By SEMA Editors

Ford has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020. 

2020 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: February 1, 2020
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2020

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

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by January 27, 2020. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2020 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by February 3, 2020. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

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 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
• 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. Social-media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Kyle Ebner and Sherry Kollien
semainfo@ford.com

By Kristopher Porter

The SBN biannual general membership call will review 2020 and 2021 SBN initiatives and discuss opportunities for members to get more involved in the group’s programming.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) biannual general membership call, taking place February 4, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), will review 2020 and 2021 SBN initiatives and discuss opportunities for members to get more involved in the group’s programming.

Do you have colleagues interested in the advancement of women in the automotive aftermarket? Invite them to join SBN. It’s easy and free for all employees of SEMA-member companies.

Call Agenda:

• Welcome and Mission Statement    
• Introductions    
• Major Initiatives    
• SBN Events
• SBN Meetup at Keystone Big Show     
• SBN Lunch & Learn    
• On-Going Volunteer Opportunities    
• Social Media/Website
• Articles—Print and Digital
• Regional Ambassadors    
• New Programs
• Member Feedback     

RSVP to SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison to receive the teleconference number and calendar invite.

SEMA encourages those who have questions or comments during the call to ask them via the phone and/or to post inquiries on the SBN General Membership Facebook Events page.

By Kristopher Porter

The SBN biannual general membership call will review 2020 and 2021 SBN initiatives and discuss opportunities for members to get more involved in the group’s programming.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) biannual general membership call, taking place February 4, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), will review 2020 and 2021 SBN initiatives and discuss opportunities for members to get more involved in the group’s programming.

Do you have colleagues interested in the advancement of women in the automotive aftermarket? Invite them to join SBN. It’s easy and free for all employees of SEMA-member companies.

Call Agenda:

• Welcome and Mission Statement    
• Introductions    
• Major Initiatives    
• SBN Events
• SBN Meetup at Keystone Big Show     
• SBN Lunch & Learn    
• On-Going Volunteer Opportunities    
• Social Media/Website
• Articles—Print and Digital
• Regional Ambassadors    
• New Programs
• Member Feedback     

RSVP to SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison to receive the teleconference number and calendar invite.

SEMA encourages those who have questions or comments during the call to ask them via the phone and/or to post inquiries on the SBN General Membership Facebook Events page.

By Kristopher Porter

Sally McNulty

Join fellow Young Executive Network (YEN) members and industry leaders, February 4, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) on YEN’s Facebook page for the YEN Live Chat where participants can ask Snail Performance Global Time Attack driver Sally McNulty questions about the industry. Mark your calendars! You won't want to miss this.

McNulty drives a heavily modified ’17 Subaru STi that makes 560 awhp. She is also a professional race car driver for Honda Performance Development (HPD) in Honda’s turnkey Civic Si race car. She competes on a national level, earning multiple podium finishes and class records with Gridlife, Global Time Attack, TC America and Super Lap Battle. She also works with Hoonigan. McNulty is currently the fastest female in Time Attack Racing and is working toward achieving the same success in the wheel2wheel racing field.

This live chat is an open Q&A where participants will have a chance to communicate directly with McNulty. Have your questions ready!

By Kristopher Porter

Sally McNulty

Join fellow Young Executive Network (YEN) members and industry leaders, February 4, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) on YEN’s Facebook page for the YEN Live Chat where participants can ask Snail Performance Global Time Attack driver Sally McNulty questions about the industry. Mark your calendars! You won't want to miss this.

McNulty drives a heavily modified ’17 Subaru STi that makes 560 awhp. She is also a professional race car driver for Honda Performance Development (HPD) in Honda’s turnkey Civic Si race car. She competes on a national level, earning multiple podium finishes and class records with Gridlife, Global Time Attack, TC America and Super Lap Battle. She also works with Hoonigan. McNulty is currently the fastest female in Time Attack Racing and is working toward achieving the same success in the wheel2wheel racing field.

This live chat is an open Q&A where participants will have a chance to communicate directly with McNulty. Have your questions ready!

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) continues to be a strong advocate for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. As soon as he heard about the threat to motorsports—a key economic driver in his district, which includes Charlotte Motor Speedway and Rockingham Dragway—he got to work. Not only is he an original co-sponsor of the RPM Act, but he also questioned then EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy about the regulation at a Congressional committee hearing and penned a letter to the agency questioning its authority to regulate vehicles used exclusively at the track.

Watch the video below to learn more about Rep. Hudson and then send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) continues to be a strong advocate for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. As soon as he heard about the threat to motorsports—a key economic driver in his district, which includes Charlotte Motor Speedway and Rockingham Dragway—he got to work. Not only is he an original co-sponsor of the RPM Act, but he also questioned then EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy about the regulation at a Congressional committee hearing and penned a letter to the agency questioning its authority to regulate vehicles used exclusively at the track.

Watch the video below to learn more about Rep. Hudson and then send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) continues to be a strong advocate for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. As soon as he heard about the threat to motorsports—a key economic driver in his district, which includes Charlotte Motor Speedway and Rockingham Dragway—he got to work. Not only is he an original co-sponsor of the RPM Act, but he also questioned then EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy about the regulation at a Congressional committee hearing and penned a letter to the agency questioning its authority to regulate vehicles used exclusively at the track.

