By SEMA Editors

PWA President John Towle (left) presents Tom Bougie (right) with the PWA Person of the Year award in 1995.

Thomas G. Bougie, 63, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, died Thursday, February 18, in Altru Hospital after a battle with cancer. A sales rep for Considine Sales & Marketing, Bougie had more than 30 years of aftermarket experience in manufacturing sales management. He was awarded PWA's Person of the Year in 1995.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Debra from Grand Forks; sons Derek, 43, and Danny, 41; granddaughters Jordan, 22, Piperlily, 3, and Ivorewillow, 13 months from California; brother Paul, 73, from New Mexico; and sister Mary from Minnesota.

The memorial service was held February 21 at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks.

By SEMA Editors

Applications for loan forgiveness and automotive scholarships for current students, available through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF), are due March 1.

As an exclusive member benefit, SEMA offers loan forgiveness awards to employees who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans.

Applications for loan forgiveness and automotive scholarships for current students, available through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF), are due March 1, 2016. Students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries may be eligible for financial awards of up to $5,000.

“Employers are encouraged to share this great resource with all their employees,” said Zane Clark, SEMA education director. “Our hope is that we’ll continue to attract, retain and reward highly qualified employees that contribute and make strong, positive impacts in our industry.”

The SMSF is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Scholarship awards range from $2,000–$3,000, with $5,000 going to the top student. Assistance is available for career paths in the automotive industry in accounting, engineering, race car driver/crew, administration, information technology, sales/marketing, advertising, manufacturing, technicians, design/graphics, photo/journalism and transportation.

The application deadline for all SMSF awards is March 1, 2016. For additional details, visit SEMA’s website or contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org or 909-978-6655.

By SEMA Editors

Applications for loan forgiveness and automotive scholarships for current students, available through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF), are due March 1.

As an exclusive member benefit, SEMA offers loan forgiveness awards to employees who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans.

Applications for loan forgiveness and automotive scholarships for current students, available through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF), are due March 1, 2016. Students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries may be eligible for financial awards of up to $5,000.

“Employers are encouraged to share this great resource with all their employees,” said Zane Clark, SEMA education director. “Our hope is that we’ll continue to attract, retain and reward highly qualified employees that contribute and make strong, positive impacts in our industry.”

The SMSF is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Scholarship awards range from $2,000–$3,000, with $5,000 going to the top student. Assistance is available for career paths in the automotive industry in accounting, engineering, race car driver/crew, administration, information technology, sales/marketing, advertising, manufacturing, technicians, design/graphics, photo/journalism and transportation.

The application deadline for all SMSF awards is March 1, 2016. For additional details, visit SEMA’s website or contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org or 909-978-6655.

By SEMA Editors

Applications for loan forgiveness and automotive scholarships for current students, available through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF), are due March 1.

As an exclusive member benefit, SEMA offers loan forgiveness awards to employees who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans.

Applications for loan forgiveness and automotive scholarships for current students, available through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF), are due March 1, 2016. Students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries may be eligible for financial awards of up to $5,000.

“Employers are encouraged to share this great resource with all their employees,” said Zane Clark, SEMA education director. “Our hope is that we’ll continue to attract, retain and reward highly qualified employees that contribute and make strong, positive impacts in our industry.”

The SMSF is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Scholarship awards range from $2,000–$3,000, with $5,000 going to the top student. Assistance is available for career paths in the automotive industry in accounting, engineering, race car driver/crew, administration, information technology, sales/marketing, advertising, manufacturing, technicians, design/graphics, photo/journalism and transportation.

The application deadline for all SMSF awards is March 1, 2016. For additional details, visit SEMA’s website or contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org or 909-978-6655.

By SEMA Editors

The ’16 Ford Mustang is just one of the many vehicles being highlighted for Ford’s 2016 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

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 ’16 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.

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

The ’16 Ford Mustang is just one of the many vehicles being highlighted for Ford’s 2016 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

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 ’16 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.

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

The ’16 Ford Mustang is just one of the many vehicles being highlighted for Ford’s 2016 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

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 ’16 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.

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

On March 1, 2016, the SEMA Garage will host a first-of-its-kind measuring session on the all-new ’17 Audi R8. Starting at $164,000, the 540hp naturally aspirated V10 Audi R8 represents the pinnacle of performance and engineering for the Audi brand. For SEMA members who support this niche category, don’t miss this one-day-only opportunity to get hands-on with the new Audi. Modest disassembly will be permitted, including wheels, brakes, suspension and limited interior component. Photography and scanning will also be permitted. Audi will also have an accessory marketing rep on hand to answer any questions.

In addition, the ’16 Ford Focus RS is coming to the SEMA Garage. The all-new, third-generation, high-performance all-wheel-drive hatch features a specially tuned 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivering well in excess of 315 hp, along with the most powerful Ford RS braking system ever. This pre-production Focus RS will be available exclusively to SEMA members.

On March 1, 2016, the SEMA Garage will host a first-of-its-kind measuring session on the all-new ’17 Audi R8. Starting at $164,000, the 540hp naturally aspirated V10 Audi R8 represents the pinnacle of performance and engineering for the Audi brand. For SEMA members who support this niche category, don’t miss this one-day-only opportunity to get hands-on with the new Audi. Modest disassembly will be permitted, including wheels, brakes, suspension and limited interior component. Photography and scanning will also be permitted. Audi will also have an accessory marketing rep on hand to answer any questions.

In addition, the ’16 Ford Focus RS is coming to the SEMA Garage. The all-new, third-generation, high-performance all-wheel-drive hatch features a specially tuned 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivering well in excess of 315 hp, along with the most powerful Ford RS braking system ever. This pre-production Focus RS will be available exclusively to SEMA members.

On March 1, 2016, the SEMA Garage will host a first-of-its-kind measuring session on the all-new ’17 Audi R8. Starting at $164,000, the 540hp naturally aspirated V10 Audi R8 represents the pinnacle of performance and engineering for the Audi brand. For SEMA members who support this niche category, don’t miss this one-day-only opportunity to get hands-on with the new Audi. Modest disassembly will be permitted, including wheels, brakes, suspension and limited interior component. Photography and scanning will also be permitted. Audi will also have an accessory marketing rep on hand to answer any questions.

In addition, the ’16 Ford Focus RS is coming to the SEMA Garage. The all-new, third-generation, high-performance all-wheel-drive hatch features a specially tuned 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivering well in excess of 315 hp, along with the most powerful Ford RS braking system ever. This pre-production Focus RS will be available exclusively to SEMA members.