By Linda Spencer

As in 2016, participating SEMA companies will exhibit for two days. The first day is for trade buyers only, while the SEMA section was open to trade and consumers on the second day. “Custom Show Emirates (CSE) really displayed the passion for motorsports and customizing in the Middle East, and the buyers who attended the show had great interest in our products,” said Lake Speed Jr. (left), general manager of Driven Racing Oil LLC. “I think that this is going to be a fast-growing marketplace for SEMA-member companies.”

Registration is now open for two SEMA overseas business development trips taking place this spring in the United Arab Emirates [UAE] (March 28–April 1), and Australia (May 23–28)

These two markets/regions were chosen given their top ranking as good prospects for SEMA members based on the following:

• Sizable population interested in customizing.
• Discretionary income to afford U.S. specialty-equipment products.
• Vehicle parc (total number of vehicles in the country/region) that fits a manufacturer’s product line or one for which they are willing to make product.
• Legal/regulatory environment allowing customization, or in the case of emerging markets, a willingness by the local government to engage in discussions on developing laws governing modification.

The 2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, to be held March 28–April 1, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, will provide participating SEMA members the opportunity to get their products in front of buyers from the UAE and other countries in the region.

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: Trip officially over.

Federal and state grants are available to defray the costs—which include a turnkey booth at the Custom Show Emirates, four nights’ hotel and meals—for qualified attendees.

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 their 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.

For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/middleEast.

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.

Hellwig Products was represented by Mike Hallmark (right), West Coast international sales manager, and Melanie Hellwig White (second from right), vice president at the 2016 event. The com­pany manufactures suspension load- and sway-control products for trucks, SUVs, muscle­cars and RVs. “Buyers in the market were really excited to have us there, and we had great turnouts at our events,” White said. “We walked away with great leads.”

The second trip is to Melbourne, Australia, May 23–28, 2017. The GearHeads Down Under program includes a table-top display attended by pre-vetted buyers; visiting retailers, distributors and installers of performance, styling and off-road products; attending a briefing with the U.S. Department of Commerce; and a session with New Zealander and Australian print and TV enthusiast media. Federal and state grants are available to defray the costs—which include a turnkey booth, four nights’ hotel and meals—for qualified attendees.

Five reasons to consider Australia:

1. Well established, passionate car culture. Australians and New Zealanders are diehard enthusiasts. It is not farfetched to estimate that consumers in these two markets spend more per capita than Americans do.
2. On a per-capita basis, it is one of the world’s 20 richest countries. Unemployment remains low, and Australia hasn’t had a recession in more than 24 years.
3. The Australian and New Zealand specialty market covers all of the niches found in the United States. This includes off-roading, street performance, racing, styling, classic/vintage and car care.
4. Positive perception of U.S. products. The United States enjoys a strong reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality, well-engineered automotive aftermarket and speciality products. Thanks to a free-trade agreement betweeen the United States and Australia, U.S. products enter the market duty-free. Australia is also an important market for U.S.-built vehicles; currently, Australia imported 42,000 vehicles from the United States in the first eight months of this year, making it the sixth highest destination for U.S.-built vehicles.
5. Half of the vehicles sold annually in Australia are SUVs and pickups (or "utes" as they call them).

For more information contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/australia.

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

Watch a video of the 2016 trip.

Read a flyer for the 2017 trip.

Register now for the 2017 SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference.

By Linda Spencer

As in 2016, participating SEMA companies will exhibit for two days. The first day is for trade buyers only, while the SEMA section was open to trade and consumers on the second day. “Custom Show Emirates (CSE) really displayed the passion for motorsports and customizing in the Middle East, and the buyers who attended the show had great interest in our products,” said Lake Speed Jr. (left), general manager of Driven Racing Oil LLC. “I think that this is going to be a fast-growing marketplace for SEMA-member companies.”

