This is the ’19 Ford Ranger XLT, caught cold weather testing and in production metal with its production face. Up until this point, this truck has only been seen with its mule front end.

Last week we featured the Ranger FX4, and it is now confirmed that the XLT will receive its own unique grille (following in the footsteps of the F-150 lineup).

In other markets, the current XLT can be had with a 3.2L diesel engine found in the Transit. It’s unclear if it will be offered on U.S. models, but the Ranger could be offered in a number of configurations to compete with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

Expect a full complement of Ecoboost four- and six-cylinder engines, and perhaps a diesel. Ford may use the direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 as the premium choice. Ford’s new 10-speed automatic, co-developed with GM, is also expected.

The ’19 Ranger XLT will be revealed next year, more than likely in Detroit.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

In partnership with KIA, the SEMA Garage has announced it will host the ’18 KIA Stinger measuring session. Ushering in a new dynamic era for KIA Motors, the all-new ’18 Stinger is a five-passenger sportback poised to redefine a segment currently populated by European automakers. The Stinger promises to be the highest-performance production vehicle in the company’s history, and is backed by KIA’s industry-leading warranty. The Stinger is offered in five trim levels (Stinger, Premium, GT, GT1, GT2) and luxurious accommodations.

In partnership with KIA, the SEMA Garage has announced it will host the ’18 KIA Stinger measuring session. Ushering in a new dynamic era for KIA Motors, the all-new ’18 Stinger is a five-passenger sportback poised to redefine a segment currently populated by European automakers. The Stinger promises to be the highest-performance production vehicle in the company’s history, and is backed by KIA’s industry-leading warranty. The Stinger is offered in five trim levels (Stinger, Premium, GT, GT1, GT2) and luxurious accommodations.

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has openings for two seats in the Manufacturers category, two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category and one seat in the Services category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Two seats in the Manufacturers category
• Two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category
• One seat in the Services category

Nominations for the 2018 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 4, 2018. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has openings for two seats in the Manufacturers category, two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category and one seat in the Services category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Two seats in the Manufacturers category
• Two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category
• One seat in the Services category

Nominations for the 2018 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 4, 2018. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

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 Salesperson: Competition Specialties Inc. is hiring an inside salesperson. Parts counter, automotive aftermarket and wholesale knowledge or experience is an advantage, but not required. Training will be provided to all successful applicants. 

Graphic Design/Website/Digital Specialist: IDDEA CA. LLC is hiring a graphic design/website/digital specialist responsible for website management, technologies, content, print and digital asset creation, maintenance and administration. The successful candidate will be skilled in concept and creation of marketing assets, digital campaigns and graphical elements from new to existing design/brand concepts. Photo and video production experience is required. The position works under the supervision of the director of marketing.

Sponsor and Ad Salesperson: ProMedia Events & Publishing is hiring a sponsor and ad salesperson responsible for event sponsorship, print advertising, website, on-track video sales and servicing the company’s customer base. Sales experience is required, and an outgoing get-it-done personality is a must. A college degree is a plus, but not required. Candidates must be automotive enthusiasts.

Automotive Customer Service Specialist: Energy Suspension is hiring an automotive customer service specialist to provide customer service, automotive product application information, technical assistance, order processing and respond to emails. Occasional travel to local trade shows and events is required. Candidates must have basic automotive knowledge and prior customer service experience. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus, and ACES and PIES knowledge is preferred.

Salesperson: TFP Inc. is hiring a salesperson with automotive accessories or automotive parts sales experience. Online sales and mass email marketing experience are essential.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• SEMA Measuring Session: ’18 KIA Stinger, January 11, 2018, SEMA Garage, Diamond Bar, California

• MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 23–25, 2018, Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North, Santa Ana, California

• SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, April 3–8, 2018, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• SEMA Australia Business Development Program, May 24–28, 2018, Melbourne, Australia

• Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD), July 13, 2018

• SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• Adenna
• Advanced Clutch
• AEM Induction
• BD Diesel
• DualLiner
• HushMat
• Luverne Truck Equipment
• Motive Gear Performance Differential
• Pedders Suspension
• Remflex
• TEN Factory
• UltimateFlap Mud Flaps
• Vintage Parts
• XForce

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

The RPM Act of 2017 needs your support. Even if you wrote to Congress in 2016, SEMA urges all race fans and businesses to take action again. Go to www.sema.org/RPM to support the RPM Act of 2017 and secure the future of racing today!