A detailed written proposal for Ford project-vehicle requests is due March 1, 2012.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its Ford and Lincoln project-vehicle program for 2012. 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.

For more information, contact Sherry Kollien or Mike Nicopolis at semainfo@ford.com.

2012 Ford and Lincoln Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2012
Award Recipient Notification Date: May 1, 2012

Submit your project-vehicle request in two parts.

Part 1

E-mail one-page project summary: Must be received by February 21, 2012.

Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2012 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail detailed project proposal: Must be received by March 1, 2012.

• 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
• Information on Lincoln vehicles is available at: www.lincoln.com

FORD AFTERMARKET PROJECT VEHICLE PROGRAM CRITERIA

Aftermarket companies requesting vehicles should be:

• Manufacturers or designers/restylers 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.
• Current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2012 Las Vegas SEMA Show.
• Register and keep the vehicle in their company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3M in General Liability Insurance and $1M in Vehicle Insurance.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford/Lincoln logos intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if they 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 be subject 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 vehicle
6. Additional exposure
7. A copy of current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

2012 Ford and Lincoln Project Vehicle Program Highlights

The Ford booth at the 2012 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to Ford's existing lineup. The provided links allow you to research these newly announced products for images that may be used for your proposal rendering. Visit www.ford.com or www.lincoln.com.

2013 Ford Fusion – New Vehicle for 2013 MY

• Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets.
• With seven technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value.

2013 Ford Mustang – Updated for 2013 MY

• Gets even more street swagger with a new design and a list of smart features that signal even more technology in the popular pony car.
• New exterior design with more prominent grille, new hood and new LED signature lighting give the latest Mustang a high-tech look.

2013 Ford Taurus – Updated for 2013 MY

• The new Ford Taurus is even more refined with better fuel economy, more technology, improved craftsmanship, enhanced design and sharpened driving dynamics.
• Expected to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency—at least 31 mpg highway—with the new 2.0L EcoBoost engine, while delivering horsepower comparable to competitive, normally aspirated V6 offerings.

2013 Ford Escape – New Vehicle for 2013 MY

• The all-new Ford Escape brings America's SUV-loving customers versatility, technology and highway fuel economy all wrapped in a modern design.
• Features new hands-free technology, including a liftgate with motion-sensing technology and upgraded MyFord Touch system that makes connecting with digital devices on the go even easier.
• New Escape’s projected fuel economy is up to 5 mpg better than outgoing Escape; 1.6- and 2.0L EcoBoost engines save customers fuel and money.

2013 Ford Flex – Updated for 2013 MY

• Fans of the Ford Flex have even more to love this year with an upgraded model with a sleek new look and even more technology to make driving safer, easier and more fuel-efficient.
• Flex features the latest MyFord Touch system, new safety and driver-aid features, such as adaptive cruise control, Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) as well as push-button start, rear inflatable belts, rain-sensing wipers and active park assist.

2013 Lincoln MKS – Updated for 2013 MY

• The full-size Lincoln MKS sports an updated, sleeker style for 2013 that headlines a range of improvements that rivals more expensive luxury-class contenders.
• Features better handling, increased power, improved fuel efficiency, additional standard equipment, more refinement and new technologies that help drivers reduce accident risks.

Lincoln MKZ – New Vehicle

• The MKZ Concept strongly hints at the production model as well as Lincoln’s design future. For a high-resolution image of the MKZ Concept that may be used for your proposal rendering, contact semainfo@ford.com.

Complete information on all Ford and Lincoln vehicles is available at www.ford.com or www.lincoln.com.

Please submit Ford and Lincoln proposals to:

Ford Motor Company
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Sherry Kollien & Mike Nicopolis
semainfo@ford.com

	A detailed written proposal for Ford project-vehicle requests is due March 1, 2012.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its Ford and Lincoln project-vehicle program for 2012. 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.

For more information, contact Sherry Kollien or Mike Nicopolis at semainfo@ford.com.

2012 Ford and Lincoln Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2012
Award Recipient Notification Date: May 1, 2012

Submit your project-vehicle request in two parts.

Part 1

E-mail one-page project summary: Must be received by February 21, 2012.

Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2012 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail detailed project proposal: Must be received by March 1, 2012.

• 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
• Information on Lincoln vehicles is available at: www.lincoln.com

FORD AFTERMARKET PROJECT VEHICLE PROGRAM CRITERIA

Aftermarket companies requesting vehicles should be:

• Manufacturers or designers/restylers 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.
• Current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2012 Las Vegas SEMA Show.
• Register and keep the vehicle in their company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3M in General Liability Insurance and $1M in Vehicle Insurance.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford/Lincoln logos intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if they 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 be subject 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 vehicle
6. Additional exposure
7. A copy of current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

2012 Ford and Lincoln Project Vehicle Program Highlights

The Ford booth at the 2012 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to Ford's existing lineup. The provided links allow you to research these newly announced products for images that may be used for your proposal rendering. Visit www.ford.com or www.lincoln.com.