Registration is now open for two SEMA overseas business development trips taking place this spring in the United Arab Emirates [UAE] (March 28–April 1), and Australia (May 23–28)

These two markets/regions were chosen given their top ranking as good prospects for SEMA members based on the following:

• Sizable population interested in customizing.
• Discretionary income to afford U.S. specialty-equipment products.
• Vehicle parc (total number of vehicles in the country/region) that fits a manufacturer’s product line or one for which they are willing to make product.
• Legal/regulatory environment allowing customization, or in the case of emerging markets, a willingness by the local government to engage in discussions on developing laws governing modification.

The 2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, to be held March 28–April 1, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, will provide participating SEMA members the opportunity to get their products in front of buyers from the UAE and other countries in the region.

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: Trip officially over.

Federal and state grants are available to defray the costs—which include a turnkey booth at the Custom Show Emirates, four nights’ hotel and meals—for qualified attendees.

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 their 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.

For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/middleEast.

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.

Hellwig Products was represented by Mike Hallmark (right), West Coast international sales manager, and Melanie Hellwig White (second from right), vice president at the 2016 event. The com­pany manufactures suspension load- and sway-control products for trucks, SUVs, muscle­cars and RVs. “Buyers in the market were really excited to have us there, and we had great turnouts at our events,” White said. “We walked away with great leads.”

The second trip is to Melbourne, Australia, May 23–28, 2017. The GearHeads Down Under program includes a table-top display attended by pre-vetted buyers; visiting retailers, distributors and installers of performance, styling and off-road products; attending a briefing with the U.S. Department of Commerce; and a session with New Zealander and Australian print and TV enthusiast media. Federal and state grants are available to defray the costs—which include a turnkey booth, four nights’ hotel and meals—for qualified attendees.

Five reasons to consider Australia:

1. Well established, passionate car culture. Australians and New Zealanders are diehard enthusiasts. It is not farfetched to estimate that consumers in these two markets spend more per capita than Americans do.
2. On a per-capita basis, it is one of the world’s 20 richest countries. Unemployment remains low, and Australia hasn’t had a recession in more than 24 years.
3. The Australian and New Zealand specialty market covers all of the niches found in the United States. This includes off-roading, street performance, racing, styling, classic/vintage and car care.
4. Positive perception of U.S. products. The United States enjoys a strong reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality, well-engineered automotive aftermarket and speciality products. Thanks to a free-trade agreement betweeen the United States and Australia, U.S. products enter the market duty-free. Australia is also an important market for U.S.-built vehicles; currently, Australia imported 42,000 vehicles from the United States in the first eight months of this year, making it the sixth highest destination for U.S.-built vehicles.
5. Half of the vehicles sold annually in Australia are SUVs and pickups (or "utes" as they call them).

For more information contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/australia.

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

Watch a video of the 2016 trip.

Read a flyer for the 2017 trip.

Register now for the 2017 SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News  

2017 LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES SCHEDULE RELEASED: For the 16th season, the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will compete at top-flight NHRA Drag Racing facilities across the country for the 2017 season. The upcoming 2017 schedule will feature 45 divisional events with a minimum of six in each of the seven divisions. There will also be 26 regional events featuring the 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car classes.

“The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing series is the very best of sportsman racing, which highlights the foundation of the NHRA,” said NHRA president Peter Clifford. “This series allows fans to enjoy drag-racing competition at many levels, often showcasing future stars in classes where many pro racers began their careers. We’re extremely thankful for everything the Lucas family does to support this series and are excited to see another great season of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in 2017.”

WINTERNATIONALS, GATORNATIONALS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: Tickets for two of NHRA’s most tradition-rich events—the Circle K NHRA Winternationals and the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals—are now available for purchase. The 57th annual Circle K NHRA Winternationals—the season-opening event of the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series—will be contested February 9–12 at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The event will be fans’ first opportunity to see the new cars and paint schemes and meet the drivers who will race at speeds of more than 330 mph in an attempt to add their names to the NHRA record book’s list of NHRA Winternationals victors. A win at the opening event can mean great momentum for drivers as they chase NHRA Mello Yello world championship glory during the 24-event season that crisscrosses the United States.

