By SEMA Editors

Project vehicle proposals for Ford's project vehicle program, which includes the Mustang, must be received by February 17, 2017.

The Ford booth at the 2017 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles for its 2017 project-vehicle program, in addition to its existing lineup:

• Ford's all-new ’18 Expedition - According to Ford, the all-new Expedition is the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever, with technology to keep every passenger connected, more power for drivers and more expected towing capability than any other full-size SUV.
• ’18 All-New Ford EcoSport – Fun, capable and connected, EcoSport gives drivers the freedom and versatility to go small and live big. Technology—including SYNC 3 with a high-resolution 8-in. floating touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—easily integrates your smartphone and keeps you connected to friends and family while on the move.

• ’18 Freshened Ford Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) – The new Mustang features a more athletic look, with new front- and rear-end design that delivers a leaner and meaner look and refined aerodynamics. New Mustang technologies include a 12-in. all-digital customizable instrument cluster, MyMode with memory function that remembers your driving preferences for the next time you drive, and new driver-assist features such as Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection for increased confidence behind the wheel. Powerful engine upgrades, plus an all-new available 10-speed automatic transmission give the Mustang even more performance, while available MagneRide suspension offers optimum handling; optional active valve exhaust affords complete auditory control.

• ’18 Freshened F-150 – The new F-150 features bolder, Built-Ford-Tough style and segment-first high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body. Available class-exclusive pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection can automatically apply F-150 brakes to help prevent a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian, plus available WiFi hotspot can help you stay connected. The F-150 features the best towing ability ever, thanks to more powerful, efficient engine offerings that include standard auto start-stop across the range, all-new 3.0L Power Stroke turbodiesel and expanded availability of a segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission.

• ’18 Ford Raptor – The F-150 Raptor combines more power and torque with a 500-lb. weight reduction and advanced powertrain control technology to deliver the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup.  A second-generation 3.5L high-output EcoBoost engine produces 450 hp and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, plus a 23% improvement in EPA-estimated combined fuel economy. An advanced 10-speed transmission enables Raptor customers to enjoy exhilarating performance and efficiency both on- and off-road.

• ’17 Ford Transit – The Ford Transit offers the flexibility to fit any business by offering a cargo van or passenger wagon plus your choice of three roof heights, three lengths and two wheelbases. Also available is the choice of three engines along with a seemingly endless list of upfitting options.

• ’17 Ford Transit Connect – With new features and plenty of carryover content, Ford Transit Connect continues to cater to the needs of tradesmen, small businesses and commercial fleets—customers looking for a versatile, capable, maneuverable and efficient business vehicle in a compact package.

• ’17 Ford Focus RS – The Ford Focus RS introduces advanced performance technologies for an ultimate driving experience; pioneers innovative, race-inspired Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive, and industry-first drift mode. An aggressive, functional design inside and out makes Focus RS the most powerful production Focus ever, with highly capable performance on both road and track, and powered by Ford’s 2.3L EcoBoost engine.

• ’17 Ford Super Duty – America’s work truck reinvented: The Ford Super Duty is the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever.

• ’17 Ford Fiesta ST – Fiesta ST is still more proof that small cars from Ford Motor Company are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs more punch under its hood than any other car in the segment.

• ’17 Ford Focus ST – Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing fun-to-drive DNA to the hot hatch segment with a unique Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style. Now, with improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin, expect the ’17 Focus ST to remain the hottest hatch worldwide.

Information for the above models, including high-resolution images for proposal renderings, can be found at the Ford Media Center or Ford homepage. 

While the above vehicles have the greatest probability of being awarded, the entire retail Ford product lineup, with the exception of Ford GT, GT350/R, Lincoln and Hybrid products, is eligible for the Project Vehicle Program.

2017 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2017
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2017

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 February 17, 2017. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2017 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2017. 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 2017 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. 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: Mike Nicopolis & Bob Galan
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Project vehicle proposals for Ford's project vehicle program, which includes the Mustang, must be received by February 17, 2017.

The Ford booth at the 2017 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles for its 2017 project-vehicle program, in addition to its existing lineup:

• Ford's all-new ’18 Expedition - According to Ford, the all-new Expedition is the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever, with technology to keep every passenger connected, more power for drivers and more expected towing capability than any other full-size SUV.
• ’18 All-New Ford EcoSport – Fun, capable and connected, EcoSport gives drivers the freedom and versatility to go small and live big. Technology—including SYNC 3 with a high-resolution 8-in. floating touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—easily integrates your smartphone and keeps you connected to friends and family while on the move.

