The SEMA Data Co-op has become “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers, and tens of millions of vehicle applications. This directory is designed to guide data users to brands that have successfully undertaken the challenge to manage their product data, and to continue to expand reference as more brands are added to the SDC repository.

Bronze - A solid foundational ACES and PIES compliant data set with images that is suitable to support most selling efforts in brick and mortar and on the web.

Silver - The Silver level builds upon the Bronze level data set with the addition of weights, dimensions, more complete descriptions, bullet points and additional images.

Gold - The Gold level further improves the Silver data set with the addition of descriptive product attributes and digital assets, including installation instructions and warranty information.

Platinum - The pinnacle of data, the Platinum level, builds upon the previous three levels with the addition of even more of the all-important digital assets, descriptions, videos, kit and interchange information and more, designed to meet even the most rigorous receiver requirements.

By SEMA Editors

The ’16 Ford Mustang is just one of the many vehicles being highlighted for Ford’s 2016 project vehicle program.

The Ford booth at the 2016 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to its existing lineup. The provided links will allow you to research these products and find high-resolution images that may be used for your proposal rendering.

• ’16 All-New Ford Focus RS – All-new 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. 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 All-New Ford Super Duty – America’s work truck reinvented—the all-new Ford Super Duty is the toughest, smartest, most-capable Super Duty ever. Toughest: All-new, high-strength steel frame; segment-first, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body; and stronger axles, springs and suspension create the only Built Ford Tough heavy-duty truck lineup that works as hard as Super Duty customers. Smartest: 16 class-exclusive new features and up to seven cameras make Super Duty the ultimate tow vehicle; and adaptive steering technology makes maneuvering easier. Most capable: Ford-engineered, Ford-built gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions power the all-new Super Duty lineup that tows and hauls more than ever.
• ’16 Freshened Ford Fusion Sport – Fusion V6 Sport is a performance sedan unlike anything in the segment with a twin-turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost V6 delivering a projected 325 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. All-wheel-drive Fusion V6 Sport is projected to make approximately 100 lb.-ft. of additional torque and nearly 50 more horsepower than the 3.5L V6 engines in Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
• ’16 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.
• ’16 Ford Focus ST – Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing fun-to-drive DNA to the hatch segment with a unique Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style. The ’16 Focus ST now features improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin.
• ’16 Ford Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) – Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.
• ’16 Ford Explorer Sport – Explorer Sport: 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System, sport-tuned suspension, trailer tow package, Explorer badge on hood, fascia-integrated dual exhaust tips, 20-in. wheels, perforated leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching, multi-piece satin chrome with carbon-fiber interior appearance inserts and a 12-speaker Sony Audio System.
• ’16 F-150 – The 2016 F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency—from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

Information for the above models can be found at Ford’s media site.

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

2016 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2016
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 2, 2016

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

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by February 19, 2016. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2016 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2016. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

All project vehicle requests must meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria shown below. 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 2016 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. Additional exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

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

The ’16 Ford Mustang is just one of the many vehicles being highlighted for Ford’s 2016 project vehicle program.

The Ford booth at the 2016 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to its existing lineup. The provided links will allow you to research these products and find high-resolution images that may be used for your proposal rendering.

• ’16 All-New Ford Focus RS – All-new 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. 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 All-New Ford Super Duty – America’s work truck reinvented—the all-new Ford Super Duty is the toughest, smartest, most-capable Super Duty ever. Toughest: All-new, high-strength steel frame; segment-first, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body; and stronger axles, springs and suspension create the only Built Ford Tough heavy-duty truck lineup that works as hard as Super Duty customers. Smartest: 16 class-exclusive new features and up to seven cameras make Super Duty the ultimate tow vehicle; and adaptive steering technology makes maneuvering easier. Most capable: Ford-engineered, Ford-built gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions power the all-new Super Duty lineup that tows and hauls more than ever.
• ’16 Freshened Ford Fusion Sport – Fusion V6 Sport is a performance sedan unlike anything in the segment with a twin-turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost V6 delivering a projected 325 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. All-wheel-drive Fusion V6 Sport is projected to make approximately 100 lb.-ft. of additional torque and nearly 50 more horsepower than the 3.5L V6 engines in Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
• ’16 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.
• ’16 Ford Focus ST – Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing fun-to-drive DNA to the hatch segment with a unique Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style. The ’16 Focus ST now features improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin.
• ’16 Ford Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) – Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.
• ’16 Ford Explorer Sport – Explorer Sport: 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System, sport-tuned suspension, trailer tow package, Explorer badge on hood, fascia-integrated dual exhaust tips, 20-in. wheels, perforated leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching, multi-piece satin chrome with carbon-fiber interior appearance inserts and a 12-speaker Sony Audio System.
• ’16 F-150 – The 2016 F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency—from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

Information for the above models can be found at Ford’s media site.

