By SEMA Editors

	Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know.

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to generate more opportunities and awareness for their company and products by announcing SEMA Show incentives in SEMA eNews.

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know. The information will be included each week in SEMA eNews from now until the opening of the 2014 SEMA Show.

To be included, send information to editors@sema.org.

Even though the majority of buyer orders take place in the weeks following the Show, a growing trend is for more business deals to be conducted on site. SEMA research reveals that 45% of buyers in 2013 placed an order at the show, up from 40% in 2012.

SEMA research also indicates that buyers are increasingly eager to take advantage of deals at the Show. Even though only 38% of exhibitors offered a Show discount, 76% of buyers report taking advantage of SEMA Show specials or discounts during the Show.

For more information on the 2014 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

	Dodge's project vehicle program for 2014 offers companies the opportunity to get a jump start on the competition by securing one of the new ’15-MY Challengers in advance of market availability.

Dodge has announced its project vehicle program for 2014. This program offers companies the opportunity to get a jump start on the competition by securing one of the new ’15-MY Challengers in advance of market availability. The upcoming launch of Scat Pack and Shaker heritage models provides an opportunity to stand out in a competitive market. The automaker requests that project-vehicle proposals be submitted per the criteria outlined below.

Proposal Submission Deadline: August 1, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: by August 22, 2014

All project vehicle requests must be submitted and meet the following Dodge Project Vehicle Program criteria:

• E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by August 1, 2014. Include bullet points for:
• Vehicle Theme: Describe very clearly your overall build theme, target audience, etc.
• Proposed vehicle modifications
• New products potentially being developed for the Challenger through the project
• Promotional, media and social media outreach plan prior to and beyond the SEMA Show, such as:
  • Tour of events (location and dates)
  • Specific magazine feature articles
  • Online promotion
  • Company advertising featuring the vehicle
  • Additional exposure
• Examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant
• Detailed renderings of the proposed vehicle in .jpg format
• Vehicle display location at the 2014 SEMA Show

Requirements:

• Preservation of vehicle badging, not to be painted
• High level of paint and build quality; no wraps
• Commit to periodic design and build check-ins
• Retain vehicle insurance totaling at least $3 million until the completion of the two-year contract.
• 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.
• Be financially and technically capable of building a one-off show car without financial or parts support from Dodge.
• Be willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.
• A history of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.
• Commit to creating bi-weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process and product development, including photos, video and commentary.
• Grant Dodge the right to use content from the bi-weekly progress reports and assist Dodge in acquiring usage rights from any sponsors or individuals whose logos or images might appear in that content.
• Commit to make the vehicle available to Dodge or its dealers, if requested, for additional shows and exhibits for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.
• Commit to provide quarterly reports to Dodge regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.
• Commit to have the completed vehicle available for photography in California by Monday, October 27, 2014.

Please submit formal proposals to Chad Seymour.

By SEMA Editors

	Dodge's project vehicle program for 2014 offers companies the opportunity to get a jump start on the competition by securing one of the new ’15-MY Challengers in advance of market availability.

Dodge has announced its project vehicle program for 2014. This program offers companies the opportunity to get a jump start on the competition by securing one of the new ’15-MY Challengers in advance of market availability. The upcoming launch of Scat Pack and Shaker heritage models provides an opportunity to stand out in a competitive market. The automaker requests that project-vehicle proposals be submitted per the criteria outlined below.

Proposal Submission Deadline: August 1, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: by August 22, 2014

All project vehicle requests must be submitted and meet the following Dodge Project Vehicle Program criteria:

• E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by August 1, 2014. Include bullet points for:
• Vehicle Theme: Describe very clearly your overall build theme, target audience, etc.
• Proposed vehicle modifications
• New products potentially being developed for the Challenger through the project
• Promotional, media and social media outreach plan prior to and beyond the SEMA Show, such as:
  • Tour of events (location and dates)
  • Specific magazine feature articles
  • Online promotion
  • Company advertising featuring the vehicle
  • Additional exposure
• Examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant
• Detailed renderings of the proposed vehicle in .jpg format
• Vehicle display location at the 2014 SEMA Show

Requirements:

• Preservation of vehicle badging, not to be painted
• High level of paint and build quality; no wraps
• Commit to periodic design and build check-ins
• Retain vehicle insurance totaling at least $3 million until the completion of the two-year contract.
• 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.
• Be financially and technically capable of building a one-off show car without financial or parts support from Dodge.
• Be willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.
• A history of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.
• Commit to creating bi-weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process and product development, including photos, video and commentary.
• Grant Dodge the right to use content from the bi-weekly progress reports and assist Dodge in acquiring usage rights from any sponsors or individuals whose logos or images might appear in that content.
• Commit to make the vehicle available to Dodge or its dealers, if requested, for additional shows and exhibits for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.
• Commit to provide quarterly reports to Dodge regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.
• Commit to have the completed vehicle available for photography in California by Monday, October 27, 2014.

