This isn’t the Ford Fiesta Active, nor is it an all-new Ecosport. Caught testing in Germany is a third Fiesta-based SUV model, probably called the City-SUV, and will likely hit dealers in 2020.

It is aimed at buyers that find the Fiesta Active to be too car-like and the Ecosport too basic. The new model will share platform and mechanics with the Fiesta hatch and have to battle with strong competition, including the Kia Stonic, Seat Arona and VW T-Cross (in Europe).

It’s still unknown if this will have a chance at coming stateside.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This isn’t the Ford Fiesta Active, nor is it an all-new Ecosport. Caught testing in Germany is a third Fiesta-based SUV model, probably called the City-SUV, and will likely hit dealers in 2020.

It is aimed at buyers that find the Fiesta Active to be too car-like and the Ecosport too basic. The new model will share platform and mechanics with the Fiesta hatch and have to battle with strong competition, including the Kia Stonic, Seat Arona and VW T-Cross (in Europe).

It’s still unknown if this will have a chance at coming stateside.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This isn’t the Ford Fiesta Active, nor is it an all-new Ecosport. Caught testing in Germany is a third Fiesta-based SUV model, probably called the City-SUV, and will likely hit dealers in 2020.

It is aimed at buyers that find the Fiesta Active to be too car-like and the Ecosport too basic. The new model will share platform and mechanics with the Fiesta hatch and have to battle with strong competition, including the Kia Stonic, Seat Arona and VW T-Cross (in Europe).

It’s still unknown if this will have a chance at coming stateside.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Della Domingo

With thousands of media attending the SEMA Show each year, the annual event provides exhibitors with a great opportunity to increase exposure and awareness.

With thousands of media attending the SEMA Show each year, the annual event provides exhibitors with a great opportunity to increase exposure and awareness. SEMA has many programs to help connect exhibitors with media, including an online media center, where exhibitors can upload press releases at no charge, and a service that pushes photos and information about new products from the New Products Showcase out to journalists.

As exhibitors prepare for the 2019 SEMA Show, the SEMA media relations team would like to know what media questions exhibitors have. Exhibitors are invited to submit the following to pr@sema.org:

• Questions for journalists who are at the SEMA Show.
• Target list of specific journalists they would want to see attend the SEMA Show.
• Biggest media challenges they face at the SEMA Show.
• Advice they would like to receive from journalists.

Select submissions will be forwarded to media and used to shape upcoming communications with exhibitors.

By Della Domingo

With thousands of media attending the SEMA Show each year, the annual event provides exhibitors with a great opportunity to increase exposure and awareness.

With thousands of media attending the SEMA Show each year, the annual event provides exhibitors with a great opportunity to increase exposure and awareness. SEMA has many programs to help connect exhibitors with media, including an online media center, where exhibitors can upload press releases at no charge, and a service that pushes photos and information about new products from the New Products Showcase out to journalists.

As exhibitors prepare for the 2019 SEMA Show, the SEMA media relations team would like to know what media questions exhibitors have. Exhibitors are invited to submit the following to pr@sema.org:

• Questions for journalists who are at the SEMA Show.
• Target list of specific journalists they would want to see attend the SEMA Show.
• Biggest media challenges they face at the SEMA Show.
• Advice they would like to receive from journalists.

Select submissions will be forwarded to media and used to shape upcoming communications with exhibitors.

By Matt Kennedy

According to SEMA’s new “Modern Muscle Car Accessorizor Report,” 44% of modern musclecar owners have accessorized their cars.

Did you know that 44% of modern musclecars have aftermarket parts installed? That’s almost 900,000 upgraded ’10–’19 Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers on the road.

Having a strong online and social-media presence can help connect you to these potential customers.

• 92% research parts online.
• 64% often turn to online videos when researching parts.

That said, in-store retail is far from dead. These customers prefer to buy from a physical store after they’ve done their research.

• 58% prefer to buy parts in-person.
• 75% of their upgrade parts are bought in-store.

Musclecar accessorizers present an opportunity for long-term relationships and referrals.

• 76% are always looking for their next modification.
• 72% say most of their friends come to them for car advice or feedback.

Want to learn more about modern musclecar owners?  Check out SEMA’s new “Modern Muscle Car Accessorizer Report.”

By Matt Kennedy

According to SEMA’s new “Modern Muscle Car Accessorizor Report,” 44% of modern musclecar owners have accessorized their cars.

Did you know that 44% of modern musclecars have aftermarket parts installed? That’s almost 900,000 upgraded ’10–’19 Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers on the road.

Having a strong online and social-media presence can help connect you to these potential customers.

• 92% research parts online.
• 64% often turn to online videos when researching parts.

That said, in-store retail is far from dead. These customers prefer to buy from a physical store after they’ve done their research.

• 58% prefer to buy parts in-person.
• 75% of their upgrade parts are bought in-store.

Musclecar accessorizers present an opportunity for long-term relationships and referrals.

• 76% are always looking for their next modification.
• 72% say most of their friends come to them for car advice or feedback.

Want to learn more about modern musclecar owners?  Check out SEMA’s new “Modern Muscle Car Accessorizer Report.”

By Kristopher Porter

The 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were (L–R): Donnie Eatherly, Chris Thomson and Ed Pink.

As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

When making your confidential nomination, please provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves this prestigious award. Feel free to mention previous accomplishments and notable industry contributions. This will help the Hall of Fame Committee choose the most deserving candidates.

Before submitting your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website and the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly from P&E Distributors Inc., Ed Pink from Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Chris Thomson from TMG Performance Group.

Submit your nomination for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame before the March 8 deadline.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Kristopher Porter

The 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were (L–R): Donnie Eatherly, Chris Thomson and Ed Pink.

As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

When making your confidential nomination, please provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves this prestigious award. Feel free to mention previous accomplishments and notable industry contributions. This will help the Hall of Fame Committee choose the most deserving candidates.

Before submitting your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website and the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly from P&E Distributors Inc., Ed Pink from Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Chris Thomson from TMG Performance Group.

Submit your nomination for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame before the March 8 deadline.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Kristopher Porter

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites members who are in town for the MPMC Media Trade Conference or the Grand National Roadster Show to its open meeting, to be held Friday, January 25, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to learn about HRIA’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members, along with SEMA staff, will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA. A continental breakfast will be provided.  

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, or via email at jimsk@sema.org.

Register now!