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

2016 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2016
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 2, 2016

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

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by February 19, 2016. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2016 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2016. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

All project vehicle requests must meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria shown below. 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 2016 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. Additional exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

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

The ’16 Ford Mustang is just one of the many vehicles being highlighted for Ford’s 2016 project vehicle program.

The Ford booth at the 2016 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to its existing lineup. The provided links will allow you to research these products and find high-resolution images that may be used for your proposal rendering.

• ’16 All-New Ford Focus RS – All-new 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. 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 All-New Ford Super Duty – America’s work truck reinvented—the all-new Ford Super Duty is the toughest, smartest, most-capable Super Duty ever. Toughest: All-new, high-strength steel frame; segment-first, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body; and stronger axles, springs and suspension create the only Built Ford Tough heavy-duty truck lineup that works as hard as Super Duty customers. Smartest: 16 class-exclusive new features and up to seven cameras make Super Duty the ultimate tow vehicle; and adaptive steering technology makes maneuvering easier. Most capable: Ford-engineered, Ford-built gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions power the all-new Super Duty lineup that tows and hauls more than ever.
• ’16 Freshened Ford Fusion Sport – Fusion V6 Sport is a performance sedan unlike anything in the segment with a twin-turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost V6 delivering a projected 325 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. All-wheel-drive Fusion V6 Sport is projected to make approximately 100 lb.-ft. of additional torque and nearly 50 more horsepower than the 3.5L V6 engines in Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
• ’16 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.
• ’16 Ford Focus ST – Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing fun-to-drive DNA to the hatch segment with a unique Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style. The ’16 Focus ST now features improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin.
• ’16 Ford Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) – Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.
• ’16 Ford Explorer Sport – Explorer Sport: 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System, sport-tuned suspension, trailer tow package, Explorer badge on hood, fascia-integrated dual exhaust tips, 20-in. wheels, perforated leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching, multi-piece satin chrome with carbon-fiber interior appearance inserts and a 12-speaker Sony Audio System.
• ’16 F-150 – The 2016 F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency—from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

Information for the above models can be found at Ford’s media site.

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

2016 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2016
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 2, 2016

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

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by February 19, 2016. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2016 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2016. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

All project vehicle requests must meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria shown below. 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 2016 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. Additional exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

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 Becca Butler

The second-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres on the Velocity Network, Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST). Tune in as the program takes fans behind the scenes of what is considered by many to be the most prestigious automotive event on the planet. Watch as expert judges scrutinize the entries, see hometown interviews with some of the industry’s top builders and relive the excitement as the winner is announced in front of thousands at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

By Becca Butler

The second-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres on the Velocity Network, Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST). Tune in as the program takes fans behind the scenes of what is considered by many to be the most prestigious automotive event on the planet. Watch as expert judges scrutinize the entries, see hometown interviews with some of the industry’s top builders and relive the excitement as the winner is announced in front of thousands at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

By Becca Butler

The second-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres on the Velocity Network, Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST). Tune in as the program takes fans behind the scenes of what is considered by many to be the most prestigious automotive event on the planet. Watch as expert judges scrutinize the entries, see hometown interviews with some of the industry’s top builders and relive the excitement as the winner is announced in front of thousands at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

By Becca Butler

The second-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres on the Velocity Network, Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST). Tune in as the program takes fans behind the scenes of what is considered by many to be the most prestigious automotive event on the planet. Watch as expert judges scrutinize the entries, see hometown interviews with some of the industry’s top builders and relive the excitement as the winner is announced in front of thousands at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

By Linda Spencer

In addition to China, the Middle East and Russia, the SEMA Business Development Programs is expanding into the Australian market for 2016.

SEMA has announced Australia as the fourth venue for its popular overseas Business Development Programs. The pilot project will be held May 25–29, 2016, in Melbourne, Australia. Join fellow SEMA members on this four-day visit to learn about this customizing-crazed market. Meet with pre-vetted buyers from the region and tour customizing shops. See first-hand what vehicles are on the road and the opportunities for your products. SEMA has again partnered with the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration. Awards of $1,000 are available to qualified companies to help defray participation costs. 

