This is the Ford F-150, caught testing in Dearborn with a camo'd bed, Venturi exhaust tip and, of course, a new 3.0 V6 diesel engine.

Not wanting the fuel economy crown to go to the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel among full-size pickups, Ford is preparing to introduce a turbodiesel to the popular (and aluminum-bodied) F-150 line.

While logic might dictate Ford would use the 3.2L five-cylinder Power Stroke diesel that's been federalized for the Transit line of vans, insiders say the company will use the Lion V6. This 3.0L unit is basically what Jaguar Land Rover has just introduced to Americans in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Td6 models, with 254 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque.

The diesel is also slated to use the new 10-speed automatic that debuts in the ’17 Raptor. That may push its efficiency higher than the Ram's and into the 30 mpg territory, which would also beat the figures offered by the recently introduced Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon four-cylinder turbodiesels.

Expect the diesel F-150 to go on sale sometime after summer 2016, along with a recently announced hybrid F-150 in 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the Ford F-150, caught testing in Dearborn with a camo'd bed, Venturi exhaust tip and, of course, a new 3.0 V6 diesel engine.

Not wanting the fuel economy crown to go to the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel among full-size pickups, Ford is preparing to introduce a turbodiesel to the popular (and aluminum-bodied) F-150 line.

While logic might dictate Ford would use the 3.2L five-cylinder Power Stroke diesel that's been federalized for the Transit line of vans, insiders say the company will use the Lion V6. This 3.0L unit is basically what Jaguar Land Rover has just introduced to Americans in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Td6 models, with 254 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque.

The diesel is also slated to use the new 10-speed automatic that debuts in the ’17 Raptor. That may push its efficiency higher than the Ram's and into the 30 mpg territory, which would also beat the figures offered by the recently introduced Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon four-cylinder turbodiesels.

Expect the diesel F-150 to go on sale sometime after summer 2016, along with a recently announced hybrid F-150 in 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This year the SEMA Board of Directors election has two seats open in the manufacturer category and one seat open in the manufacturer's representative category.

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

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Two seats in the Manufacturer category
• One seat in the Manufacturer's Representative category

Nominations for the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 5, 2016. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

This year the SEMA Board of Directors election has two seats open in the manufacturer category and one seat open in the manufacturer's representative category.

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

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Two seats in the Manufacturer category
• One seat in the Manufacturer's Representative category

Nominations for the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 5, 2016. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Tech Support Agent
Edelbrock LLC is hiring a tech support agent with experience in aftermarket EFI systems and superchargers installed on late-model vehicles. This position will require fielding technically related phone calls. The successful candidate should have an understanding of forced induction and late-model domestic engine and electronics platforms.

Sales Manager
Wheel Vintiques is hiring a sales manager with excellent customer service and communication skills and the initiative to plan and problem solve. The successful candidate must have management and sales experience, a four-year degree and experience with automotive parts and products.

Sales and Show Representative
Coker Tire is hiring a sales and show representative with prior sales or customer service experience, knowledge of tire and wheel technical information, excellent communication skills and the ability to lift 35–50 lbs. frequently.

Events and Sports Marketing Coordinator
Mr. Mustang is hiring a procurement/inventory specialist to effectively brand procurement processes, including vendor, inventory, purchasing and product data points, plan inventory layout and stock levels and collect part-specific data to maximize brand efficiency. This person will also work closely with the purchasing manager to ensure proper inventory levels and analyze business trends.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit ETTN's website

Technology Affecting Motorsports Competition – What You Need To Know

Want to know more about how motorsports technology effects competition? The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network will host its inaugural Motorsports Tech Roundtable, featuring six roundtables that take a deep dive into this topic and many more.

Table Topic: The Use of Technology in Competition
Expert: Kevin Wells, Competition Director at Formula D
Discussion: Learn about how technology is used in the rules and regulations of motorsports through the eyes of Formula D.

The event will take place in collaboration with the Media Trade Conference January 25, 2016, from 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport, North.

RSVP today! Find out more event details, including a full list of table topics and subject matter experts.

Questions? Contact Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at BryanH@SEMA.org.

Back to Top

Visit TORA's website.

ATC Truck Covers has been producing fiberglass camper shells and tonneau covers just outside of Kansas City since 1994.

TORA Member Spotlight: ATC Truck Covers

ATC Truck Covers in Ottawa, Kansas, has been active in the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) since 2011. Director of Marketing Brant Combs shared these insights about the company and its council membership.

Company Name   
ATC Truck Covers
www.atctruckcovers.com

Person interviewed:  
Brant Combs
Director of Marketing

What does your company do?   
We are a manufacturer of fiberglass truck caps, tonneau covers and cargo management systems.

