By Jenny Galvan

Tray Smith discussed the benefits of joining the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) at the 2017 SEMA Show. As ARMO’s select committee chair-elect, Smith shed light on the purpose behind the council, along with their efforts to encourage future generations to pursue a career in the automotive aftermarket and restoration industry.

ARMO is a SEMA council. Dedicated to addressing the many challenges facing this segment of the aftermarket, ARMO directs its efforts toward preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry.

Learn more at www.SEMA.org/armo.

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.

Diesel Exhaust Research and Development Specialist: Diamond Eye Manufacturing is hiring a diesel exhaust research and development specialist for product design and development, using different machines and equipment and interaction with the employees in its facilities, working on vehicles, and customer service and computer work. Candidates must have experience working with diesel trucks, knowledge of engines and computer control systems. Good mechanical skills are required.

Business Development Specialist: VP Racing Fuels is hiring a business development specialist to act as the liaison between new/existing customers, prospects and VP’s corporate teams. This role is to seek new business opportunities by contacting and developing relationships with potential customers. Candidates should have previous experience developing leads from marketing campaigns and meeting sales objectives. A minimum of five years’ prior sales experience is preferred. Experience in selling direct to the big-box retail channel is a plus.

Digital Media Specialist: HPS Performance Products is hiring a digital media specialist to lead the company’s marketing efforts using new media and digital tools to promote our company and increase client engagement. Candidates must have proven work experience as a digital media specialist or digital marketing manager and solid knowledge of Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, Audacity or other media editing software. A bachelor’s degree in marketing, digital media or relevant field is required.

Prep Mechanic and Fabricator: Geiser Bros. Design & Development Inc. is hiring a prep mechanic and fabricator who will be the crew chief for a Trophy Truck both in the shop between races and on the road throughout the racing season. In-shop skills include the ability to perform all tasks required to tear down and rebuild the race truck as needed. On race weeks, this position will be responsible for transporting the race truck to and from the races and prepping it for qualifying and race day. Other duties will include chasing the race truck during the race, being the first point of contact with the race truck during the race and the key decision maker on repairs needed. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical and fabrication experience.

Experienced Powder Coater: Custom Fit Automotive is hiring an experienced powder coater responsible for applying powder paint to wheels, and suspension parts, based on job orders, customer specifics and other documents, and verifying the documentation is correct. Additional responsibilities include washing and sandblasting parts, transferring parts in and out of the oven and ensuring the proper thickness and color is applied to all parts produced.

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

Project vehicle proposals for Ford's project vehicle program must be received by March 1, 2018.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2018. 

2018 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2018
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2018

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 March 1, 2018. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2018 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2018. 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 2018 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

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2018 SEMA Show will follow in January. Details will be provided to allow you to research those products and find high-resolution images for renderings.

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Rob Fridenberg
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Project vehicle proposals for Ford's project vehicle program must be received by March 1, 2018.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2018. 

2018 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2018
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2018

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 March 1, 2018. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2018 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2018. 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 2018 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

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2018 SEMA Show will follow in January. Details will be provided to allow you to research those products and find high-resolution images for renderings.

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Rob Fridenberg
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Project vehicle proposals for Ford's project vehicle program must be received by March 1, 2018.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2018. 

2018 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2018
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2018

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 March 1, 2018. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2018 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2018. 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 2018 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

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2018 SEMA Show will follow in January. Details will be provided to allow you to research those products and find high-resolution images for renderings.

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Rob Fridenberg
semainfo@ford.com

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.

By SEMA Editors

On Sunday, December 17, automotive experts John Gardner and Brian Lohnes will take viewers of the television program “Motorhead Garage” behind the scenes of the 2017 SEMA Show.

Tune in Sunday, December 17, as automotive experts John Gardner and Brian Lohnes take viewers of the television program “Motorhead Garage” behind the scenes of the 2017 SEMA Show. In Part 1 of the special “Exploring the Sights and Sounds of SEMA,” Gardner and Lohnes discover an amazing array of new equipment, technology and automotive advancements at the recent SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The show airs Sunday, December 17, at 8:30 a.m. (EST) on the Velocity Channel.

Visit www.velocity.com/schedule or check your local cable or satellite provider for details.

By SEMA Editors

On Sunday, December 17, automotive experts John Gardner and Brian Lohnes will take viewers of the television program “Motorhead Garage” behind the scenes of the 2017 SEMA Show.

Tune in Sunday, December 17, as automotive experts John Gardner and Brian Lohnes take viewers of the television program “Motorhead Garage” behind the scenes of the 2017 SEMA Show. In Part 1 of the special “Exploring the Sights and Sounds of SEMA,” Gardner and Lohnes discover an amazing array of new equipment, technology and automotive advancements at the recent SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The show airs Sunday, December 17, at 8:30 a.m. (EST) on the Velocity Channel.

Visit www.velocity.com/schedule or check your local cable or satellite provider for details.

By SEMA Editors

Official gear from the 2017 SEMA Show is still available online. From jackets and hoodies to T-shirts, hats and accessories, SEMA Gear is the officially licensed apparel for the Specialty Equipment Market Association and the annual SEMA Show.

Limited items are available and expected to sell out. Visit the site today to place your order.