WORSHAM TO REJOIN FAMILY-OWNED FUNNY CAR TEAM: 2015 NHRA Funny Car champion Del Worsham will leave Kalitta Motorsports and rejoin his family-owned Funny Car team.

“It was a hard decision to leave a championship-caliber team such as Kalitta Motorsports,” said Worsham. “However, there is so much unfinished business with my family’s team and I felt now is the time to do it. I am excited to see what the future holds. I cannot thank Connie Kalitta enough for giving me a shot in Scott’s car, and helping me achieve one of my ultimate goals: a Funny Car championship. I also want to thank Jim O [Oberhofer], Jon O [Oberhofer], Nicky Boninfante, the ‘YellaFellas’ and my Kalitta Motorsports teammates.”

He Said, She Said

“We knew going into Dallas we could run really well. We had some misfortune early on. Nobody really knew about it. We tried to keep everything a big secret. But we knew for sure that we had the bike to beat. Here’s the thing. In the past years, the Harleys would run you down. They couldn’t 60 foot, but they could run you down. Now Vance & Hines has worked so hard to give us the power to be able to compete. With Tim [Kulungian] tuning the bike, everything started clicking. We knew they couldn’t 60 foot with us. If they can’t 60 foot with you and they can’t run you out the backdoor, you’re going to win races.”

—Jerry Savoie, who captured his first world championship on a strong showing in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. He raced to two wins and one runner-up finish. He also had three consecutive No. 1 qualifying positions to close the season.   

Inside the Numbers

86: Number of career wins Pro Stock racer Greg Anderson has following the conclusion of the 2016 season. He recorded eight wins on the year, including the season-ending event in Pomona. While he came up short for his fifth world championship, his win total moved him up in the NHRA record books. He passed Bob Glidden for second in the all-time Pro Stock win list and trails leader Warren Johnson, who has 97 victories. His career win total moves him to third on the all-time win list behind John Force with 147 and Johnson. The season-ending victory was the 11th for Anderson at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

“It came down to the final race of the year. Jason is the world champion and I won the race. What a dream,” said Anderson. “To break Bob Glidden’s record is obviously fantastic. That’s something I never considered, could think about or imagine. Now that it’s happened, it’s just unreal.”

Did You Know

ELITE MOTORSPORTS AND MOPAR TO PART WAYS IN 2017: Elite Motorsports and Mopar have announced that they will end their partnership at the end of the 2016 racing season. Elite Motorsports drivers and multi-time world champions Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Erica Enders both competed with Mopar-backed Pro Stock Dodge Darts in 2016.

“I want to thank everyone at Mopar and Dodge, from the top executives to the engineers on to the people helping us at the races for their hard work and dedication,” said Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman. “My guys should be commended. They basically worked around the clock with pretty much zero days off for the entire season, busting their butts to try and give Erica and Jeggy competitive racecars. We look forward to a fresh start into 2017.”

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News  

2017 LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES SCHEDULE RELEASED: For the 16th season, the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will compete at top-flight NHRA Drag Racing facilities across the country for the 2017 season. The upcoming 2017 schedule will feature 45 divisional events with a minimum of six in each of the seven divisions. There will also be 26 regional events featuring the 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car classes.

“The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing series is the very best of sportsman racing, which highlights the foundation of the NHRA,” said NHRA president Peter Clifford. “This series allows fans to enjoy drag-racing competition at many levels, often showcasing future stars in classes where many pro racers began their careers. We’re extremely thankful for everything the Lucas family does to support this series and are excited to see another great season of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in 2017.”