Watch the video below to learn more about Rep. Hudson and then send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) continues to be a strong advocate for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. As soon as he heard about the threat to motorsports—a key economic driver in his district, which includes Charlotte Motor Speedway and Rockingham Dragway—he got to work. Not only is he an original co-sponsor of the RPM Act, but he also questioned then EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy about the regulation at a Congressional committee hearing and penned a letter to the agency questioning its authority to regulate vehicles used exclusively at the track.

Watch the video below to learn more about Rep. Hudson and then send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

A+E Networks and Barrett-Jackson Auctions Enter Programming Agreement

A+E Networks and Barrett-Jackson have announced a programming agreement for “Barrett-Jackson Live,” which will air on FYI and HISTORY, beginning with the 18th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction, April 16–18. Set to debut as part of the networks’ Drive Block, “Barrett-Jackson Live” will offer live programming as well as premieres, short-form and original Barrett-Jackson specials. The programming will air across weekend dayparts on HISTORY and primetime on FYI, as well as non-linear platforms. The content on FYI and HISTORY will be unique compared to other programming for each channel. Barrett-Jackson Live will be distributed globally by A+E International.

BorgWarner to Buy Delphi for $3.3 Billion

Auto parts supplier BorgWarner is acquiring Delphi Technologies in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $3.3 billion, partly to help strengthen its power electronics products. Delphi Technologies PLC shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.4534 shares of BorgWarner stock for each Delphi Technologies share they own. BorgWarner Inc. stockholders are expected to own about 84% of the combined company, with Delphi Technologies shareholders owning approximately 16%. BorgWarner President and CEO Frédéric Lissalde will lead the combined company, which will be based at BorgWarner’s headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The transaction is targeted to close in the second half of the year. It still needs approval from Delphi Technologies shareholders. BorgWarner's stock fell 7.1% in Tuesday premarket trading, while shares of Delphi Technologies soared 60%.

Travis French

Travis French Named Loss Control Consultant With RevPro

Travis French was named loss control consultant with RevPro—a specialty insurance program created by Alliant Insurance Services. He oversees all of the company’s middle-market clients on the West Coast, helping them to maintain OSHA compliance, determining what drives client losses from a workers’ compensation standpoint and assisting them with managing safety programs tailored to their specific needs. He started working with Alliant in December 2017. He was previously safety and risk management director for Universal Waste Systems Inc., where he oversaw the company’s safety department.

Josh Steinmetz

Lubrication Specialties Inc. Announces Josh Steinmetz as New Digital Marketing Manager

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI), manufacturer of Hot Shot’s Secret brand of performance additives and oils, has announced Josh Steinmetz as the company’s new digital marketing manager. Steinmetz brings a decade of creative and digital marketing experience to the company’s growing marketing team. With a background in developing marketing strategy, social media, advertising management, creative production, website maintenance, photography and videography, he brings a broad-based skill set to the position. As digital marketing manager, Steinmetz will be responsible for developing the digital strategy, content, analytics and ROI for all Hot Shot’s Secret 35+ products across multiple markets with a goal of ensuring a future-state mindset to emerging industry and consumer digital media trends to build brand awareness and loyalty. Previously, Steinmetz served as the digital communications director for the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) from February 2010 until he came on board with Hot Shot’s Secret in December 2019. His experience with NTPA was instrumental in the development of a robust NPTA sponsorship for Hot Shot’s Secret in 2020 that included promotional activities at all events, addition of banners, decals and PA announcements, inclusion in NTPA’s TV series, exposure at top retail locations and Hot Shot’s Secret research and product testing with top-level drivers.

Larry Magee

Larry Magee Selected as AACF Board of Trustees Vice President

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) announced the selection of Larry Magee as vice president of the Board of Trustees. Magee has been involved with the AACF for more than 25 years, and currently serves on the Foundation’s Executive Committee, Recipient Review Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and Golf Committee. During his career in the aftermarket Magee held CEO/president positions with several companies, including Bridgestone/Firestone, Heartland Automotive and Magnolia Enterprise Group.

Racing Electronics Selects Guy Gauthier to Lead New Motorsports Technology and Development Division

Racing Electronics has announced Guy Gauthier as director of Motorsports Technology and Development, the newest division within Racing Electronics’ professional services department. The Motorsports Technology and Development department will expand Racing Electronics’ research, development and deployment capabilities for all forms of competitor and spectator communication technology. Gauthier joins Racing Electronics following a 22-year career with Diversified Electronics’ Racing Radios division, where he led the engineering and development of many popular motorsport communications devices for use in NASCAR, IMSA and IndyCar. Gauthier began his technical career as a navigational and meteorological technician for the United States Air Force, stationed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, before serving in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Brake Parts Inc. Presents Leadership Awards

Brake Parts Inc. (BPI) recently honored five team members with the BPI Leadership Award. The following award recipients were recognized for their performance excellence, dedication and commitment to the success of both BPI and its customers:

• David Ferretti, vice president, sales – NAPA
• Kristin Grons, marketing manager – Raybestos
• Mark Massoth, director of pricing
• Michael Caruso, vice president, finance and global controller
• Yu Jun, vice general manager – quality control and engineering, Haimeng, China

The BPI Leadership Awards are presented annually, and nominations are made by members of the BPI Global Leadership Team. Employees nominated for the award must exhibit several of the following leadership qualities, including: strong financial and operational acumen, customer-focused, results-driven, inspirational leadership, ability to build and manage collaborative relationships, entrepreneurship and strong personal development.

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.