By SEMA Editors

	Ford project-vehicle requests require two components: an e-mail project summary (due February 21, 2014) and a detailed written proposal (due March 3, 2014).

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2014. The automaker requests that project-vehicle proposals be submitted in two parts, and that all proposals meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria outlined below.

2014 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 3, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2014

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by February 21, 2014. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2014 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 3, 2014. 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 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• 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. Additional exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2014 SEMA Show will follow later this month. 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: Sherry Kollien & Mike Nicopolis
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

	Ford project-vehicle requests require two components: an e-mail project summary (due February 21, 2014) and a detailed written proposal (due March 3, 2014).

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2014. The automaker requests that project-vehicle proposals be submitted in two parts, and that all proposals meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria outlined below.

2014 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 3, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2014

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by February 21, 2014. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2014 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 3, 2014. 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 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• 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. Additional exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2014 SEMA Show will follow later this month. 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: Sherry Kollien & Mike Nicopolis
semainfo@ford.com

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• Edelbrock LLC, located in Torrance, California, is hiring a production buyer/planner to issue production orders/schedules for assigned commodities. The successful candidate will have 2–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, a bachelor's of science degree or equivalent, have a supply chain/procurement background and project management skills.

• Steelcraft Group, located in Corona, California, is hiring a sales and marketing manager to lead and direct multiple sales and marketing channels to grow and maintain industry stature of the tubular steel accessories and other products. The successful candidate will have a minimum of five years' experience in the automotive aftermarket industry and in a sales and marketing role.

• Bestop Inc., located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, is hiring a trim engineer to design and develop soft trim textile products. The successful candidate will have five years' minimum experience in the automotive industry, a bachelor’s degree in engineering, the ability to operate a broad range of sewing machines and other soft-trim-related tools and experience with textile pattern development.

• Spyder Auto, located in the City of Industry, California, is hiring an in-house marketing representative to contribute to sales volume growth. The ideal candidate will have the ability to build and promote the Spyder Auto brand, work closely with graphics/videographers for ad publication, have experience supporting sales professionals and be familiar with the aftermarket performance lighting fitment.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• Edelbrock LLC, located in Torrance, California, is hiring a production buyer/planner to issue production orders/schedules for assigned commodities. The successful candidate will have 2–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, a bachelor's of science degree or equivalent, have a supply chain/procurement background and project management skills.

• Steelcraft Group, located in Corona, California, is hiring a sales and marketing manager to lead and direct multiple sales and marketing channels to grow and maintain industry stature of the tubular steel accessories and other products. The successful candidate will have a minimum of five years' experience in the automotive aftermarket industry and in a sales and marketing role.

• Bestop Inc., located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, is hiring a trim engineer to design and develop soft trim textile products. The successful candidate will have five years' minimum experience in the automotive industry, a bachelor’s degree in engineering, the ability to operate a broad range of sewing machines and other soft-trim-related tools and experience with textile pattern development.

• Spyder Auto, located in the City of Industry, California, is hiring an in-house marketing representative to contribute to sales volume growth. The ideal candidate will have the ability to build and promote the Spyder Auto brand, work closely with graphics/videographers for ad publication, have experience supporting sales professionals and be familiar with the aftermarket performance lighting fitment.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

Visit HRIA's website

	HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

Detroit Autorama Welcomes Hot Rod Industry Alliance Education Day

By SEMA Editors

The Detroit Autorama will host this year’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day. The 60-year-old custom car show will take place in March at Cobo Hall. Education Day will be March 6, from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and consist of 24 sessions led by hot-rod parts manufacturers. These experts will educate attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”

HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions and top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.

“As one of the nation’s premier indoor custom car shows, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”

Attendee registration is now open. Reserve your spot today. For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.

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Visit ARMO's website.

Restoration Parts Registration Open for Hot Products Showcase

Registration is now open for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization’s (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase, which will take place April 23–26, 2014, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

This event is an opportunity for council members to display one or more products in front of one of the single-largest gatherings of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the world.

In addition to having products on display in the Hot Products tent, a professional photographer will photograph each one. The photos will be available to manufacturers and will also be used in a slideshow at the ARMO booth and reception at the SEMA Show. A gallery on the ARMO webpage also houses each of the photos, along with a product description for those unable to attend the event. This publicity is available to ARMO members for only the cost of shipping the product entries to the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

Product entries must meet the following criteria:

• Must be the product of an ARMO member-company.
• Must be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23.
• Must demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.

Members can register products by filling out the online application. All applications must be received by April 18, 2014. Not an ARMO member? Join today to gain access to this event and other council benefits.

Restoration Professionals Gather for Networking at the Hot Products Showcase

ARMO will host a networking mixer in the Hot Products Tent at the Showcase, Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. The mixer will be a chance for members to grab a drink and spend some time interacting one-on-one with council leadership and fellow ARMO members. The council leadership believes this event holds enormous potential for new ideas and partnerships to be formed as members network with new and old industry friends. RSVP to save your spot.

Make Your Voice Heard at the ARMO Industry Discussion

This year, the council will also hold an industry discussion, Friday, April 25, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Hot Products Tent. The session will allow members and others interested in joining the council to voice their concerns, ask questions and offer input to the group. For members who would like to be a part of shaping future projects and events, this will be a chance to make their voices heard. Send in your RSVP today.

For more information about any of these events, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

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	The 2013 annual SEMA Membership Directory.

SEMA News is the monthly magazine published by SEMA that reaches more than 18,000 key automotive specialty-equipment businesses. Recipients include all SEMA-member companies, plus selected retailers, installers, manufacturers, warehouse distributors and other industry professionals.

The May 2014 issue of SEMA News is the annual SEMA Membership Directory. This is the 230-page industry sourcebook that allows the industry to connect with other leading companies all year long.

Inside, you’ll find listings by business category, including manufacturer’s reps, warehouse distributors, retailers, web services, manufacturers, car clubs and much more.

Also included are listings of SEMA-member benefits and association contacts. It’s the biggest issue of the year, and the one you’ll keep all year long. The directory will be available for download free to SEMA members starting May 1. 





The 2014 rate card and editorial calendar is now available. To advertise in SEMA News, contact sales@sema.org