Register now! For questions or more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Some facts about the Australian market:

• V8 powertrains are popular in Australia/New Zealand just as they are in the United States.
• A similar cars/light trucks mix exists as in the United States with more than half of the passenger vehicles sold annually in Australia being SUVs, pickups and other light trucks.
• They have an established motorsports culture, which includes drag racing.
• An enthusiastic car culture exists. As one United States manufacturer observed about Australian gearheads: “You will find in Australia and New Zealand knowledgeable enthusiasts who have the ability to understand the features and benefits of what we do and why we are different.”
• All segments popular in the United States also exist in Australia, including street performance, off-roading, hot rodding, drag racing and American musclecars.
• There is a strong demand for the new U.S. Mustang. Even before the first RHD Mustangs arrived in December, presales were so high that there was a 10-month waiting list. The Camaro is speculated to replace the Holden Commodore, and the possible entry of the Dodge Challenger is rumored. Manufacturers will be able to develop products for not only the U.S. market, but also worldwide with the same set of tooling.
• Fullsized pickups are officially being exported to Australia and New Zealand. Dodge Ram pickups are heading to Australia by the end of the year. Experts from Holden Special Vehicles complete the conversion from left- to right-hand-drive. It’s the first time a fullsize American pickup will be sold in Australia with manufacturer backing since 2007.
• Australia is an important market for U.S.-built vehicles. Currently, Australia has imported 42,000 vehicles from the United States in the first eight months of this year, making it the sixth-highest destination for American-built vehicles. As vehicle assembly in the region disappears, this growing trend accelerates even further. Holden, Toyota and Ford ceasing their manufacturing activities in Australia means that global platforms will replace those cars. 
• Australia provides access to so many different vehicles in one place, it can result in application/product development that will open up many other markets that also sell those same vehicles. 
• Australia and the United States share a common language, which eases communication.
• American products enter Australia tariff-free due to a 2005 Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).  
• Though the mining sector has taken a bit of hit lately, it still provides opportunities for U.S. manufacturers to provide product for this sector.

By Linda Spencer

In addition to China, the Middle East and Russia, the SEMA Business Development Programs is expanding into the Australian market for 2016.

SEMA has announced Australia as the fourth venue for its popular overseas Business Development Programs. The pilot project will be held May 25–29, 2016, in Melbourne, Australia. Join fellow SEMA members on this four-day visit to learn about this customizing-crazed market. Meet with pre-vetted buyers from the region and tour customizing shops. See first-hand what vehicles are on the road and the opportunities for your products. SEMA has again partnered with the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration. Awards of $1,000 are available to qualified companies to help defray participation costs. 

Register now! For questions or more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Some facts about the Australian market:

• V8 powertrains are popular in Australia/New Zealand just as they are in the United States.
• A similar cars/light trucks mix exists as in the United States with more than half of the passenger vehicles sold annually in Australia being SUVs, pickups and other light trucks.
• They have an established motorsports culture, which includes drag racing.
• An enthusiastic car culture exists. As one United States manufacturer observed about Australian gearheads: “You will find in Australia and New Zealand knowledgeable enthusiasts who have the ability to understand the features and benefits of what we do and why we are different.”
• All segments popular in the United States also exist in Australia, including street performance, off-roading, hot rodding, drag racing and American musclecars.
• There is a strong demand for the new U.S. Mustang. Even before the first RHD Mustangs arrived in December, presales were so high that there was a 10-month waiting list. The Camaro is speculated to replace the Holden Commodore, and the possible entry of the Dodge Challenger is rumored. Manufacturers will be able to develop products for not only the U.S. market, but also worldwide with the same set of tooling.
• Fullsized pickups are officially being exported to Australia and New Zealand. Dodge Ram pickups are heading to Australia by the end of the year. Experts from Holden Special Vehicles complete the conversion from left- to right-hand-drive. It’s the first time a fullsize American pickup will be sold in Australia with manufacturer backing since 2007.
• Australia is an important market for U.S.-built vehicles. Currently, Australia has imported 42,000 vehicles from the United States in the first eight months of this year, making it the sixth-highest destination for American-built vehicles. As vehicle assembly in the region disappears, this growing trend accelerates even further. Holden, Toyota and Ford ceasing their manufacturing activities in Australia means that global platforms will replace those cars. 
• Australia provides access to so many different vehicles in one place, it can result in application/product development that will open up many other markets that also sell those same vehicles. 
• Australia and the United States share a common language, which eases communication.
• American products enter Australia tariff-free due to a 2005 Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).  
• Though the mining sector has taken a bit of hit lately, it still provides opportunities for U.S. manufacturers to provide product for this sector.