By Della Domingo

During the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference, journalists will have the opportunity to conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers.

Journalists—including freelancers, bloggers, TV reporters and magazine writers—are invited to sit down in private, uninterrupted meetings with executives from manufacturing companies during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference, taking place January 21–23, 2014, in Santa Ana, California. Registration is available at www.sema.org/mpmcmediaregister.

Unlike traditional trade events where media attendees walk the Show floor, participants will receive a personalized schedule that includes meetings with manufacturers that they have selected. These meetings allow reporters to conduct high-quality interviews that can result in a year’s worth of editorial content. Reporters are able to select from 100 companies and indicate which companies they wish to meet with, so that they are only meeting with companies that are relevant to their outlet.

Media can register early to select the manufacturers that best match their editorial needs. A final schedule will include individual meetings with manufacturers every half hour, allowing participants to meet with up to 14 manufacturers in a single day. Plus, media may choose to attend one, two or all three days—whatever is most convenient.

There is no cost for media members to attend, and lunch is provided each day.

Register early before schedules start to fill up. The priority registration deadline is Monday, December 16, 2013. After that date, meetings will be assigned as space is available.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org, 909-978-6690.

By Della Domingo

During the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference, journalists will have the opportunity to conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers.

Journalists—including freelancers, bloggers, TV reporters and magazine writers—are invited to sit down in private, uninterrupted meetings with executives from manufacturing companies during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference, taking place January 21–23, 2014, in Santa Ana, California. Registration is available at www.sema.org/mpmcmediaregister.

Unlike traditional trade events where media attendees walk the Show floor, participants will receive a personalized schedule that includes meetings with manufacturers that they have selected. These meetings allow reporters to conduct high-quality interviews that can result in a year’s worth of editorial content. Reporters are able to select from 100 companies and indicate which companies they wish to meet with, so that they are only meeting with companies that are relevant to their outlet.

Media can register early to select the manufacturers that best match their editorial needs. A final schedule will include individual meetings with manufacturers every half hour, allowing participants to meet with up to 14 manufacturers in a single day. Plus, media may choose to attend one, two or all three days—whatever is most convenient.

There is no cost for media members to attend, and lunch is provided each day.

Register early before schedules start to fill up. The priority registration deadline is Monday, December 16, 2013. After that date, meetings will be assigned as space is available.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org, 909-978-6690.

By SEMA Editors

Ron/Deb Cizek and CAL Automotive Creations' ’40 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past” won Best of Ford Show Stand at the 2013 SEMA Show

Ford Motor Co. recognized the most significant design achievements at the 2013 SEMA Show with its Corporate Design Awards. The awards are presented annually by the automaker to the Ford vehicles that make a significant contribution to vehicle design and stand apart from all others at the Show.

Awards were presented for the most significant accomplishments in the categories of Best of Show; Best of Show on Ford Corporate Display Stand; Best Ford Heritage Vehicle; and Outstanding Achievement(s).


Below is a list of the Ford 2013 SEMA Show award winners by category:

Ford Design Awards

• Best of Show: John Mumford, built by Roy Brizio Street Rods – ’27 Ford Track T Roadster
• Best of Ford Show Stand: Ron/Deb Cizek and CAL Automotive Creations – ’40 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past”
• Best Heritage Vehicle: Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop – ’32 Ford Roadster

• EcoTrek Foundation – ’13 Super Duty
• Mobsteel – ’14 Transit Connect
• UTI Inc. – ’13 Focus ST
• Green Filter USA – ’13 Focus ST
• Ice Nine Group – ’14 Mustang
• Bojix Design – ’14 Mustang
• 3dCarbon – ’14 Fiesta
• DSO Eyewear – ’13 Fusion
• Kindig-it Design – ’65 Ford Galaxie

• DRAGG/Oxnard Police Department – ’13 Focus ST
• Hollywood Hot Rods – ’14 Mustang
• Skyjacker Suspensions – ’13 F-150
• LGE*CTS Motorsports – ’14 Transit Connect
• K-Daddyz Kustomz – ’14 Transit Connect

By SEMA Editors

Ron/Deb Cizek and CAL Automotive Creations' ’40 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past” won Best of Ford Show Stand at the 2013 SEMA Show

Ford Motor Co. recognized the most significant design achievements at the 2013 SEMA Show with its Corporate Design Awards. The awards are presented annually by the automaker to the Ford vehicles that make a significant contribution to vehicle design and stand apart from all others at the Show.

Awards were presented for the most significant accomplishments in the categories of Best of Show; Best of Show on Ford Corporate Display Stand; Best Ford Heritage Vehicle; and Outstanding Achievement(s).


