By Juan Torres

Mike and Jim Ring’s ’48 Cadillac was one of two Ringbrothers entries named into the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 10.

Mike and Jim Ring have been doing body work and painting cars since they were 10 and 11 years old. Over the past decade, their shop, Ringbrothers, located in Spring Green, Wisconsin, has rocketed into the top ranks of American car builders, thanks to numerous design awards, including the GM Design Award for Best Chevrolet of Show at the 2014 SEMA Show, several Goodguys Gold Awards, back-to-back Goodguys Street Machine of the Year awards, multiple Mothers Shine Awards, countless magazine covers and several builds commissioned by OEMs.

One of their recent builds, a ’48 Cadillac, was one of two Ringbrothers cars that was named to the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 10. With this car, they combined the classic look of the ’48 Cadillac fastback with the performance and technology of the ’16 ATS-V Cadillac by adding a twin-turbo ATS-V V6 with 464 hp and an eight-speed automatic to the classic body.

“We gave the car owner the classic car that he wanted with the reliability of a new car,” said Jim Ring.

The Ringbrothers made it to the Top 3 in the inaugural Battle of the Builders in 2014, the Top 10 in 2015, and were excited to have two cars in the Top 10 in 2016.

“It’s unbelievable. To have two cars in the Top 10, that’s over the top,” said Mike Ring. “We’ve got some great backers—Flowmaster, BASF, Royal Purple and Prestone. We can’t do this without their help. We’re a couple of small guys from the cornfield in Wisconsin.”

Behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and stories of the 2016 Battle of the Builders competition will be showcased in an hour-long TV special that will air at 10:00 p.m. (EST), February 6, on the Velocity Network. Mark your calendars, set your DVRs and tell your friends not to miss the show.

For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com/botb, and check out Mike and Jim Ring’s behind-the-scenes videos on SEMA’s YouTube channel.

By Juan Torres

Mike and Jim Ring’s ’48 Cadillac was one of two Ringbrothers entries named into the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 10.

Mike and Jim Ring have been doing body work and painting cars since they were 10 and 11 years old. Over the past decade, their shop, Ringbrothers, located in Spring Green, Wisconsin, has rocketed into the top ranks of American car builders, thanks to numerous design awards, including the GM Design Award for Best Chevrolet of Show at the 2014 SEMA Show, several Goodguys Gold Awards, back-to-back Goodguys Street Machine of the Year awards, multiple Mothers Shine Awards, countless magazine covers and several builds commissioned by OEMs.

One of their recent builds, a ’48 Cadillac, was one of two Ringbrothers cars that was named to the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 10. With this car, they combined the classic look of the ’48 Cadillac fastback with the performance and technology of the ’16 ATS-V Cadillac by adding a twin-turbo ATS-V V6 with 464 hp and an eight-speed automatic to the classic body.

“We gave the car owner the classic car that he wanted with the reliability of a new car,” said Jim Ring.

The Ringbrothers made it to the Top 3 in the inaugural Battle of the Builders in 2014, the Top 10 in 2015, and were excited to have two cars in the Top 10 in 2016.

“It’s unbelievable. To have two cars in the Top 10, that’s over the top,” said Mike Ring. “We’ve got some great backers—Flowmaster, BASF, Royal Purple and Prestone. We can’t do this without their help. We’re a couple of small guys from the cornfield in Wisconsin.”

Behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and stories of the 2016 Battle of the Builders competition will be showcased in an hour-long TV special that will air at 10:00 p.m. (EST), February 6, on the Velocity Network. Mark your calendars, set your DVRs and tell your friends not to miss the show.

For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com/botb, and check out Mike and Jim Ring’s behind-the-scenes videos on SEMA’s YouTube channel.

By Juan Torres

Mike and Jim Ring’s ’48 Cadillac was one of two Ringbrothers entries named into the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 10.

Mike and Jim Ring have been doing body work and painting cars since they were 10 and 11 years old. Over the past decade, their shop, Ringbrothers, located in Spring Green, Wisconsin, has rocketed into the top ranks of American car builders, thanks to numerous design awards, including the GM Design Award for Best Chevrolet of Show at the 2014 SEMA Show, several Goodguys Gold Awards, back-to-back Goodguys Street Machine of the Year awards, multiple Mothers Shine Awards, countless magazine covers and several builds commissioned by OEMs.

One of their recent builds, a ’48 Cadillac, was one of two Ringbrothers cars that was named to the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 10. With this car, they combined the classic look of the ’48 Cadillac fastback with the performance and technology of the ’16 ATS-V Cadillac by adding a twin-turbo ATS-V V6 with 464 hp and an eight-speed automatic to the classic body.

“We gave the car owner the classic car that he wanted with the reliability of a new car,” said Jim Ring.

The Ringbrothers made it to the Top 3 in the inaugural Battle of the Builders in 2014, the Top 10 in 2015, and were excited to have two cars in the Top 10 in 2016.