Please submit formal proposals to Chad Seymour.

By SEMA Editors

	Mercedes-Benz will select the four most innovative and exciting project vehicles—based on the automaker’s new midsize van concept—to display in its booth at the 2014 SEMA Show. Each of the approved companies will receive a pre-production van and a budget of up to $50,000 to make vehicle modifications based on their design.

Background—Exploring the Potential for a Midsize Van in the U.S. Market

Commercial vans are used mainly by businesses and public services, with a wide array of uses, including package/freight delivery, trade vehicles for carpenters and electricians, mobile repair workshops, emergency services, luxury transportation and even mobile pet grooming. Moreover, they have also captured the imagination of private owners, who use them not only as transportation, but also to realize their passions.

The Sprinter Van revolutionized the large van segment in the United States, bringing the tall, efficient and ergonomic European van to American customers and, incidentally, providing a vehicle template for other manufacturers that are only now bringing in their own European-style vans.

Now, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is exploring the potential of the midsize commercial van segment in the United States. The concept offers up to 194 cu. ft. of cargo space or seating for up to eight passengers in a versatile, compact, efficient vehicle. Many American customers have indicated strong interest in this midsize van concept, according to MBUSA, and the OEM is consequently now evaluating the U.S. market opportunity for the commercial van, targeting mainly small- and midsize businesses that transport cargo and passengers.

A Midsize Van at the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show, with its diverse attendees, provides a natural platform to explore the potential of the midsize van platform. A showcase of diverse van-based designs, developed and executed by tuners and upfitters across the United States, will allow attendees to experience the full scope of the van’s potential and allow them to imagine the different uses for the vehicle. The SEMA Show will also be the first time when this new concept is shown in the United States, presenting a unique opportunity to build awareness for the concept while gathering feedback on unique vehicle variations.

Project Vehicle Proposal

A midsize commercial van can provide the basis for numerous different vehicle concepts and designs that require a larger vehicle and deliver more excitement and utility than is possible in a passenger car. To explore these possibilities, MBUSA will host a tuning and upfitting competition to develop and build the most exciting midsize van concepts. Tuners and upfitters across the United States are invited to propose showcar concepts based on the midsize van. MBUSA will select the four most exciting concepts to be realized. Each vehicle’s creators will receive a pre-production van and a budget of up to $50,000 to make vehicle modifications based on their design. All four vehicles will be displayed in the Mercedes-Benz Vans booth at the 2014 SEMA Show, and they will compete with one another for the most votes by SEMA Show attendees and Internet voters.

Each proposal should focus on one or two of the different uses for which the midsize van would be perfect—and take it to the extreme. Concept ideas include:

• Ultimate Roadtrip Van: The vehicle you’d want to take on the longest, best vacation of your life.
• Perfect Mobile Office: Everything you need to be productive and comfortable on the road in one compact package.
• Definitive Tailgating and Party Van: The van that provides the right setting for a party anytime, anywhere.
• Success on Wheels: The van that lets you grow your business by taking it mobile, taking advantage of the space the midsize cargo van offers.
• Limo on Steroids: The van for group transportation with over-the-top style.

MBUSA is open to considering any concept that takes the van to the next level. Concepts that focus on commercial applications are especially welcome. A total of four concepts will be selected to be built by aftermarket companies and displayed to compete with one another at the SEMA Show. Only one project vehicle per theme will be awarded.

Following the Show, the four aftermarket companies will take possession of the vehicle for the next 12–18 months for the purposes of their approved marketing plan, but MBUSA reserves the right to schedule the vehicles for display with written notice in advance. Vans will ultimately be returned to MBUSA at the conclusion of the promotional period with all modifications intact, which become the property of MBUSA.