Below is a list of the Ford 2013 SEMA Show award winners by category:

Ford Design Awards

• Best of Show: John Mumford, built by Roy Brizio Street Rods – ’27 Ford Track T Roadster
• Best of Ford Show Stand: Ron/Deb Cizek and CAL Automotive Creations – ’40 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past”
• Best Heritage Vehicle: Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop – ’32 Ford Roadster

• EcoTrek Foundation – ’13 Super Duty
• Mobsteel – ’14 Transit Connect
• UTI Inc. – ’13 Focus ST
• Green Filter USA – ’13 Focus ST
• Ice Nine Group – ’14 Mustang
• Bojix Design – ’14 Mustang
• 3dCarbon – ’14 Fiesta
• DSO Eyewear – ’13 Fusion
• Kindig-it Design – ’65 Ford Galaxie

• DRAGG/Oxnard Police Department – ’13 Focus ST
• Hollywood Hot Rods – ’14 Mustang
• Skyjacker Suspensions – ’13 F-150
• LGE*CTS Motorsports – ’14 Transit Connect
• K-Daddyz Kustomz – ’14 Transit Connect

By SEMA Editors

Ron/Deb Cizek and CAL Automotive Creations' ’40 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past” won Best of Ford Show Stand at the 2013 SEMA Show

Ford Motor Co. recognized the most significant design achievements at the 2013 SEMA Show with its Corporate Design Awards. The awards are presented annually by the automaker to the Ford vehicles that make a significant contribution to vehicle design and stand apart from all others at the Show.

Awards were presented for the most significant accomplishments in the categories of Best of Show; Best of Show on Ford Corporate Display Stand; Best Ford Heritage Vehicle; and Outstanding Achievement(s).


Below is a list of the Ford 2013 SEMA Show award winners by category:

Ford Design Awards

• Best of Show: John Mumford, built by Roy Brizio Street Rods – ’27 Ford Track T Roadster
• Best of Ford Show Stand: Ron/Deb Cizek and CAL Automotive Creations – ’40 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past”
• Best Heritage Vehicle: Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop – ’32 Ford Roadster

• EcoTrek Foundation – ’13 Super Duty
• Mobsteel – ’14 Transit Connect
• UTI Inc. – ’13 Focus ST
• Green Filter USA – ’13 Focus ST
• Ice Nine Group – ’14 Mustang
• Bojix Design – ’14 Mustang
• 3dCarbon – ’14 Fiesta
• DSO Eyewear – ’13 Fusion
• Kindig-it Design – ’65 Ford Galaxie

• DRAGG/Oxnard Police Department – ’13 Focus ST
• Hollywood Hot Rods – ’14 Mustang
• Skyjacker Suspensions – ’13 F-150
• LGE*CTS Motorsports – ’14 Transit Connect
• K-Daddyz Kustomz – ’14 Transit Connect

Two Trim Levels Revealed

The shooters at KGP Photography shot the interiors of two separate F-150 prototypes, revealing two trim levels and dashboard configurations for Ford's next-generation fullsize pickup. While there are still portions of the new F-series interior that are a mystery, the shooters have exposed the most important details of the trucks' controls and button interfaces. It's likely that some elements revealed here don't represent the final materials and plastics, but the design, layout and configurations of the screens and buttons should be dead ringers for the trucks that are expected to be revealed at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit—likely Monday, January 13, 2014.  

Atlas Concept Interior Traits Visible On Production Trucks

Elements of Ford's Atlas concept truck can be seen on the interior design of the ’15 F-150. Starting with the prototype's instrument binnacle, there is a similarly shaped, angular hood over the gauge cluster. The prototype's instrument hood also has places for contrasting trim on its outside edges, which appears to be an exact match for the chrome-edged instrument hood found on the Atlas concept.

The F-150 prototypes also have a center stack design that shows Atlas influences, with new, vertical air vents and similar screen placements. The prototype F-150 looks like it might have some dash-top storage—a day-to-day functional trait missing from the showbiz-worthy Atlas concept. The layout of the central tunnel on the production F-150 and the Atlas concept are broadly similar, with the gear selector on the left, and two cup holders on the right. The production truck actually gets a little more design detail, with chrome edging defining the two areas.

Up-Level Prototype Reveals Sync With MyFordTouch Layout

The first F-series interior spied shows a more upmarket trim level, outfitted with the 8-in. central touchscreen display. Prominent knobs for volume and tune flank the upper cluster of buttons, which consist of two simple rows of numbered presets (1–6), which sandwich the media and skip controls. A new set of HVAC controls sit lower on the center stack and show buttons for heated and cooled front seats. Two more big dials control the temp and dual functions for passenger comfort. There also appears to be a revised take on the rotary electric transfer case selector to shift between the various drive modes.