“It’s unbelievable. To have two cars in the Top 10, that’s over the top,” said Mike Ring. “We’ve got some great backers—Flowmaster, BASF, Royal Purple and Prestone. We can’t do this without their help. We’re a couple of small guys from the cornfield in Wisconsin.”

Behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and stories of the 2016 Battle of the Builders competition will be showcased in an hour-long TV special that will air at 10:00 p.m. (EST), February 6, on the Velocity Network. Mark your calendars, set your DVRs and tell your friends not to miss the show.

For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com/botb, and check out Mike and Jim Ring’s behind-the-scenes videos on SEMA’s YouTube channel.

By Juan Torres

Mike and Jim Ring’s ’48 Cadillac was one of two Ringbrothers entries named into the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 10.

Mike and Jim Ring have been doing body work and painting cars since they were 10 and 11 years old. Over the past decade, their shop, Ringbrothers, located in Spring Green, Wisconsin, has rocketed into the top ranks of American car builders, thanks to numerous design awards, including the GM Design Award for Best Chevrolet of Show at the 2014 SEMA Show, several Goodguys Gold Awards, back-to-back Goodguys Street Machine of the Year awards, multiple Mothers Shine Awards, countless magazine covers and several builds commissioned by OEMs.

One of their recent builds, a ’48 Cadillac, was one of two Ringbrothers cars that was named to the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 10. With this car, they combined the classic look of the ’48 Cadillac fastback with the performance and technology of the ’16 ATS-V Cadillac by adding a twin-turbo ATS-V V6 with 464 hp and an eight-speed automatic to the classic body.

“We gave the car owner the classic car that he wanted with the reliability of a new car,” said Jim Ring.

The Ringbrothers made it to the Top 3 in the inaugural Battle of the Builders in 2014, the Top 10 in 2015, and were excited to have two cars in the Top 10 in 2016.

“It’s unbelievable. To have two cars in the Top 10, that’s over the top,” said Mike Ring. “We’ve got some great backers—Flowmaster, BASF, Royal Purple and Prestone. We can’t do this without their help. We’re a couple of small guys from the cornfield in Wisconsin.”

Behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and stories of the 2016 Battle of the Builders competition will be showcased in an hour-long TV special that will air at 10:00 p.m. (EST), February 6, on the Velocity Network. Mark your calendars, set your DVRs and tell your friends not to miss the show.

For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com/botb, and check out Mike and Jim Ring’s behind-the-scenes videos on SEMA’s YouTube channel.

By SEMA Editors

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites you to join them at their open meeting being held in conjunction with the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California. Catch up with fellow HRIA members and the select committee. Learn about the latest council initiatives and further opportunities for involvement.

The meeting will be held January 27, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m., at The Sheraton Fairplex Convention Center, Sonoma Room.

Register here!

For questions, please contact Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils, at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

By SEMA Editors

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites you to join them at their open meeting being held in conjunction with the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California. Catch up with fellow HRIA members and the select committee. Learn about the latest council initiatives and further opportunities for involvement.

The meeting will be held January 27, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m., at The Sheraton Fairplex Convention Center, Sonoma Room.

Register here!

For questions, please contact Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils, at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

By Kristin Atwan

Each company paticipating in the SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference is provided with a turnkey booth at the Custom Show Emirates. In 2016, exhibitors in the SEMA section met with pre-vetted trade buyers who traveled to the event from 10 countries.

In addition to the previously announced funding by the State of California, five more states have confirmed the availability of grants to qualified companies to participate in the SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 28–April 1, 2017. The program includes a turnkey booth at the Custom Show Emirates, four nights’ hotel and meals. The state funds are in addition to the $900 provided by the federal U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.

States confirmed to have funds to defray participation costs include:

• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Nebraska
• Ohio

2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference event schedule:

March 28: Briefing with U.S. government officials, buyer panel.
March 29: Visit accessory, performance and off-road retailers and wholesalers. Evening networking event with buyers.
March 30: SEMA section at the Custom Show Emirates open only to pre-vetted trade buyers.
March 31: SEMA measuring session demonstration. SEMA section open to all.
April 1: Options: Exhibit for an additional day, private meetings with buyers, depart for the United States.

Five reasons to consider the Middle East markets:

1. Deep pockets. The UAE has one of the world’s highest per-capita (ranking sixth worldwide) disposable incomes, and thus the funds to pursue hobbies.
2. Important market for U.S.-built vehicles. The Saudi Arabian market is the fifth top market for U.S. vehicle sales and the UAE market ranks eighth. All six of the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE) are in the top 20 destinations for U.S.-made vehicles.
3. Positive perception of U.S. products and culture. In a nod to the popularity of U.S. culture in the region and the recognition that the UAE has a strong enthusiast base, the Fast and Furious 7 was filmed in the UAE. TV car customizing shows, such as “Pimp My Ride” and “Overhaulin’,” attracted big audiences
4. Very strong car culture and also a multi-car-per-family culture. The UAE has the most motorsports facilities per capita in the world. Off-roading (primarily on sand) is a national pastime, and the UAE’s national day would not be complete without an all-out classic-car display and parade including customized vehicles.
5. Similar to the United States market, light trucks are extremely popular in the Middle East. In fact, half of the passenger vehicles on Middle East roads are light trucks, with the Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Ford Explorer and Jeep among the top-selling SUVs. Top pickups include the Toyota HiLux, Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-Series, among others.