WINTERNATIONALS, GATORNATIONALS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: Tickets for two of NHRA’s most tradition-rich events—the Circle K NHRA Winternationals and the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals—are now available for purchase. The 57th annual Circle K NHRA Winternationals—the season-opening event of the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series—will be contested February 9–12 at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The event will be fans’ first opportunity to see the new cars and paint schemes and meet the drivers who will race at speeds of more than 330 mph in an attempt to add their names to the NHRA record book’s list of NHRA Winternationals victors. A win at the opening event can mean great momentum for drivers as they chase NHRA Mello Yello world championship glory during the 24-event season that crisscrosses the United States.

WORSHAM TO REJOIN FAMILY-OWNED FUNNY CAR TEAM: 2015 NHRA Funny Car champion Del Worsham will leave Kalitta Motorsports and rejoin his family-owned Funny Car team.

“It was a hard decision to leave a championship-caliber team such as Kalitta Motorsports,” said Worsham. “However, there is so much unfinished business with my family’s team and I felt now is the time to do it. I am excited to see what the future holds. I cannot thank Connie Kalitta enough for giving me a shot in Scott’s car, and helping me achieve one of my ultimate goals: a Funny Car championship. I also want to thank Jim O [Oberhofer], Jon O [Oberhofer], Nicky Boninfante, the ‘YellaFellas’ and my Kalitta Motorsports teammates.”

He Said, She Said

“We knew going into Dallas we could run really well. We had some misfortune early on. Nobody really knew about it. We tried to keep everything a big secret. But we knew for sure that we had the bike to beat. Here’s the thing. In the past years, the Harleys would run you down. They couldn’t 60 foot, but they could run you down. Now Vance & Hines has worked so hard to give us the power to be able to compete. With Tim [Kulungian] tuning the bike, everything started clicking. We knew they couldn’t 60 foot with us. If they can’t 60 foot with you and they can’t run you out the backdoor, you’re going to win races.”

—Jerry Savoie, who captured his first world championship on a strong showing in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. He raced to two wins and one runner-up finish. He also had three consecutive No. 1 qualifying positions to close the season.   

Inside the Numbers

86: Number of career wins Pro Stock racer Greg Anderson has following the conclusion of the 2016 season. He recorded eight wins on the year, including the season-ending event in Pomona. While he came up short for his fifth world championship, his win total moved him up in the NHRA record books. He passed Bob Glidden for second in the all-time Pro Stock win list and trails leader Warren Johnson, who has 97 victories. His career win total moves him to third on the all-time win list behind John Force with 147 and Johnson. The season-ending victory was the 11th for Anderson at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

“It came down to the final race of the year. Jason is the world champion and I won the race. What a dream,” said Anderson. “To break Bob Glidden’s record is obviously fantastic. That’s something I never considered, could think about or imagine. Now that it’s happened, it’s just unreal.”

Did You Know

ELITE MOTORSPORTS AND MOPAR TO PART WAYS IN 2017: Elite Motorsports and Mopar have announced that they will end their partnership at the end of the 2016 racing season. Elite Motorsports drivers and multi-time world champions Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Erica Enders both competed with Mopar-backed Pro Stock Dodge Darts in 2016.

“I want to thank everyone at Mopar and Dodge, from the top executives to the engineers on to the people helping us at the races for their hard work and dedication,” said Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman. “My guys should be commended. They basically worked around the clock with pretty much zero days off for the entire season, busting their butts to try and give Erica and Jeggy competitive racecars. We look forward to a fresh start into 2017.”

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News  

2017 LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES SCHEDULE RELEASED: For the 16th season, the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will compete at top-flight NHRA Drag Racing facilities across the country for the 2017 season. The upcoming 2017 schedule will feature 45 divisional events with a minimum of six in each of the seven divisions. There will also be 26 regional events featuring the 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car classes.

“The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing series is the very best of sportsman racing, which highlights the foundation of the NHRA,” said NHRA president Peter Clifford. “This series allows fans to enjoy drag-racing competition at many levels, often showcasing future stars in classes where many pro racers began their careers. We’re extremely thankful for everything the Lucas family does to support this series and are excited to see another great season of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in 2017.”