Mid-Level Sync with MyFord Layout Also Revealed

Another prototype was caught with a mid-level trim set-up, eschewing the 8-in. touchscreen in favor of a smaller (likely 4.2-in.) screen. This prototype most likely reveals the Sync with MyFord setup, offering simpler infotainment options, while still clearly a step up from a base AM/FM stereo in base "work truck" trim. The prototype captured here appears to do away with the shapelier button design that surrounds the 4.2-in. screen on the current truck. Instead, the ’15 MyFord setup has two rectangular blocks of buttons flanking the smaller screen—source controls on the left (music, radio, CD, Sirius, media, phone), and a numbered keypad on the right. The two tiers of buttons that reside below the screen are similar, but simplified versions of the setup visible on the MyFordTouch layout.

Undisguised Headlights Reveal Exterior Styling Links to Ford Atlas Concept

Just as seen on the Atlas concept, the production F-150 shows a trim piece that cuts into the headlight, nearly bisecting it into upper and lower sections. The shape of the headlight, its interaction with the front fender and its interplay with the grille shape looks to be a carbon copy between the Atlas concept and the production-spec prototype caught on the streets of Dearborn. The only difference seems to be the headlight internals, which have the reflectors and lighting elements necessary for a volume-production product—instead of something designed primarily for auto show flash.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Two Trim Levels Revealed

The shooters at KGP Photography shot the interiors of two separate F-150 prototypes, revealing two trim levels and dashboard configurations for Ford's next-generation fullsize pickup. While there are still portions of the new F-series interior that are a mystery, the shooters have exposed the most important details of the trucks' controls and button interfaces. It's likely that some elements revealed here don't represent the final materials and plastics, but the design, layout and configurations of the screens and buttons should be dead ringers for the trucks that are expected to be revealed at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit—likely Monday, January 13, 2014.  

Atlas Concept Interior Traits Visible On Production Trucks

Elements of Ford's Atlas concept truck can be seen on the interior design of the ’15 F-150. Starting with the prototype's instrument binnacle, there is a similarly shaped, angular hood over the gauge cluster. The prototype's instrument hood also has places for contrasting trim on its outside edges, which appears to be an exact match for the chrome-edged instrument hood found on the Atlas concept.

The F-150 prototypes also have a center stack design that shows Atlas influences, with new, vertical air vents and similar screen placements. The prototype F-150 looks like it might have some dash-top storage—a day-to-day functional trait missing from the showbiz-worthy Atlas concept. The layout of the central tunnel on the production F-150 and the Atlas concept are broadly similar, with the gear selector on the left, and two cup holders on the right. The production truck actually gets a little more design detail, with chrome edging defining the two areas.

Up-Level Prototype Reveals Sync With MyFordTouch Layout

The first F-series interior spied shows a more upmarket trim level, outfitted with the 8-in. central touchscreen display. Prominent knobs for volume and tune flank the upper cluster of buttons, which consist of two simple rows of numbered presets (1–6), which sandwich the media and skip controls. A new set of HVAC controls sit lower on the center stack and show buttons for heated and cooled front seats. Two more big dials control the temp and dual functions for passenger comfort. There also appears to be a revised take on the rotary electric transfer case selector to shift between the various drive modes.

Mid-Level Sync with MyFord Layout Also Revealed

Another prototype was caught with a mid-level trim set-up, eschewing the 8-in. touchscreen in favor of a smaller (likely 4.2-in.) screen. This prototype most likely reveals the Sync with MyFord setup, offering simpler infotainment options, while still clearly a step up from a base AM/FM stereo in base "work truck" trim. The prototype captured here appears to do away with the shapelier button design that surrounds the 4.2-in. screen on the current truck. Instead, the ’15 MyFord setup has two rectangular blocks of buttons flanking the smaller screen—source controls on the left (music, radio, CD, Sirius, media, phone), and a numbered keypad on the right. The two tiers of buttons that reside below the screen are similar, but simplified versions of the setup visible on the MyFordTouch layout.