View a copy of the 2016 SEMA Middle East post-show report.

Watch a video of the 2016 trip.

Read the flyer for the 2017 trip.

Register now for the 2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference.

To learn more about all of SEMA’s overseas trips, including the March 28–April 1 trip to the Middle East, the May 23–27 SEMA Business Development Program to Australia and the September trip to China, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org. 

By Kristin Atwan

Each company paticipating in the SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference is provided with a turnkey booth at the Custom Show Emirates. In 2016, exhibitors in the SEMA section met with pre-vetted trade buyers who traveled to the event from 10 countries.

In addition to the previously announced funding by the State of California, five more states have confirmed the availability of grants to qualified companies to participate in the SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 28–April 1, 2017. The program includes a turnkey booth at the Custom Show Emirates, four nights’ hotel and meals. The state funds are in addition to the $900 provided by the federal U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.

States confirmed to have funds to defray participation costs include:

• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Nebraska
• Ohio

2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference event schedule:

March 28: Briefing with U.S. government officials, buyer panel.
March 29: Visit accessory, performance and off-road retailers and wholesalers. Evening networking event with buyers.
March 30: SEMA section at the Custom Show Emirates open only to pre-vetted trade buyers.
March 31: SEMA measuring session demonstration. SEMA section open to all.
April 1: Options: Exhibit for an additional day, private meetings with buyers, depart for the United States.

Five reasons to consider the Middle East markets:

1. Deep pockets. The UAE has one of the world’s highest per-capita (ranking sixth worldwide) disposable incomes, and thus the funds to pursue hobbies.
2. Important market for U.S.-built vehicles. The Saudi Arabian market is the fifth top market for U.S. vehicle sales and the UAE market ranks eighth. All six of the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE) are in the top 20 destinations for U.S.-made vehicles.
3. Positive perception of U.S. products and culture. In a nod to the popularity of U.S. culture in the region and the recognition that the UAE has a strong enthusiast base, the Fast and Furious 7 was filmed in the UAE. TV car customizing shows, such as “Pimp My Ride” and “Overhaulin’,” attracted big audiences
4. Very strong car culture and also a multi-car-per-family culture. The UAE has the most motorsports facilities per capita in the world. Off-roading (primarily on sand) is a national pastime, and the UAE’s national day would not be complete without an all-out classic-car display and parade including customized vehicles.
5. Similar to the United States market, light trucks are extremely popular in the Middle East. In fact, half of the passenger vehicles on Middle East roads are light trucks, with the Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Ford Explorer and Jeep among the top-selling SUVs. Top pickups include the Toyota HiLux, Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-Series, among others.

View a copy of the 2016 SEMA Middle East post-show report.

Watch a video of the 2016 trip.

Read the flyer for the 2017 trip.

Register now for the 2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference.

To learn more about all of SEMA’s overseas trips, including the March 28–April 1 trip to the Middle East, the May 23–27 SEMA Business Development Program to Australia and the September trip to China, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org. 

This is the ’18 Ford F-150, caught on the road showing off its new face before its expected NAIAS debut.

The best-selling vehicle will get some cosmetic changes to keep it fresh and visually interesting as its tech gets updated underneath. The front end emulates the Super Duty two-bar design, but adds some softer design cues. The tailgate also gets a redesign, with a new handle and a more subdued look without a visible crease.

By the time the facelifted model appears, many F-150 models should be offered with the 10-speed automatic, developed jointly with GM and headed first for the Raptor. A revised Ecoboost V6 engine should provide more power and efficiency than before as Ford continues to seek fuel-economy gains for its big truck. A V6 diesel should also appear in time for the facelift, although the planned gas-electric hybrid version may be further off.

Expect to see the revised F-150 on sale by 2018 and debuting next week in Joe Louis Arena, according to sources.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’18 Ford F-150, caught on the road showing off its new face before its expected NAIAS debut.

The best-selling vehicle will get some cosmetic changes to keep it fresh and visually interesting as its tech gets updated underneath. The front end emulates the Super Duty two-bar design, but adds some softer design cues. The tailgate also gets a redesign, with a new handle and a more subdued look without a visible crease.

By the time the facelifted model appears, many F-150 models should be offered with the 10-speed automatic, developed jointly with GM and headed first for the Raptor. A revised Ecoboost V6 engine should provide more power and efficiency than before as Ford continues to seek fuel-economy gains for its big truck. A V6 diesel should also appear in time for the facelift, although the planned gas-electric hybrid version may be further off.

Expect to see the revised F-150 on sale by 2018 and debuting next week in Joe Louis Arena, according to sources.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde