By SEMA Editors

Ford has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020. 

2020 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: February 1, 2020
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2020

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

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by January 27, 2020. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2020 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by February 3, 2020. 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 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
• 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. Social-media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Kyle Ebner and Sherry Kollien
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Ford has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020. 

2020 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: February 1, 2020
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2020

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

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by January 27, 2020. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2020 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by February 3, 2020. 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 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
• 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. Social-media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Kyle Ebner and Sherry Kollien
semainfo@ford.com

By Linda Spencer

First-time exhibitor Specialty Vehicle Engineering Inc./DBA Hamburger’s Superchargers Inc. attracted lots of attention among local buyers.

Register now for the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 31–April 5, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and April 5–7, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where attendees will meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region. Explore the potential for your products in this customizing-crazy market, where consumers are eager to buy the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

Attendees of the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference will:

• Exhibit at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates—in a turn-key booth.
• Participate in a seminar with top distributors.
• Participate in an official U.S. government briefing.
• Tour specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades.
• Attend networking receptions.

All meals, hotel accommodations, a turnkey booth at Custom Show Emirates and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia are included. Attendees can self-certify to qualify for up to $1,250 in U.S. government grants to defray trip costs. California-based companies are eligible for additional funds, including state grants of up to $1,500 to help defray the costs of participating.*

Slots are limited, and the registration deadline for the Saudi portion of the trip is December 28, so so register today!

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Conference, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

*Check with SEMA staff regarding additional funds for SEMA members located in other states.

By Linda Spencer

First-time exhibitor Specialty Vehicle Engineering Inc./DBA Hamburger’s Superchargers Inc. attracted lots of attention among local buyers.

Register now for the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 31–April 5, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and April 5–7, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where attendees will meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region. Explore the potential for your products in this customizing-crazy market, where consumers are eager to buy the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

Attendees of the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference will:

• Exhibit at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates—in a turn-key booth.
• Participate in a seminar with top distributors.
• Participate in an official U.S. government briefing.
• Tour specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades.
• Attend networking receptions.

All meals, hotel accommodations, a turnkey booth at Custom Show Emirates and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia are included. Attendees can self-certify to qualify for up to $1,250 in U.S. government grants to defray trip costs. California-based companies are eligible for additional funds, including state grants of up to $1,500 to help defray the costs of participating.*

Slots are limited, and the registration deadline for the Saudi portion of the trip is December 28, so so register today!

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Conference, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

*Check with SEMA staff regarding additional funds for SEMA members located in other states.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has an opening in the Distributors/Retailers category.

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seat is open for this year’s election:

• Distributors/Retailers (one open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, include a brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due Friday, January 3, 2020. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well.  We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE

SEMA President & CEO

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has an opening in the Distributors/Retailers category.

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seat is open for this year’s election:

• Distributors/Retailers (one open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, include a brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due Friday, January 3, 2020. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well.  We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE

SEMA President & CEO

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Aftermarket Store Technician
4 Wheel Parts is hiring an aftermarket store technician to install and work on suspensions, lift kits, alignments, gears, mounting and balancing wheels. Candidates should have three years of experience, ASE certification a plus.  

Design Engineer
FOX Factory Inc. is hiring a design engineer within the Powered Vehicles team, responsible for designing, developing and modifying products and processes applying engineering principles. Candidates should have a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering, at least a fundamental understanding of product design and development and one to two years of applicable experience.

Traveling Sales Representative
Quake LED is hiring a traveling sales representative. Qualified candidates will become experts in the company’s product offerings while traveling around the country to represent the brand and sell product at various off-road events and trade shows. Responsibilities include selling product to the general public and event attendees, driving to and from events, setting up and breaking down displays, counting inventory on event trailers and providing customer service to end-users. Candidates must be able to travel for extended periods of time, have a clean driving record and a strong interest in the off-road, powersports and automotive industry.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By SEMA Editors

As part of Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) commitment to increase engagement and support for the racing industry, the organization has launched a search for two executive positions, including the new position of President to be based out of Indianapolis, Indiana.

With a focus on building, promoting and protecting the motorsports industry, PRI’s president will oversee the strategic vision, leadership and executive management of all PRI initiatives. Based in Indianapolis, what many consider to be the center of the racing industry, the president will work closely with racing-related businesses, as well as individual racers, race teams, racing facilities, sanctioning bodies, and parts suppliers to develop programs and services to benefit the motorsports community.

In addition to the president in Indianapolis, PRI will hire a general manager in Southern California who will be responsible for the daily operations of PRI’s Trade Show, magazine and online media content. Bill Miller, the current general manager, will continue to support the PRI team while focusing on his responsibilities as senior vice president of operations for SEMA, which has owned and operated Performance Racing Industry since 2012.

“Having dedicated executives leading PRI will ensure that the needs of racing-related businesses and racers are met,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The motorsports industry is a unique community filled with passion, innovation and enthusiasm. We’re looking for individuals who share that passion as PRI looks to enhance the resources and programs for the industry.”

Successful candidates will have proven leadership skills and a strong work ethic, and be motivated to serve the motorsports industry. Additional skills and requirements, as well as complete job descriptions, can be found at performanceracing.com/candidates. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online.

By Ashley Reyes

The “PRO Sales Training Manual” is available as a hard copy for purchase or in a free electronic format to all PRO council members.

More than 150 SEMA-member company employees have obtained and are seeing increased profits from the SEMA Accessory Professional Exam, a new resource provided by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) designed to help restylers, installers and accessory retailers build a more successful dealer-direct sales strategy.

The new program, which identifies superior sales among automotive restylers, aims to recognize accessory manufacturers and restylers for their sales expertise while providing them understanding of the inner workings of a car dealership and how to qualify and identify the key decision maker.

Developed by industry experts, the five-section exam is based off the “PRO Sales Training Manual” and includes 50 multiple-choice questions focused on customer relations and sales strategy, salesperson knowledge and practices, business structure and sales processes, marketing and promotions, and SEMA PRO recommended business practices and preparations.

“It’s exciting to witness how many SEMA-member companies are seeing increased sales profits in their business as an outcome of the program,” said Jim Skelly, PRO council director. “Building a mutually beneficial relationship with new-and-used car dealers is key to building trust and gaining respect, but profit is also a great motivator.”

An accessory sales professional certificate and badge is awarded to restylers who pass the exam, earning them recognition for their achievement while providing business owners with a valuable marketing edge.

The “PRO Sales Training Manual” is available as a hard copy for purchase or in a free electronic format to all PRO council members. While it can be purchased by anyone for $149.95, PRO and Truck& Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members receive the special discounted price of $24.95 for the printed copy which can be ordered online at www.sema.org/pro.

For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.