Undisguised Headlights Reveal Exterior Styling Links to Ford Atlas Concept

Just as seen on the Atlas concept, the production F-150 shows a trim piece that cuts into the headlight, nearly bisecting it into upper and lower sections. The shape of the headlight, its interaction with the front fender and its interplay with the grille shape looks to be a carbon copy between the Atlas concept and the production-spec prototype caught on the streets of Dearborn. The only difference seems to be the headlight internals, which have the reflectors and lighting elements necessary for a volume-production product—instead of something designed primarily for auto show flash.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Two Trim Levels Revealed

The shooters at KGP Photography shot the interiors of two separate F-150 prototypes, revealing two trim levels and dashboard configurations for Ford's next-generation fullsize pickup. While there are still portions of the new F-series interior that are a mystery, the shooters have exposed the most important details of the trucks' controls and button interfaces. It's likely that some elements revealed here don't represent the final materials and plastics, but the design, layout and configurations of the screens and buttons should be dead ringers for the trucks that are expected to be revealed at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit—likely Monday, January 13, 2014.  

Atlas Concept Interior Traits Visible On Production Trucks

Elements of Ford's Atlas concept truck can be seen on the interior design of the ’15 F-150. Starting with the prototype's instrument binnacle, there is a similarly shaped, angular hood over the gauge cluster. The prototype's instrument hood also has places for contrasting trim on its outside edges, which appears to be an exact match for the chrome-edged instrument hood found on the Atlas concept.

The F-150 prototypes also have a center stack design that shows Atlas influences, with new, vertical air vents and similar screen placements. The prototype F-150 looks like it might have some dash-top storage—a day-to-day functional trait missing from the showbiz-worthy Atlas concept. The layout of the central tunnel on the production F-150 and the Atlas concept are broadly similar, with the gear selector on the left, and two cup holders on the right. The production truck actually gets a little more design detail, with chrome edging defining the two areas.

Up-Level Prototype Reveals Sync With MyFordTouch Layout

The first F-series interior spied shows a more upmarket trim level, outfitted with the 8-in. central touchscreen display. Prominent knobs for volume and tune flank the upper cluster of buttons, which consist of two simple rows of numbered presets (1–6), which sandwich the media and skip controls. A new set of HVAC controls sit lower on the center stack and show buttons for heated and cooled front seats. Two more big dials control the temp and dual functions for passenger comfort. There also appears to be a revised take on the rotary electric transfer case selector to shift between the various drive modes.

Mid-Level Sync with MyFord Layout Also Revealed

Another prototype was caught with a mid-level trim set-up, eschewing the 8-in. touchscreen in favor of a smaller (likely 4.2-in.) screen. This prototype most likely reveals the Sync with MyFord setup, offering simpler infotainment options, while still clearly a step up from a base AM/FM stereo in base "work truck" trim. The prototype captured here appears to do away with the shapelier button design that surrounds the 4.2-in. screen on the current truck. Instead, the ’15 MyFord setup has two rectangular blocks of buttons flanking the smaller screen—source controls on the left (music, radio, CD, Sirius, media, phone), and a numbered keypad on the right. The two tiers of buttons that reside below the screen are similar, but simplified versions of the setup visible on the MyFordTouch layout.

Undisguised Headlights Reveal Exterior Styling Links to Ford Atlas Concept

Just as seen on the Atlas concept, the production F-150 shows a trim piece that cuts into the headlight, nearly bisecting it into upper and lower sections. The shape of the headlight, its interaction with the front fender and its interplay with the grille shape looks to be a carbon copy between the Atlas concept and the production-spec prototype caught on the streets of Dearborn. The only difference seems to be the headlight internals, which have the reflectors and lighting elements necessary for a volume-production product—instead of something designed primarily for auto show flash.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

	Veteran car owner Bob Fryz's ’51 Mercury was the winner of the 2013 Winfield Award presented by Meguiar’s.

2013 Winfield Award Presented to Bob Fryz's 1951 Mercury
Veteran car owner Bob Fryz's extensively modified and customized ’51 Mercury was the winner of the 2013 Winfield Award presented by Meguiar’s. The award was presented on the second day of the 2013 PPG Syracuse Nationals. The award is named for legendary car designer and builder Gene Winfield of Mojave, California. Winfield was at the show to present the award to Fryz during a dinner Saturday, on the Fairgrounds. In addition to a custom-built trophy, Fryz received a check for $10,000 from Meguiar’s Car Care products. Built in a ’69 Camaro sub frame, the Mercury is modified throughout, including an unusual rolled and pleated pearl white interior topped off by an aircraft-type steering wheel. Falling back on a ’50s theme, the Mercury has a General Motors 383ci stroker motor backed up by a 350 B&M automatic transmission. Fryz said he was thrilled to receive the award because it is an exclamation point on his efforts to own unusually designed cars. For more information on the Winfield Award presented by Meguiar’s and how to submit a vehicle, visit www.SyracuseNationals.com. 