How many years have you been in business?   
20 years.

What is your company history?   
ATC Truck Covers was founded by TORA Hall of Famer Bobby Combs in 1994, and has been producing fiberglass camper shells and tonneau covers just outside of Kansas City ever since. In 2006, we began offering cargo-management systems as a compliment to our truck covers. In February 2011, the manufacturing facility in Garnett, Kansas, burned to the ground in a complete fire loss, but we were able to relocate in nearby Ottawa, Kansas, in under a year. We now operate in a state-of-the-art facility where we continue to develop some of the lightest and strongest truck caps, tonneau covers and bed systems. Our facility is environmentally friendly, and uses green production practices and the latest technologies to bring you a better truck cover at a great price.

How many employees are at your company?  
Just fewer than 100.

Why are you an TORA member?  
It is very important to ATC for the light-truck aftermarket to continue to grow and thrive. TORA is a great place to help create goals, share needs, create awareness and help with positive action for our market, as well as network with other companies that deal with similar issues and challenges.   

Anything exciting you see happening in the truck market or in your company?  
It is great to see truck sales so strong. New body styles are always a nice boost for truck numbers as well as low gas prices and better MPGs. ATC is growing as well, having recently added routes into Southern California, along with expanding our product line with new window and door options and commercial truck cap and bed system models.

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit ETTN's website

Technology Affecting Motorsports Competition – What You Need To Know

Want to know more about how motorsports technology effects competition? The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network will host its inaugural Motorsports Tech Roundtable, featuring six roundtables that take a deep dive into this topic and many more.

Table Topic: The Use of Technology in Competition
Expert: Kevin Wells, Competition Director at Formula D
Discussion: Learn about how technology is used in the rules and regulations of motorsports through the eyes of Formula D.

The event will take place in collaboration with the Media Trade Conference January 25, 2016, from 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport, North.

RSVP today! Find out more event details, including a full list of table topics and subject matter experts.

Questions? Contact Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at BryanH@SEMA.org.

Back to Top

Visit TORA's website.

ATC Truck Covers has been producing fiberglass camper shells and tonneau covers just outside of Kansas City since 1994.

TORA Member Spotlight: ATC Truck Covers

ATC Truck Covers in Ottawa, Kansas, has been active in the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) since 2011. Director of Marketing Brant Combs shared these insights about the company and its council membership.

Company Name   
ATC Truck Covers
www.atctruckcovers.com

Person interviewed:  
Brant Combs
Director of Marketing

What does your company do?   
We are a manufacturer of fiberglass truck caps, tonneau covers and cargo management systems.

How many years have you been in business?   
20 years.

What is your company history?   
ATC Truck Covers was founded by TORA Hall of Famer Bobby Combs in 1994, and has been producing fiberglass camper shells and tonneau covers just outside of Kansas City ever since. In 2006, we began offering cargo-management systems as a compliment to our truck covers. In February 2011, the manufacturing facility in Garnett, Kansas, burned to the ground in a complete fire loss, but we were able to relocate in nearby Ottawa, Kansas, in under a year. We now operate in a state-of-the-art facility where we continue to develop some of the lightest and strongest truck caps, tonneau covers and bed systems. Our facility is environmentally friendly, and uses green production practices and the latest technologies to bring you a better truck cover at a great price.

How many employees are at your company?  
Just fewer than 100.

Why are you an TORA member?  
It is very important to ATC for the light-truck aftermarket to continue to grow and thrive. TORA is a great place to help create goals, share needs, create awareness and help with positive action for our market, as well as network with other companies that deal with similar issues and challenges.   

Anything exciting you see happening in the truck market or in your company?  
It is great to see truck sales so strong. New body styles are always a nice boost for truck numbers as well as low gas prices and better MPGs. ATC is growing as well, having recently added routes into Southern California, along with expanding our product line with new window and door options and commercial truck cap and bed system models.

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit ETTN's website

Technology Affecting Motorsports Competition – What You Need To Know

Want to know more about how motorsports technology effects competition? The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network will host its inaugural Motorsports Tech Roundtable, featuring six roundtables that take a deep dive into this topic and many more.

Table Topic: The Use of Technology in Competition
Expert: Kevin Wells, Competition Director at Formula D
Discussion: Learn about how technology is used in the rules and regulations of motorsports through the eyes of Formula D.

The event will take place in collaboration with the Media Trade Conference January 25, 2016, from 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport, North.

RSVP today! Find out more event details, including a full list of table topics and subject matter experts.

Questions? Contact Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at BryanH@SEMA.org.

