By AJ Carney

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to the first Town Hall Meeting of 2017. Taking place from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., Thursday, February 16, at Baer Inc.’s facility in Phoenix, the meeting brings together industry members for an evening of networking with local leaders and the SEMA team.

Register for the Phoenix Town Hall.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States, and invites you to attend a Town Hall near you.

For more information on the 2017 Town Hall Series or to register, visit SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6681 or kristenf@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to the first Town Hall Meeting of 2017. Taking place from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., Thursday, February 16, at Baer Inc.’s facility in Phoenix, the meeting brings together industry members for an evening of networking with local leaders and the SEMA team.

Register for the Phoenix Town Hall.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States, and invites you to attend a Town Hall near you.

For more information on the 2017 Town Hall Series or to register, visit SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6681 or kristenf@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

Last year, nearly 40 SEMA-member companies traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the fifth SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference. This year, California-based companies are eligible for a $1,500 grant to help defray the costs to participate.

Qualified California-based companies traveling with SEMA for the 2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, March 28–April 1, are eligible for a $1,500 grant to help defray the costs to participate. These newly announced funds are in addition to the $900 provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce for a total of $2,400 in grants. Sixteen California-based companies are part of the 32-company delegation traveling to the Middle East. Find out which companies are going.

To learn more about SEMA overseas trips, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org. Information regarding the SEMA Middle East trip is available online. For those who are not from California but want to find out if their state offers funds to participate in the Middle East trip, contact Linda Spencer.

By Linda Spencer

Last year, nearly 40 SEMA-member companies traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the fifth SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference. This year, California-based companies are eligible for a $1,500 grant to help defray the costs to participate.

Qualified California-based companies traveling with SEMA for the 2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, March 28–April 1, are eligible for a $1,500 grant to help defray the costs to participate. These newly announced funds are in addition to the $900 provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce for a total of $2,400 in grants. Sixteen California-based companies are part of the 32-company delegation traveling to the Middle East. Find out which companies are going.

To learn more about SEMA overseas trips, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org. Information regarding the SEMA Middle East trip is available online. For those who are not from California but want to find out if their state offers funds to participate in the Middle East trip, contact Linda Spencer.

By SEMA Editors

2018 Ford Expedition

Ford has announced that the all-new ’18 Expedition has been added to its 2017 Project Vehicle Program. Last week, the automaker revealed 10 models it plans to highlight for the program in its booth at the 2017 SEMA Show.

In addition, Ford was joined by the Dallas Cowboys in revealing the all-new Expedition, Tuesday, February 7, on Facebook Live.  

According to Ford, the all-new Expedition is the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever, with technology to keep every passenger connected, more power for drivers and more expected towing capability than any other full-size SUV.

“When the Expedition was introduced 20 years ago, it set the standard for active families who simply needed a big and strong SUV to take them places,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Today’s families want even more smart technology to help them cover more ground safely, more efficiently and more comfortably—all while staying connected to friends and family.”

An all-new high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame form the foundation for the Expedition’s rugged off-road and strong towing capabilities. More than 40 features and driver-assist technologies new to the Expedition include class-exclusive enhanced active park assist to easily pull in and out of parking spots, and available 360-degree camera technology to help customers see more around their Expedition for easier parking.

On the road, Expedition’s lane-keeping aid is designed to reduce unintentional drifting of the vehicle outside its intended lane, while adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go allows drivers to set a cruising speed, using radar and camera technology to monitor traffic to maintain a set distance between vehicles.

Its collision-avoidance detection system helps drivers avoid other vehicles or pedestrians, while an available Blind Spot Information System helps monitor blind spots outside the driver’s immediate view.

Powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost engine with standard Auto Start-Stop plus a class-exclusive new 10-speed automatic transmission, the all-new Expedition is the most powerful Expedition ever. A newly available electronic limited-slip differential on models with intelligent 4WD enables improved off-road capability by sending power where it’s needed.

Available in XLT, Limited and Platinum series, the all-new Expedition has a roomy, flexible interior with seating for up to eight people and their gear. A sliding second-row seat with tip-and-slide functionality provides easy access to the third row without the need to first remove a child safety seat. The third row offers more legroom and reclining seats. The second- and third-row seats can be quickly folded flat with the push of a button to open up a cargo area wide enough to handle 4x8-ft. sheets of plywood and other gear, depending on cargo weight and load distribution, even with the liftgate closed.