2013 Ford Fusion – New Vehicle for 2013 MY

• Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets.
• With seven technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value.

2013 Ford Mustang – Updated for 2013 MY

• Gets even more street swagger with a new design and a list of smart features that signal even more technology in the popular pony car.
• New exterior design with more prominent grille, new hood and new LED signature lighting give the latest Mustang a high-tech look.

2013 Ford Taurus – Updated for 2013 MY

• The new Ford Taurus is even more refined with better fuel economy, more technology, improved craftsmanship, enhanced design and sharpened driving dynamics.
• Expected to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency—at least 31 mpg highway—with the new 2.0L EcoBoost engine, while delivering horsepower comparable to competitive, normally aspirated V6 offerings.

2013 Ford Escape – New Vehicle for 2013 MY

• The all-new Ford Escape brings America's SUV-loving customers versatility, technology and highway fuel economy all wrapped in a modern design.
• Features new hands-free technology, including a liftgate with motion-sensing technology and upgraded MyFord Touch system that makes connecting with digital devices on the go even easier.
• New Escape’s projected fuel economy is up to 5 mpg better than outgoing Escape; 1.6- and 2.0L EcoBoost engines save customers fuel and money.

2013 Ford Flex – Updated for 2013 MY

• Fans of the Ford Flex have even more to love this year with an upgraded model with a sleek new look and even more technology to make driving safer, easier and more fuel-efficient.
• Flex features the latest MyFord Touch system, new safety and driver-aid features, such as adaptive cruise control, Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) as well as push-button start, rear inflatable belts, rain-sensing wipers and active park assist.

2013 Lincoln MKS – Updated for 2013 MY

• The full-size Lincoln MKS sports an updated, sleeker style for 2013 that headlines a range of improvements that rivals more expensive luxury-class contenders.
• Features better handling, increased power, improved fuel efficiency, additional standard equipment, more refinement and new technologies that help drivers reduce accident risks.

Lincoln MKZ – New Vehicle

• The MKZ Concept strongly hints at the production model as well as Lincoln’s design future. For a high-resolution image of the MKZ Concept that may be used for your proposal rendering, contact semainfo@ford.com.

Complete information on all Ford and Lincoln vehicles is available at www.ford.com or www.lincoln.com.

Please submit Ford and Lincoln proposals to:

Ford Motor Company
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Sherry Kollien & Mike Nicopolis
semainfo@ford.com

	New Marketing Coordinator Craig Martinez will assist The Marx Group with marketing, public relations and social media.

The Marx Group Names Craig Martinez Marketing Coordinator
The Marx Group hired Craig Martinez as the company's new marketing coordinator. Martinez comes to The Marx Group having worked as public relations coordinator for Full-Throttle Communications—a marketing, public relations and advertising agency—and marketing coordinator at AGIA Insurance Services—an insurance administrator in Southern California. In his new role at The Marx Group, Martinez will assist the company in the areas of marketing, public relations and social media.

McLeod Racing LLC Hires Bob Scheid as Director of Business Development
McLeod Racing LLC hired Bob Scheid as director of business development, which is a newly formed position at the company. McLeod reports that Scheid has worked in the automotive aftermarket for more than 20 years, holding positions that have led him from the parts counters of Nationwise Auto Parts to the Presidency of Fidanza Engineering and Director of Business Development for Digital Performance Inc. He will work with different departments within McLeod. 

RideTech Announces Winner of Streetrod Design Contest
RideTech announced that the winner of its Streetrod Design Contest was Gary Drayton, who received a $500 cash prize. There were 60 designs entered for the contest and more than 1,000 votes registered. The company also stated that features of Drayton's design will be incorporated into the vinyl wrap the company is developing for the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in March. View the top three designs and all of the entries. 

Chili Bowl Nationals to Air in April on CBS
According to a release by Lucas Oil Products, the 26th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire will air April 14, at 3:00 p.m. (CST). The broadcast will be carried by CBS and its nearly 200 affiliates throughout the United States. The Chili Bowl Nationals were originally set to air on the CBS Sports Network in January. The forthcoming broadcast marks the first time that the Chili Bowl will be aired on one of the "Big Three" television Networks. 

Federated Sponsors New Segments on "Two Guys Garage"
Through a new agreement and continued sponsorship of the "Two Guys Garage" television show, Federated will sponsor two regular segments called "Tech Talk by Federated Auto Parts" and "Brake Room." The segments will be featured on every episode of "Two Guys Garage" beginning April 28 and will run through November 2012. The focus of "Tech Talk" will be on education and training, with emphasis on parts and solutions provided by the automotive aftermarket. “Brake Room” segments will highlight the innovative and high-quality parts supplied by Federated’s manufacturing partners.

Vehicle Inspection Systems Inc. Updates Website
Vehicle Inspection Systems Inc. announced that it redesigned its website, www.vischeck.net, to include easier navigation and more information on the company's products. The website is now linked to the new online shopping site, store.vispolish.com, where supplies, parts and machines can be ordered.