• ’18 Freshened Ford Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) – The new Mustang features a more athletic look, with new front- and rear-end design that delivers a leaner and meaner look and refined aerodynamics. New Mustang technologies include a 12-in. all-digital customizable instrument cluster, MyMode with memory function that remembers your driving preferences for the next time you drive, and new driver-assist features such as Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection for increased confidence behind the wheel. Powerful engine upgrades, plus an all-new available 10-speed automatic transmission give the Mustang even more performance, while available MagneRide suspension offers optimum handling; optional active valve exhaust affords complete auditory control.

• ’18 Freshened F-150 – The new F-150 features bolder, Built-Ford-Tough style and segment-first high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body. Available class-exclusive pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection can automatically apply F-150 brakes to help prevent a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian, plus available WiFi hotspot can help you stay connected. The F-150 features the best towing ability ever, thanks to more powerful, efficient engine offerings that include standard auto start-stop across the range, all-new 3.0L Power Stroke turbodiesel and expanded availability of a segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission.

• ’18 Ford Raptor – The F-150 Raptor combines more power and torque with a 500-lb. weight reduction and advanced powertrain control technology to deliver the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup.  A second-generation 3.5L high-output EcoBoost engine produces 450 hp and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, plus a 23% improvement in EPA-estimated combined fuel economy. An advanced 10-speed transmission enables Raptor customers to enjoy exhilarating performance and efficiency both on- and off-road.

• ’17 Ford Transit – The Ford Transit offers the flexibility to fit any business by offering a cargo van or passenger wagon plus your choice of three roof heights, three lengths and two wheelbases. Also available is the choice of three engines along with a seemingly endless list of upfitting options.

• ’17 Ford Transit Connect – With new features and plenty of carryover content, Ford Transit Connect continues to cater to the needs of tradesmen, small businesses and commercial fleets—customers looking for a versatile, capable, maneuverable and efficient business vehicle in a compact package.

• ’17 Ford Focus RS – The Ford Focus RS introduces advanced performance technologies for an ultimate driving experience; pioneers innovative, race-inspired Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive, and industry-first drift mode. An aggressive, functional design inside and out makes Focus RS the most powerful production Focus ever, with highly capable performance on both road and track, and powered by Ford’s 2.3L EcoBoost engine.

• ’17 Ford Super Duty – America’s work truck reinvented: The Ford Super Duty is the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever.

• ’17 Ford Fiesta ST – Fiesta ST is still more proof that small cars from Ford Motor Company are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs more punch under its hood than any other car in the segment.

• ’17 Ford Focus ST – Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing fun-to-drive DNA to the hot hatch segment with a unique Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style. Now, with improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin, expect the ’17 Focus ST to remain the hottest hatch worldwide.

Information for the above models, including high-resolution images for proposal renderings, can be found at the Ford Media Center or Ford homepage. 

While the above vehicles have the greatest probability of being awarded, the entire retail Ford product lineup, with the exception of Ford GT, GT350/R, Lincoln and Hybrid products, is eligible for the Project Vehicle Program.

2017 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2017
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2017

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 February 17, 2017. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2017 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2017. 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 2017 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. 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: Mike Nicopolis & Bob Galan
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

SEMA is now accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate an industry professional for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

The 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products; Chip Foose, Foose Design; and Gary Hooker, Hooker Headers.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

Submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

SEMA is now accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate an industry professional for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

The 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products; Chip Foose, Foose Design; and Gary Hooker, Hooker Headers.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

At this weekend’s Race & Performance Expo, teams will compete against the clock to disassemble and reassemble a small-block Chevy in 33 minutes or faster.

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow 10th Season Ready to Kick Off at the Race & Performance Expo

The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) Engine Challenge is ready to kick off its 10th season at the Race & Performance Expo, February 25–26, in Schaumburg, Illinois. Thirty teams will compete for their chance to qualify for the Dual National Championships held later this year at the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show. Each team will compete against the clock to disassemble and reassemble a small-block Chevy in 33 minutes or faster. The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge was born at the Race & Performance Expo in 2008. Now the new owners of the Race & Performance Expo, HROT will use proceeds to help fund scholarships to HROT students. For a complete schedule of this week’s competition, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com. The next competition will be hosted at the Summit I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama in Cleveland, March 17–19.

Vic Wood

WELD Racing Adds Vic Wood as Senior Director of Sales

WELD Racing has appointed Vic Wood to senior director of sales, where he will assume the role of managing WELD Racing’s top accounts and providing leadership over many of its strategic sales initiatives. Wood has established a record of developing and growing distribution relationships and sales strategies in the performance aftermarket domestically and abroad. These accomplishments began in his native Australia and continued with business development across the Pacific Rim, including Japan, China, New Zealand and South East Asia. Prior to joining WELD Racing, Wood held numerous leadership positions in the performance aftermarket, and is the current immediate past chairman of the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC). He also serves on numerous industry committees and task forces.