Aftermarket companies and upfitters that wish to apply for this opportunity must submit proposals that include the following information:

• Executive Summary – One-pager to focus on the key benefits of the proposal and prior experiences to support this new role.
• Vehicle Description – List of specific modifications and accessories to be added, including a total customer pay price, along with a color rendering.
• Examples of previous project vehicles by the applicant.
• Promotional plan – Detailed marketing/PR plan for the show vehicle over the next 12–18 months.
• Timing – Specific dates, vehicle delivery and project timing and completion date. Vehicles must be completed by October 20, 2014.
• Commitment to feature the vehicle with the Mercedes-Benz logos and nomenclature intact with visible likeness to the production vehicle.
• Feature the van with its original engine, though power-boosting accessories are acceptable.
• Commit to creating weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process, including photos.
• Allow photo/video production by MBUSA during the build process, if requested by MBUSA.
• Booth number for their exhibit space at the 2014 SEMA Show.
• All costs associated with preparing the response to this Request For Proposal shall be borne solely by the aftermarket companies/upfitters.
• Finally, this Request For Proposal does not constitute a binding agreement between the aftermarket companies/upfitters and MBUSA. It should be made clear that a project vehicle will only be awarded upon the execution of an agreement by MBUSA and the aftermarket companies/upfitters, as required by MBUSA.

All proposals must be submitted to MBUSA via email to sema@mbusa.com by July 28, 2014.

Proposal Submission: July 28, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: August 4, 2014
Vehicle Delivery: Mid-August

Preliminary Project Van Specifications

Measurements

Length/width/height (in.): 202/76/74
Wheelbase/ground clearance (in.): 126/5.7
Payload/Towing (lbs.): 2,579/5,000
Cargo capacity (cu. ft.): 194
Cargo area length/height (in.): 92/54

Powertrain

Configuration: Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4-cylinder gasoline, turbocharged, direct injection
Total Displacement: 2.0L
Horsepower: 211 @ 5,000 RPM
Net Torque: 273 lb.-ft.

By SEMA Editors

	Mercedes-Benz will select the four most innovative and exciting project vehicles—based on the automaker’s new midsize van concept—to display in its booth at the 2014 SEMA Show. Each of the approved companies will receive a pre-production van and a budget of up to $50,000 to make vehicle modifications based on their design.

Background—Exploring the Potential for a Midsize Van in the U.S. Market

Commercial vans are used mainly by businesses and public services, with a wide array of uses, including package/freight delivery, trade vehicles for carpenters and electricians, mobile repair workshops, emergency services, luxury transportation and even mobile pet grooming. Moreover, they have also captured the imagination of private owners, who use them not only as transportation, but also to realize their passions.

The Sprinter Van revolutionized the large van segment in the United States, bringing the tall, efficient and ergonomic European van to American customers and, incidentally, providing a vehicle template for other manufacturers that are only now bringing in their own European-style vans.

Now, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is exploring the potential of the midsize commercial van segment in the United States. The concept offers up to 194 cu. ft. of cargo space or seating for up to eight passengers in a versatile, compact, efficient vehicle. Many American customers have indicated strong interest in this midsize van concept, according to MBUSA, and the OEM is consequently now evaluating the U.S. market opportunity for the commercial van, targeting mainly small- and midsize businesses that transport cargo and passengers.

A Midsize Van at the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show, with its diverse attendees, provides a natural platform to explore the potential of the midsize van platform. A showcase of diverse van-based designs, developed and executed by tuners and upfitters across the United States, will allow attendees to experience the full scope of the van’s potential and allow them to imagine the different uses for the vehicle. The SEMA Show will also be the first time when this new concept is shown in the United States, presenting a unique opportunity to build awareness for the concept while gathering feedback on unique vehicle variations.

Project Vehicle Proposal

A midsize commercial van can provide the basis for numerous different vehicle concepts and designs that require a larger vehicle and deliver more excitement and utility than is possible in a passenger car. To explore these possibilities, MBUSA will host a tuning and upfitting competition to develop and build the most exciting midsize van concepts. Tuners and upfitters across the United States are invited to propose showcar concepts based on the midsize van. MBUSA will select the four most exciting concepts to be realized. Each vehicle’s creators will receive a pre-production van and a budget of up to $50,000 to make vehicle modifications based on their design. All four vehicles will be displayed in the Mercedes-Benz Vans booth at the 2014 SEMA Show, and they will compete with one another for the most votes by SEMA Show attendees and Internet voters.