	New Marketing Coordinator Craig Martinez will assist The Marx Group with marketing, public relations and social media.

The Marx Group Names Craig Martinez Marketing Coordinator
The Marx Group hired Craig Martinez as the company's new marketing coordinator. Martinez comes to The Marx Group having worked as public relations coordinator for Full-Throttle Communications—a marketing, public relations and advertising agency—and marketing coordinator at AGIA Insurance Services—an insurance administrator in Southern California. In his new role at The Marx Group, Martinez will assist the company in the areas of marketing, public relations and social media.

McLeod Racing LLC Hires Bob Scheid as Director of Business Development
McLeod Racing LLC hired Bob Scheid as director of business development, which is a newly formed position at the company. McLeod reports that Scheid has worked in the automotive aftermarket for more than 20 years, holding positions that have led him from the parts counters of Nationwise Auto Parts to the Presidency of Fidanza Engineering and Director of Business Development for Digital Performance Inc. He will work with different departments within McLeod. 

RideTech Announces Winner of Streetrod Design Contest
RideTech announced that the winner of its Streetrod Design Contest was Gary Drayton, who received a $500 cash prize. There were 60 designs entered for the contest and more than 1,000 votes registered. The company also stated that features of Drayton's design will be incorporated into the vinyl wrap the company is developing for the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in March. View the top three designs and all of the entries. 

Chili Bowl Nationals to Air in April on CBS
According to a release by Lucas Oil Products, the 26th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire will air April 14, at 3:00 p.m. (CST). The broadcast will be carried by CBS and its nearly 200 affiliates throughout the United States. The Chili Bowl Nationals were originally set to air on the CBS Sports Network in January. The forthcoming broadcast marks the first time that the Chili Bowl will be aired on one of the "Big Three" television Networks. 

Federated Sponsors New Segments on "Two Guys Garage"
Through a new agreement and continued sponsorship of the "Two Guys Garage" television show, Federated will sponsor two regular segments called "Tech Talk by Federated Auto Parts" and "Brake Room." The segments will be featured on every episode of "Two Guys Garage" beginning April 28 and will run through November 2012. The focus of "Tech Talk" will be on education and training, with emphasis on parts and solutions provided by the automotive aftermarket. “Brake Room” segments will highlight the innovative and high-quality parts supplied by Federated’s manufacturing partners.

Vehicle Inspection Systems Inc. Updates Website
Vehicle Inspection Systems Inc. announced that it redesigned its website, www.vischeck.net, to include easier navigation and more information on the company's products. The website is now linked to the new online shopping site, store.vispolish.com, where supplies, parts and machines can be ordered.

Brenda Priddy and her team of spy shooters delivered these pictures of the Hyundai Santa Fe, originally shot in fall 2011. Members of her crew recently spotted the Santa Fe testing in the Arctic Circle, but the fall 2011 photos of the vehicle (featured here) are much more detailed, according to the team.

Codenamed "DM," rumors surrounding the Santa Fe suggest that there will be two variants: a two-row, short wheel base model that is familiar, and a three-row, longer-wheel-base model that will replace the Veracruz.  

Priddy says that under the hood, the 2.4L I4 motor will be present, and either the 3.3L V6 or the 3.5L will be available. A hybrid setup, based on the 2.4L, is also apparently in the works.

The team reports that production of the new Santa Fe will likely commence Q2 of 2012 at Kia's West Point, Georgia factory.

Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.

Brenda Priddy and her team of spy shooters delivered these pictures of the Hyundai Santa Fe, originally shot in fall 2011. Members of her crew recently spotted the Santa Fe testing in the Arctic Circle, but the fall 2011 photos of the vehicle (featured here) are much more detailed, according to the team.

Codenamed "DM," rumors surrounding the Santa Fe suggest that there will be two variants: a two-row, short wheel base model that is familiar, and a three-row, longer-wheel-base model that will replace the Veracruz.  

Priddy says that under the hood, the 2.4L I4 motor will be present, and either the 3.3L V6 or the 3.5L will be available. A hybrid setup, based on the 2.4L, is also apparently in the works.

The team reports that production of the new Santa Fe will likely commence Q2 of 2012 at Kia's West Point, Georgia factory.

Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.

Brenda Priddy and her team of spy shooters delivered these pictures of the Hyundai Santa Fe, originally shot in fall 2011. Members of her crew recently spotted the Santa Fe testing in the Arctic Circle, but the fall 2011 photos of the vehicle (featured here) are much more detailed, according to the team.

Codenamed "DM," rumors surrounding the Santa Fe suggest that there will be two variants: a two-row, short wheel base model that is familiar, and a three-row, longer-wheel-base model that will replace the Veracruz.  

Priddy says that under the hood, the 2.4L I4 motor will be present, and either the 3.3L V6 or the 3.5L will be available. A hybrid setup, based on the 2.4L, is also apparently in the works.

The team reports that production of the new Santa Fe will likely commence Q2 of 2012 at Kia's West Point, Georgia factory.

Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.