For those who want to go even bigger, the ’18 Expedition MAX is nearly a foot longer than the Expedition, and can accommodate an additional 16.8 cu. ft. of cargo. There is also more head and leg room in the last row.

Expedition’s all-new Terrain Management System allows drivers to choose between drive modes for optimal vehicle handling in different conditions. This includes normal for around-town driving, sport for more spirited trips, tow/haul for improved towing and hauling performance, eco for enhanced fuel economy, grass/gravel/snow for loose terrain, sand for low traction situations, and mud/rut for uneven surfaces.

Visit Facebook Live or @FordOnline for a video-on-demand version of the event. Watch the Dallas Cowboys help Ford surprise a well-deserving first responder with a new Expedition. Visit @FordOnline for more information about the all-new Expedition. 

For more information about Ford’s 2017 Project Vehicle Program, including criteria, the proposal submission deadline and a list of featured vehicles, view last week’s SEMA eNews article.

By SEMA Editors

2018 Ford Expedition

Ford has announced that the all-new ’18 Expedition has been added to its 2017 Project Vehicle Program. Last week, the automaker revealed 10 models it plans to highlight for the program in its booth at the 2017 SEMA Show.

In addition, Ford was joined by the Dallas Cowboys in revealing the all-new Expedition, Tuesday, February 7, on Facebook Live.  

According to Ford, the all-new Expedition is the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever, with technology to keep every passenger connected, more power for drivers and more expected towing capability than any other full-size SUV.

“When the Expedition was introduced 20 years ago, it set the standard for active families who simply needed a big and strong SUV to take them places,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Today’s families want even more smart technology to help them cover more ground safely, more efficiently and more comfortably—all while staying connected to friends and family.”

An all-new high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame form the foundation for the Expedition’s rugged off-road and strong towing capabilities. More than 40 features and driver-assist technologies new to the Expedition include class-exclusive enhanced active park assist to easily pull in and out of parking spots, and available 360-degree camera technology to help customers see more around their Expedition for easier parking.

On the road, Expedition’s lane-keeping aid is designed to reduce unintentional drifting of the vehicle outside its intended lane, while adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go allows drivers to set a cruising speed, using radar and camera technology to monitor traffic to maintain a set distance between vehicles.

Its collision-avoidance detection system helps drivers avoid other vehicles or pedestrians, while an available Blind Spot Information System helps monitor blind spots outside the driver’s immediate view.

Powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost engine with standard Auto Start-Stop plus a class-exclusive new 10-speed automatic transmission, the all-new Expedition is the most powerful Expedition ever. A newly available electronic limited-slip differential on models with intelligent 4WD enables improved off-road capability by sending power where it’s needed.

Available in XLT, Limited and Platinum series, the all-new Expedition has a roomy, flexible interior with seating for up to eight people and their gear. A sliding second-row seat with tip-and-slide functionality provides easy access to the third row without the need to first remove a child safety seat. The third row offers more legroom and reclining seats. The second- and third-row seats can be quickly folded flat with the push of a button to open up a cargo area wide enough to handle 4x8-ft. sheets of plywood and other gear, depending on cargo weight and load distribution, even with the liftgate closed.

For those who want to go even bigger, the ’18 Expedition MAX is nearly a foot longer than the Expedition, and can accommodate an additional 16.8 cu. ft. of cargo. There is also more head and leg room in the last row.

Expedition’s all-new Terrain Management System allows drivers to choose between drive modes for optimal vehicle handling in different conditions. This includes normal for around-town driving, sport for more spirited trips, tow/haul for improved towing and hauling performance, eco for enhanced fuel economy, grass/gravel/snow for loose terrain, sand for low traction situations, and mud/rut for uneven surfaces.

Visit Facebook Live or @FordOnline for a video-on-demand version of the event. Watch the Dallas Cowboys help Ford surprise a well-deserving first responder with a new Expedition. Visit @FordOnline for more information about the all-new Expedition. 

For more information about Ford’s 2017 Project Vehicle Program, including criteria, the proposal submission deadline and a list of featured vehicles, view last week’s SEMA eNews article.

