-production ’18-MY vehicles. These vehicles are as “production representative” as possible and may aid your development process for future upfits.

Measuring sessions featuring the ’18 Ford F-150, ’18 Mustang and ’18 Expedition will be held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, July 24–25, 2017. At the measuring sessions, attendees will be allowed to examine pre-production ’18-MY vehicles. These vehicles are as “production representative” as possible and may aid your development process for future upfits.

Measuring sessions featuring the ’18 Ford F-150, ’18 Mustang and ’18 Expedition will be held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, July 24–25, 2017. At the measuring sessions, attendees will be allowed to examine pre-production ’18-MY vehicles. These vehicles are as “production representative” as possible and may aid your development process for future upfits.

By SEMA Editors

Tim Martin, K&N Engineering vice president and SEMA chairman-elect, thanked an audience of more than 2,500 who had gathered for the annual SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, where he was named the association’s Person of the Year for 2016. The award is among SEMA’s highest honors.

This is the last call to submit nominations for SEMA’s prestigious annual industry awards, which include Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, Representative Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and GEN-III Innovator of the Year. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies that have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market.

The award winners will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 2, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

The nomination period will close July 14, so nominate now!

Person of the Year: The SEMA Person of the Year Award was established in 1969 to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the association and the automotive aftermarket as a whole. During the selection process, the task force takes into consideration the nominees’ service beyond their normal job functions over the past year. Full criteria is available on the SEMA Awards webpage, along with a listing of past honorees. In order to assist the Person of the Year Task Force in making its selection, a brief statement, including the nominee’s accomplishments, is required at the time of submission.

Manufacturer of the Year: The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award has been established to honor a Manufacturer for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. 

GEN-III Innovator of the Year: SEMA is also seeking nominations to recognize young innovators who exhibit the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, and whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current marketplace. Qualifying nominees must be younger than 40 as of December 31, 2016.

Rep Agency of the Year: The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers’ rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months. Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and continuous training and education programs.

Warehouse Distributor of the Year: The SEMA WD of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence, and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

All SEMA members are invited to nominate the companies and individuals that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders for awards in multiple categories.

For questions regarding the SEMA awards program, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

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 classifieds posted to the website.

Inside Sales Representative: Total Cost Involved Engineering Inc. is hiring a sales representative responsible for conducting both inbound and outbound sales activities and growing the business while meeting and exceeding sales goals. Traveling to select car shows around the country to meet with top dealers and end-user customers will be required. The ideal candidate will have more than five years of proven experience in inside or outside sales, with technical sales experience in the auto industry.

Account Executive: DSI is hiring an account executive responsible for traveling daily within the greater designated area in support of cold calling and building new-car dealer accounts through weekly sales calls; obtaining orders while continuously prospecting to expand the client base; and performing product sales-training sessions. A minimum of two years’ experience in automotive aftermarket sales and selling direct to new-car dealers, plus five years’ experience in an outside sales capacity with a significant track record of obtaining and/or exceeding goals are required.

Shop Technician: Northridge 4x4 is hiring a shop technician responsible for installing parts and accessories for Jeep customers, using quality-control methods to ensure that all builds are complete before they leave the shop and maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the shop. This position works under general direction and requires a high level of independent judgment. Two years of work-related experience or a combination of education and experience, including mechanical and Jeep-related knowledge, are required.

Director of Sales and Marketing: EMPI Inc. is seeking a director of sales and marketing with at least five years of automotive sales experience at the management level. Requirements include having a successful sales-management track record and demonstrated ability to develop, lead and motivate a high-performance sales team. Candidates must possess excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills. Additional responsibilities include market planning and implementation, market positioning and branding, managing multiple projects, advertising, promotions, packaging and trade shows.

Classic Car Restoration Specialist: The Creative Workshop is hiring a classic car restoration specialist with experience in surface work, high-build blocking, panel straightening, panel fit, body alignment, painting, color sanding and buffing high-end finishes. Metal (both steel and aluminum) repair and fabrication skills are big pluses. This position requires having a passion for cars.