Tom Marx to Present “Marketing Metrics That Matter” at PRI
Tom Marx, president and CEO of The Marx Group, will present “Marketing Metrics That Matter” at the 2013 PRI Trade Show. The free seminar is scheduled for 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Friday, December 13, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. As a former professional race driver turned marketing and business strategist, Marx will discuss how small businesses can benefit from tracking and understanding sales, marketing, public relations and social media data. Marx uses proven techniques to help business owners establish benchmarks and goals, as well as determine how to adjust their marketing focus and investment in order to best accomplish those goals. For more information on the PRI Trade Show and free educational seminars, visit www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow. 

ASE Names Leonard King Refinish Technician of the Year 
Axalta Coating Systems presented the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Refinish Technician of the Year award to Leonard King of Euro Pros Collision Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland. King began his career in the industry 25 years ago. Axalta has been a sponsor of the award for more than 10 years. Axalta Training Manager Scott Diaz presented King with the award during an award's ceremony, stating, “Technicians are invaluable, in that they are the direct users of our refinish products and they help restore cars to their original beauty. We appreciate their knowledge, attention to detail and all they do to help demonstrate brilliant color.”

	CRP Automotive received two awards for excellence in business-to-business communication as part of the annual Automotive Communications Awards program.

CRP Automotive Earns Two Automotive Communication Awards
CRP Automotive received two awards for excellence in business-to-business communication during the 2013 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo in Las Vegas. The awards, which highlight outstanding advertising, marketing, and public relations activities on behalf of aftermarket organizations, were presented as part of the annual Automotive Communications Awards program, sponsored by the Car Care Council Women’s Board and Automotive Communication Council. CRP Automotive’s ContiTech Serpentine Belt Campaign was selected out of almost 250 entries as the 2013 winner of the Automotive Communications Award for Best-of-Class “Direct Mail Piece or Campaign/Newsletter” and Best-of-Class “Co-op/partnering Campaign.” The programs were developed by the CRP Marketing Team in collaboration with their advertising agency, MINT Advertising, and CRP’s Product Development and Sales Teams. The campaign ran for a five-month period, creating more than 500,000 first-time impressions.

Motorz Launches Mega Craftsman Christmas Holiday Giveaway  
Motorz has teamed up with Craftsman at Sears, Katzkin, AMP Research, Covercraft, E3 Spark Plugs, Mothers Polish, PerformanceParts.com and The Buzz Maker! to create the Motorz ultimate Craftsman Christmas prize package valued at more than $10,000. The contest, which began Friday, November 29, at www.motorz.tv/win, will run through December 24 at 3:00 p.m. (EST). Motorz will announce the winner on Christmas morning. The winner will receive a Craftsman prize package featuring 30 products, including tool sets, tool storage, power equipment, storage and accessories; an eight-piece car protection package from Covercraft; a new leather interior from Katzkin; a 40-plus piece vehicle beautification package from Mothers Polish; a six-piece package from AMP Research; E3 Spark Plugs and accessories; a gift certificate from PerformanceParts.com; and promotional support from The Buzz Maker! Public Relations. For more details and official rules, visit www.motorz.tv/win.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The CTEK-sponsored Chevy Camaro, fielded by Miller Racing and driven by Cameron Lawrence, captured first place in the season-ending points total.

CTEK-Sponsored Chevy Camaro driven by Cameron Lawrence Takes Season Title in Trans Am TA2 Class
The NorthStar Battery CTEK Chargers 100 Race at Daytona International Speedway was held last month, and marked the final event for the 2013 Trans Am Racing Series. In addition to being the race’s title sponsor, the CTEK-sponsored Chevy Camaro, fielded by Miller Racing and driven by Cameron Lawrence, captured first place in the season-ending points total to become the 2013 Trans Am TA2 class overall champion after winning eight out of 10 races. In the final race at Daytona, Lawrence finished first in the 22-car TA2 field and ninth overall. The Trans Am Series, America’s Road Racing Series, dates back to 1966. The series now features three distinct classes: TA, TA2 and TA3 and is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing. For more information, visit www.gotransam.com.

Crew Chief Todd Smith Joins John Force Racing
Veteran Top Fuel and Funny Car tuner Todd Smith has joined John Force Racing. Smith, of Cooper City, Florida, will take over the lead tuning duties of the Castrol EDGE Top Fuel Dragster. The veteran tuner was released by Don Schumacher Racing at the end of October.

Smith moves to JFR after a two-year stint with Don Schumacher Racing where he was the crew chief for Funny Car driver Jack Beckman. Smith will lead the team piloted by 2013 Auto Club Road to the Future Awards winner Brittany Force. The tuner has experience with young drivers going back to his tenure as co-crew chief Spencer Massey’s Top Fuel dragster for legendary driver and team owner Don Prudhomme.