WINTERNATIONALS, GATORNATIONALS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: Tickets for two of NHRA’s most tradition-rich events—the Circle K NHRA Winternationals and the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals—are now available for purchase. The 57th annual Circle K NHRA Winternationals—the season-opening event of the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series—will be contested February 9–12 at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The event will be fans’ first opportunity to see the new cars and paint schemes and meet the drivers who will race at speeds of more than 330 mph in an attempt to add their names to the NHRA record book’s list of NHRA Winternationals victors. A win at the opening event can mean great momentum for drivers as they chase NHRA Mello Yello world championship glory during the 24-event season that crisscrosses the United States.

WORSHAM TO REJOIN FAMILY-OWNED FUNNY CAR TEAM: 2015 NHRA Funny Car champion Del Worsham will leave Kalitta Motorsports and rejoin his family-owned Funny Car team.

“It was a hard decision to leave a championship-caliber team such as Kalitta Motorsports,” said Worsham. “However, there is so much unfinished business with my family’s team and I felt now is the time to do it. I am excited to see what the future holds. I cannot thank Connie Kalitta enough for giving me a shot in Scott’s car, and helping me achieve one of my ultimate goals: a Funny Car championship. I also want to thank Jim O [Oberhofer], Jon O [Oberhofer], Nicky Boninfante, the ‘YellaFellas’ and my Kalitta Motorsports teammates.”

He Said, She Said

“We knew going into Dallas we could run really well. We had some misfortune early on. Nobody really knew about it. We tried to keep everything a big secret. But we knew for sure that we had the bike to beat. Here’s the thing. In the past years, the Harleys would run you down. They couldn’t 60 foot, but they could run you down. Now Vance & Hines has worked so hard to give us the power to be able to compete. With Tim [Kulungian] tuning the bike, everything started clicking. We knew they couldn’t 60 foot with us. If they can’t 60 foot with you and they can’t run you out the backdoor, you’re going to win races.”

—Jerry Savoie, who captured his first world championship on a strong showing in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. He raced to two wins and one runner-up finish. He also had three consecutive No. 1 qualifying positions to close the season.   

Inside the Numbers

86: Number of career wins Pro Stock racer Greg Anderson has following the conclusion of the 2016 season. He recorded eight wins on the year, including the season-ending event in Pomona. While he came up short for his fifth world championship, his win total moved him up in the NHRA record books. He passed Bob Glidden for second in the all-time Pro Stock win list and trails leader Warren Johnson, who has 97 victories. His career win total moves him to third on the all-time win list behind John Force with 147 and Johnson. The season-ending victory was the 11th for Anderson at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

“It came down to the final race of the year. Jason is the world champion and I won the race. What a dream,” said Anderson. “To break Bob Glidden’s record is obviously fantastic. That’s something I never considered, could think about or imagine. Now that it’s happened, it’s just unreal.”

Did You Know

ELITE MOTORSPORTS AND MOPAR TO PART WAYS IN 2017: Elite Motorsports and Mopar have announced that they will end their partnership at the end of the 2016 racing season. Elite Motorsports drivers and multi-time world champions Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Erica Enders both competed with Mopar-backed Pro Stock Dodge Darts in 2016.

“I want to thank everyone at Mopar and Dodge, from the top executives to the engineers on to the people helping us at the races for their hard work and dedication,” said Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman. “My guys should be commended. They basically worked around the clock with pretty much zero days off for the entire season, busting their butts to try and give Erica and Jeggy competitive racecars. We look forward to a fresh start into 2017.”

By Linda Spencer

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. SEMA members are invited to sign up to measure the 3.2L diesel-powered RHD 4x4 double-cab pickup, which is available globally but not sold in the United States.   

Members unable to attend the December measuring session are welcome to come to the SEMA Garage for a separate measuring session at a later date. The truck can also travel to members’ facilities, if needed.