AM General Selects Brighton Cromwell as Sole Authorized Distributor of Certified HMMWV Parts

AM General has announced it has selected global supply chain integrator Brighton Cromwell to be its sole authorized aftermarket reseller of certified HMMWV parts. There are approximately 230,000 HMMWVs currently in military vehicle fleets around the world performing front-line missions demonstrating that the HMMWV remains a critical operational asset. Brighton Cromwell will provide support for all HMMWV configurations built over the last 30 years. Additionally, as AM General’s sole aftermarket parts provider, the company will help AM General manage lead times, expedite parts shipments and provide customer service to AM General’s customers.

Jeff White

Westin Hires Jeff White as Product Manager

Westin Automotive has announced the addition of Jeff White as product manager. He officially joined the company in mid-December 2016. White will be responsible for managing product lifecycles. He comes to Westin with many years of experience, having served in a variety of capacities and job functions within the industry, ranging from selling foreign car parts with Geon Automotive to most recently serving for more than 30 years with Banks Power.

Kerri Petersen

Marx Group Promotes Kerri Petersen to Executive Vice President, Marketing and Creative Services

Marx Group has promoted Kerri Petersen to executive vice president, marketing and creative services. The announcement coincides with the 12th anniversary of Petersen joining the agency. With a deep knowledge of the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket and expertise in marketing and media buying, Petersen is responsible for supporting strategic marketing plans, managing the creative services team and developing creative campaigns for clients. She also directs all media planning and helps guide public relations and editorial opportunities for clients. Before joining Marx Group, Petersen led marketing efforts for Apogee Sound and Jandy Pool and Spa Products, a division of Waterpik. Her career in marketing began more than 20 years ago in the record industry where she worked for Global Pacific Records and later at Access Music.

Chip Foose earlier this week released new images of his latest creation—the ’39 Cadillac custom known as Madam X. Photo credit: Eric Geisert

New Studio Images Released for Chip Foose’s Madam X Cadillac

Custom car designer Chip Foose earlier this week released new images of his latest creation—the ’39 Cadillac custom known as Madam X. The car was first unveiled to the public at a packed event November 1 at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and after Madam X returned back to Foose Design headquarters in Huntington Beach, California, a studio photographer began documenting the one-of-a-kind Cadillac for posterity. The photoset includes detailed views of the interior, exterior and engine bay from multiple angles. Built for auto dealership magnate Wes Rydell and his wife Vivian, the bespoke Madam X was based on a four-door ’39 Cadillac 60 Special, but can trace its design back to an original ’35 concept sketch by GM designer Art Ross. The classical design is executed with chrome trim, a custom-made leather interior, one-off cloth Carson top, custom mixed BASF Glasurit paint, a hand-painted blonde wood dash and MHT billet aluminum wheels designed after period Cadillac hubcaps. Contrasting the old-school coachbuilt exterior are wholly modern drivetrain components, including a Corvette Gen V LT-1 engine, eight-speed 8L90 automatic transmission sourced from a Cadillac Escalade coupled to a Camaro Z01 third member, C6 Corvette front and rear suspension and Pirelli performance tires.

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 Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation has been introduced to require registration plates on the front and back of all motor vehicles.

Legislation has been introduced to require registration plates on the front and back of all motor vehicles. The bill would ensure that two license plates would be issued for both specialty and regular plates. The bill has been referred to the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for consideration. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation has been introduced to require registration plates on the front and back of all motor vehicles.

Legislation has been introduced to require registration plates on the front and back of all motor vehicles. The bill would ensure that two license plates would be issued for both specialty and regular plates. The bill has been referred to the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for consideration. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation has been introduced to require registration plates on the front and back of all motor vehicles.

Legislation has been introduced to require registration plates on the front and back of all motor vehicles. The bill would ensure that two license plates would be issued for both specialty and regular plates. The bill has been referred to the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for consideration. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation has been introduced to require registration plates on the front and back of all motor vehicles.

Legislation has been introduced to require registration plates on the front and back of all motor vehicles. The bill would ensure that two license plates would be issued for both specialty and regular plates. The bill has been referred to the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for consideration. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A bill to exempt a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer that is licensed as an antique vehicle from the imposition of local license taxes and fees was approved by the Virginia Senate.

A bill to exempt a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer that is licensed as an antique vehicle from the imposition of local license taxes and fees was approved by the Virginia Senate and was sent to the House Transportation Committee for consideration. Virginia law defines an “antique motor vehicle” as every motor vehicle that was actually manufactured or designated by the manufacturer as a model manufactured in a calendar year not less than 25 years prior to January 1 of each calendar year, and is owned solely as a collector's item.  

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.