Each proposal should focus on one or two of the different uses for which the midsize van would be perfect—and take it to the extreme. Concept ideas include:

• Ultimate Roadtrip Van: The vehicle you’d want to take on the longest, best vacation of your life.
• Perfect Mobile Office: Everything you need to be productive and comfortable on the road in one compact package.
• Definitive Tailgating and Party Van: The van that provides the right setting for a party anytime, anywhere.
• Success on Wheels: The van that lets you grow your business by taking it mobile, taking advantage of the space the midsize cargo van offers.
• Limo on Steroids: The van for group transportation with over-the-top style.

MBUSA is open to considering any concept that takes the van to the next level. Concepts that focus on commercial applications are especially welcome. A total of four concepts will be selected to be built by aftermarket companies and displayed to compete with one another at the SEMA Show. Only one project vehicle per theme will be awarded.

Following the Show, the four aftermarket companies will take possession of the vehicle for the next 12–18 months for the purposes of their approved marketing plan, but MBUSA reserves the right to schedule the vehicles for display with written notice in advance. Vans will ultimately be returned to MBUSA at the conclusion of the promotional period with all modifications intact, which become the property of MBUSA.

Aftermarket companies and upfitters that wish to apply for this opportunity must submit proposals that include the following information:

• Executive Summary – One-pager to focus on the key benefits of the proposal and prior experiences to support this new role.
• Vehicle Description – List of specific modifications and accessories to be added, including a total customer pay price, along with a color rendering.
• Examples of previous project vehicles by the applicant.
• Promotional plan – Detailed marketing/PR plan for the show vehicle over the next 12–18 months.
• Timing – Specific dates, vehicle delivery and project timing and completion date. Vehicles must be completed by October 20, 2014.
• Commitment to feature the vehicle with the Mercedes-Benz logos and nomenclature intact with visible likeness to the production vehicle.
• Feature the van with its original engine, though power-boosting accessories are acceptable.
• Commit to creating weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process, including photos.
• Allow photo/video production by MBUSA during the build process, if requested by MBUSA.
• Booth number for their exhibit space at the 2014 SEMA Show.
• All costs associated with preparing the response to this Request For Proposal shall be borne solely by the aftermarket companies/upfitters.
• Finally, this Request For Proposal does not constitute a binding agreement between the aftermarket companies/upfitters and MBUSA. It should be made clear that a project vehicle will only be awarded upon the execution of an agreement by MBUSA and the aftermarket companies/upfitters, as required by MBUSA.

All proposals must be submitted to MBUSA via email to sema@mbusa.com by July 28, 2014.

Proposal Submission: July 28, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: August 4, 2014
Vehicle Delivery: Mid-August

Preliminary Project Van Specifications

Measurements

Length/width/height (in.): 202/76/74
Wheelbase/ground clearance (in.): 126/5.7
Payload/Towing (lbs.): 2,579/5,000
Cargo capacity (cu. ft.): 194
Cargo area length/height (in.): 92/54

Powertrain

Configuration: Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4-cylinder gasoline, turbocharged, direct injection
Total Displacement: 2.0L
Horsepower: 211 @ 5,000 RPM
Net Torque: 273 lb.-ft.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Japan’s own Masao Suenaga took the victory at Fuji Speedway for the first Formula DRIFT Japan event for Round 2 of the Formula DRIFT Asia Championship.

Formula DRIFT Japan Results: Masao Suenaga Takes Event Victory
Formula DRIFT entered Fuji Speedway for the first Formula DRIFT Japan event for Round 2 of the Formula DRIFT Asia Championship where Japan’s own Masao Suenaga took the inaugural event victory. The event had 69 entries in which 14 of those were Formula DRIFT Asia regulars. Six of the 14 finished in the Top 16. Participating drivers represented eight countries. Formula DRIFT featured ancillary events, including the Offset Kings car show, World Time Attack exhibition, Mazda Fest, 180 & Silvia Meet, FMX demos and Supermoto racing.

CTEK Continues Miller Racing Sponsorship in 2014 TransAm SSCA Pro Racing Series
CTEK Power Inc. has renewed its sponsorship of the CTEK/Northstar Miller Racing Chevrolet Camaro driven by Cameron Lawrence for the 2014 season. Last year, Lawrence was the TransAm TA2 class overall champion after winning eight out of 10 races. Lawrence, now in his fourth year of racing in Trans Am, has claimed four of the five TA2 races this year.