Ford Ranger details:

• Coming to the United States? The Ford Ranger is expected to be produced in the United States for the first time in 2018, although Ford has not provided definitive confirmation. The UAW plant manager in Wayne, Michigan, was recently quoted in the press as stating that a decision had been made to build the Ford Ranger and a new Bronco at the plant located within 30 minutes of Detroit.
• Plant Locations: The Ford Ranger is built in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina.
• Global Sales: Ford Ranger global sales totaled 208,251 in 2015, according to IHS. Sales since the midsize pickup was introduced in 2011 totals 662,831. South Africa was the No. 1 market in 2015 with Australia, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil joining in the top five countries in terms of sales (see charts below).
• Engines: 2.5L (gasoline) and diesel versions: 2.2L and 3.2L.
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as the Chevy Colorado, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi L200 and the Nissan Navara.

Ford Ranger Sales

Top 10 Countries (Sales: 2011–2015 and 2015)

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

European Ford Ranger Sales

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

Register now to measure the latest truck temporarily imported by SEMA to provide access to otherwise hard-to-obtain vehicles in order to create new export-ready products. A ’16 Toyota HiLux and a ’14 Mitsubishi L200 are also available at the SEMA Garage.

For questions about measuring the Ford Ranger or the other international vehicles, contact Jim Moore at jimm@sema.org. For information on SEMA’s international programs, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. SEMA members are invited to sign up to measure the 3.2L diesel-powered RHD 4x4 double-cab pickup, which is available globally but not sold in the United States.   

Members unable to attend the December measuring session are welcome to come to the SEMA Garage for a separate measuring session at a later date. The truck can also travel to members’ facilities, if needed.

Ford Ranger details:

• Coming to the United States? The Ford Ranger is expected to be produced in the United States for the first time in 2018, although Ford has not provided definitive confirmation. The UAW plant manager in Wayne, Michigan, was recently quoted in the press as stating that a decision had been made to build the Ford Ranger and a new Bronco at the plant located within 30 minutes of Detroit.
• Plant Locations: The Ford Ranger is built in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina.
• Global Sales: Ford Ranger global sales totaled 208,251 in 2015, according to IHS. Sales since the midsize pickup was introduced in 2011 totals 662,831. South Africa was the No. 1 market in 2015 with Australia, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil joining in the top five countries in terms of sales (see charts below).
• Engines: 2.5L (gasoline) and diesel versions: 2.2L and 3.2L.
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as the Chevy Colorado, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi L200 and the Nissan Navara.

Ford Ranger Sales

Top 10 Countries (Sales: 2011–2015 and 2015)

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

European Ford Ranger Sales

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

Register now to measure the latest truck temporarily imported by SEMA to provide access to otherwise hard-to-obtain vehicles in order to create new export-ready products. A ’16 Toyota HiLux and a ’14 Mitsubishi L200 are also available at the SEMA Garage.

For questions about measuring the Ford Ranger or the other international vehicles, contact Jim Moore at jimm@sema.org. For information on SEMA’s international programs, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. SEMA members are invited to sign up to measure the 3.2L diesel-powered RHD 4x4 double-cab pickup, which is available globally but not sold in the United States.   

Members unable to attend the December measuring session are welcome to come to the SEMA Garage for a separate measuring session at a later date. The truck can also travel to members’ facilities, if needed.

Ford Ranger details:

• Coming to the United States? The Ford Ranger is expected to be produced in the United States for the first time in 2018, although Ford has not provided definitive confirmation. The UAW plant manager in Wayne, Michigan, was recently quoted in the press as stating that a decision had been made to build the Ford Ranger and a new Bronco at the plant located within 30 minutes of Detroit.
• Plant Locations: The Ford Ranger is built in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina.
• Global Sales: Ford Ranger global sales totaled 208,251 in 2015, according to IHS. Sales since the midsize pickup was introduced in 2011 totals 662,831. South Africa was the No. 1 market in 2015 with Australia, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil joining in the top five countries in terms of sales (see charts below).
• Engines: 2.5L (gasoline) and diesel versions: 2.2L and 3.2L.
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as the Chevy Colorado, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi L200 and the Nissan Navara.