By SEMA Editors

2018 Ford Expedition

Ford has announced that the all-new ’18 Expedition has been added to its 2017 Project Vehicle Program. Last week, the automaker revealed 10 models it plans to highlight for the program in its booth at the 2017 SEMA Show.

In addition, Ford was joined by the Dallas Cowboys in revealing the all-new Expedition, Tuesday, February 7, on Facebook Live.  

According to Ford, the all-new Expedition is the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever, with technology to keep every passenger connected, more power for drivers and more expected towing capability than any other full-size SUV.

“When the Expedition was introduced 20 years ago, it set the standard for active families who simply needed a big and strong SUV to take them places,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Today’s families want even more smart technology to help them cover more ground safely, more efficiently and more comfortably—all while staying connected to friends and family.”

An all-new high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame form the foundation for the Expedition’s rugged off-road and strong towing capabilities. More than 40 features and driver-assist technologies new to the Expedition include class-exclusive enhanced active park assist to easily pull in and out of parking spots, and available 360-degree camera technology to help customers see more around their Expedition for easier parking.

On the road, Expedition’s lane-keeping aid is designed to reduce unintentional drifting of the vehicle outside its intended lane, while adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go allows drivers to set a cruising speed, using radar and camera technology to monitor traffic to maintain a set distance between vehicles.

Its collision-avoidance detection system helps drivers avoid other vehicles or pedestrians, while an available Blind Spot Information System helps monitor blind spots outside the driver’s immediate view.

Powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost engine with standard Auto Start-Stop plus a class-exclusive new 10-speed automatic transmission, the all-new Expedition is the most powerful Expedition ever. A newly available electronic limited-slip differential on models with intelligent 4WD enables improved off-road capability by sending power where it’s needed.

Available in XLT, Limited and Platinum series, the all-new Expedition has a roomy, flexible interior with seating for up to eight people and their gear. A sliding second-row seat with tip-and-slide functionality provides easy access to the third row without the need to first remove a child safety seat. The third row offers more legroom and reclining seats. The second- and third-row seats can be quickly folded flat with the push of a button to open up a cargo area wide enough to handle 4x8-ft. sheets of plywood and other gear, depending on cargo weight and load distribution, even with the liftgate closed.

For those who want to go even bigger, the ’18 Expedition MAX is nearly a foot longer than the Expedition, and can accommodate an additional 16.8 cu. ft. of cargo. There is also more head and leg room in the last row.

Expedition’s all-new Terrain Management System allows drivers to choose between drive modes for optimal vehicle handling in different conditions. This includes normal for around-town driving, sport for more spirited trips, tow/haul for improved towing and hauling performance, eco for enhanced fuel economy, grass/gravel/snow for loose terrain, sand for low traction situations, and mud/rut for uneven surfaces.

Visit Facebook Live or @FordOnline for a video-on-demand version of the event. Watch the Dallas Cowboys help Ford surprise a well-deserving first responder with a new Expedition. Visit @FordOnline for more information about the all-new Expedition. 

For more information about Ford’s 2017 Project Vehicle Program, including criteria, the proposal submission deadline and a list of featured vehicles, view last week’s SEMA eNews article.

The SEMA Show is home each year to the Global Tire Expo (GTE), put on by the Tire Industry Association. The GTE is a centrally located display of the latest in tire and tire-related products, featured in the South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The other major display of tire new products is the New Products Showcase, located in the convention center’s Skybridge. The following pages contain many of the tire and tire-related products that were displayed at the 2016 SEMA Show.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/02/2016-tire-segment-products

The SEMA Show is home each year to the Global Tire Expo (GTE), put on by the Tire Industry Association. The GTE is a centrally located display of the latest in tire and tire-related products, featured in the South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The other major display of tire new products is the New Products Showcase, located in the convention center’s Skybridge. The following pages contain many of the tire and tire-related products that were displayed at the 2016 SEMA Show.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/02/2016-tire-segment-products

The SEMA Show is home each year to the Global Tire Expo (GTE), put on by the Tire Industry Association. The GTE is a centrally located display of the latest in tire and tire-related products, featured in the South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The other major display of tire new products is the New Products Showcase, located in the convention center’s Skybridge. The following pages contain many of the tire and tire-related products that were displayed at the 2016 SEMA Show.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/02/2016-tire-segment-products