Landon Simon will run a special “Made in America” paint scheme for USAC’s 2014 Indiana Sprint Week.

Landon Simon to Drive “Made in America” Mt. Baker Vapor Specialty Car for Indiana Sprint Week
Non-wing Sprint Car driver Landon Simon will run a special “Made in America” paint scheme for USAC’s 2014 Indiana Sprint Week. The red, silver and blue body resembles a WWII P51 Mustang plane and acts as a tribute to veterans and the United States. The car is highlighting Landon Simon Racing’s primary sponsor, Mt. Baker Vapor, whose products are all made and distributed in the United States. Indiana Sprint Week consists of seven races in nine days starting with Gas City on July 11, followed by Kokomo, Lawrenceburg, Terre Haute, Putnamville, Bloomington and Haubstadt.

Mt. Baker Vapor came on as primary sponsor of Landon Simon Racing at the start of 2014. Simon will compete in more than 50 race events this season in the Mt. Baker Vapor-backed sprint car. He will run the “Made in America” through Indiana Sprint Week and the month of July.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Japan’s own Masao Suenaga took the victory at Fuji Speedway for the first Formula DRIFT Japan event for Round 2 of the Formula DRIFT Asia Championship.

Formula DRIFT Japan Results: Masao Suenaga Takes Event Victory
Formula DRIFT entered Fuji Speedway for the first Formula DRIFT Japan event for Round 2 of the Formula DRIFT Asia Championship where Japan’s own Masao Suenaga took the inaugural event victory. The event had 69 entries in which 14 of those were Formula DRIFT Asia regulars. Six of the 14 finished in the Top 16. Participating drivers represented eight countries. Formula DRIFT featured ancillary events, including the Offset Kings car show, World Time Attack exhibition, Mazda Fest, 180 & Silvia Meet, FMX demos and Supermoto racing.

CTEK Continues Miller Racing Sponsorship in 2014 TransAm SSCA Pro Racing Series
CTEK Power Inc. has renewed its sponsorship of the CTEK/Northstar Miller Racing Chevrolet Camaro driven by Cameron Lawrence for the 2014 season. Last year, Lawrence was the TransAm TA2 class overall champion after winning eight out of 10 races. Lawrence, now in his fourth year of racing in Trans Am, has claimed four of the five TA2 races this year.

Landon Simon will run a special “Made in America” paint scheme for USAC’s 2014 Indiana Sprint Week.

Landon Simon to Drive “Made in America” Mt. Baker Vapor Specialty Car for Indiana Sprint Week
Non-wing Sprint Car driver Landon Simon will run a special “Made in America” paint scheme for USAC’s 2014 Indiana Sprint Week. The red, silver and blue body resembles a WWII P51 Mustang plane and acts as a tribute to veterans and the United States. The car is highlighting Landon Simon Racing’s primary sponsor, Mt. Baker Vapor, whose products are all made and distributed in the United States. Indiana Sprint Week consists of seven races in nine days starting with Gas City on July 11, followed by Kokomo, Lawrenceburg, Terre Haute, Putnamville, Bloomington and Haubstadt.

Mt. Baker Vapor came on as primary sponsor of Landon Simon Racing at the start of 2014. Simon will compete in more than 50 race events this season in the Mt. Baker Vapor-backed sprint car. He will run the “Made in America” through Indiana Sprint Week and the month of July.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to authorize the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles to issue replica year of manufacture plates for antique vehicles was signed into law by Governor Lincoln Chafee. In Rhode Island, an antique motor car is “any motor vehicle which is more than 25 years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle may be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades and other functions of public interest and may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any public highway.” 

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to authorize the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles to issue replica year of manufacture plates for antique vehicles was signed into law by Governor Lincoln Chafee. In Rhode Island, an antique motor car is “any motor vehicle which is more than 25 years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle may be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades and other functions of public interest and may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any public highway.” 

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to authorize the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles to issue replica year of manufacture plates for antique vehicles was signed into law by Governor Lincoln Chafee. In Rhode Island, an antique motor car is “any motor vehicle which is more than 25 years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle may be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades and other functions of public interest and may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any public highway.” 

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.