Ford Ranger Sales

Top 10 Countries (Sales: 2011–2015 and 2015)

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

European Ford Ranger Sales

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

Register now to measure the latest truck temporarily imported by SEMA to provide access to otherwise hard-to-obtain vehicles in order to create new export-ready products. A ’16 Toyota HiLux and a ’14 Mitsubishi L200 are also available at the SEMA Garage.

For questions about measuring the Ford Ranger or the other international vehicles, contact Jim Moore at jimm@sema.org. For information on SEMA’s international programs, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. SEMA members are invited to sign up to measure the 3.2L diesel-powered RHD 4x4 double-cab pickup, which is available globally but not sold in the United States.   

Members unable to attend the December measuring session are welcome to come to the SEMA Garage for a separate measuring session at a later date. The truck can also travel to members’ facilities, if needed.

Ford Ranger details:

• Coming to the United States? The Ford Ranger is expected to be produced in the United States for the first time in 2018, although Ford has not provided definitive confirmation. The UAW plant manager in Wayne, Michigan, was recently quoted in the press as stating that a decision had been made to build the Ford Ranger and a new Bronco at the plant located within 30 minutes of Detroit.
• Plant Locations: The Ford Ranger is built in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina.
• Global Sales: Ford Ranger global sales totaled 208,251 in 2015, according to IHS. Sales since the midsize pickup was introduced in 2011 totals 662,831. South Africa was the No. 1 market in 2015 with Australia, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil joining in the top five countries in terms of sales (see charts below).
• Engines: 2.5L (gasoline) and diesel versions: 2.2L and 3.2L.
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as the Chevy Colorado, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi L200 and the Nissan Navara.

Ford Ranger Sales

Top 10 Countries (Sales: 2011–2015 and 2015)

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

European Ford Ranger Sales

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

Register now to measure the latest truck temporarily imported by SEMA to provide access to otherwise hard-to-obtain vehicles in order to create new export-ready products. A ’16 Toyota HiLux and a ’14 Mitsubishi L200 are also available at the SEMA Garage.

For questions about measuring the Ford Ranger or the other international vehicles, contact Jim Moore at jimm@sema.org. For information on SEMA’s international programs, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Eric Brockmeyer (right) received the 2016 Goodguys Trendsetter Award, which recognizes rising talents in the hot-rod and custom-car scene.

Eric Brockmeyer was named Goodguys 2016 Trendsetter during the 2016 SEMA Show. The Goodguys Trendsetter Award is presented annually at the SEMA Show to recognize rising talents in the hot-rod and custom-car scene. Brockmeyer began his rise and steady career arch to the top of hot-rod and street-machine design from the time he was a kid building models, hot rods and drawing cars.

Convinced he could have a career as a designer, he enrolled in the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, graduating in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial design. Though his first professional design job was with Sea Ray Boats, his true passion and hobby was designing hot rods. He got so good at hot-rod design that the late Boyd Coddington came calling in 2003 for help in designing a Model A Tudor to be named the “AlumaTub.” That went so well, Coddington commissioned him to design the “French Connection”—a hand-built concept custom based on a ’39 Delahaye. Soon after that, hot rodding’s elite builders turned the look and feel of their coming attractions over to the keen eye and skilled pen of Eric Brockmeyer.

Since going to hot-rod and street-machine design full time, he has created the illustrations, style, interior and color schemes of three Goodguys Street Machine of the Year winners, a Goodguys Street Rod of the Year and a Ridler Winner, as well as Goodguys giveaway cars. Throughout his journey, his wife Pam has been there and was initially responsible for convincing him to make the leap from corporate designer to full-time hot-rod illustrator.

He said, “I am so fortunate to have my passion for hot-rod design as a career. I would like to thank the builders for trusting me with their projects and my wife Pam for supporting me for so many years.”

Brockmeyer’s work can be seen at www.brockmeyerdesign.com.