Back to Top

Visit TORA's website.

ATC Truck Covers has been producing fiberglass camper shells and tonneau covers just outside of Kansas City since 1994.

TORA Member Spotlight: ATC Truck Covers

ATC Truck Covers in Ottawa, Kansas, has been active in the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) since 2011. Director of Marketing Brant Combs shared these insights about the company and its council membership.

Company Name   
ATC Truck Covers
www.atctruckcovers.com

Person interviewed:  
Brant Combs
Director of Marketing

What does your company do?   
We are a manufacturer of fiberglass truck caps, tonneau covers and cargo management systems.

How many years have you been in business?   
20 years.

What is your company history?   
ATC Truck Covers was founded by TORA Hall of Famer Bobby Combs in 1994, and has been producing fiberglass camper shells and tonneau covers just outside of Kansas City ever since. In 2006, we began offering cargo-management systems as a compliment to our truck covers. In February 2011, the manufacturing facility in Garnett, Kansas, burned to the ground in a complete fire loss, but we were able to relocate in nearby Ottawa, Kansas, in under a year. We now operate in a state-of-the-art facility where we continue to develop some of the lightest and strongest truck caps, tonneau covers and bed systems. Our facility is environmentally friendly, and uses green production practices and the latest technologies to bring you a better truck cover at a great price.

How many employees are at your company?  
Just fewer than 100.

Why are you an TORA member?  
It is very important to ATC for the light-truck aftermarket to continue to grow and thrive. TORA is a great place to help create goals, share needs, create awareness and help with positive action for our market, as well as network with other companies that deal with similar issues and challenges.   

Anything exciting you see happening in the truck market or in your company?  
It is great to see truck sales so strong. New body styles are always a nice boost for truck numbers as well as low gas prices and better MPGs. ATC is growing as well, having recently added routes into Southern California, along with expanding our product line with new window and door options and commercial truck cap and bed system models.

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit ETTN's website

Technology Affecting Motorsports Competition – What You Need To Know

Want to know more about how motorsports technology effects competition? The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network will host its inaugural Motorsports Tech Roundtable, featuring six roundtables that take a deep dive into this topic and many more.

Table Topic: The Use of Technology in Competition
Expert: Kevin Wells, Competition Director at Formula D
Discussion: Learn about how technology is used in the rules and regulations of motorsports through the eyes of Formula D.

The event will take place in collaboration with the Media Trade Conference January 25, 2016, from 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport, North.

RSVP today! Find out more event details, including a full list of table topics and subject matter experts.

Questions? Contact Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at BryanH@SEMA.org.

Back to Top

Visit TORA's website.

ATC Truck Covers has been producing fiberglass camper shells and tonneau covers just outside of Kansas City since 1994.

TORA Member Spotlight: ATC Truck Covers

ATC Truck Covers in Ottawa, Kansas, has been active in the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) since 2011. Director of Marketing Brant Combs shared these insights about the company and its council membership.

Company Name   
ATC Truck Covers
www.atctruckcovers.com

Person interviewed:  
Brant Combs
Director of Marketing

What does your company do?   
We are a manufacturer of fiberglass truck caps, tonneau covers and cargo management systems.

How many years have you been in business?   
20 years.

What is your company history?   
ATC Truck Covers was founded by TORA Hall of Famer Bobby Combs in 1994, and has been producing fiberglass camper shells and tonneau covers just outside of Kansas City ever since. In 2006, we began offering cargo-management systems as a compliment to our truck covers. In February 2011, the manufacturing facility in Garnett, Kansas, burned to the ground in a complete fire loss, but we were able to relocate in nearby Ottawa, Kansas, in under a year. We now operate in a state-of-the-art facility where we continue to develop some of the lightest and strongest truck caps, tonneau covers and bed systems. Our facility is environmentally friendly, and uses green production practices and the latest technologies to bring you a better truck cover at a great price.

How many employees are at your company?  
Just fewer than 100.

Why are you an TORA member?  
It is very important to ATC for the light-truck aftermarket to continue to grow and thrive. TORA is a great place to help create goals, share needs, create awareness and help with positive action for our market, as well as network with other companies that deal with similar issues and challenges.   

Anything exciting you see happening in the truck market or in your company?  
It is great to see truck sales so strong. New body styles are always a nice boost for truck numbers as well as low gas prices and better MPGs. ATC is growing as well, having recently added routes into Southern California, along with expanding our product line with new window and door options and commercial truck cap and bed system models.

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit ETTN's website

Technology Affecting Motorsports Competition – What You Need To Know

Want to know more about how motorsports technology effects competition? The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network will host its inaugural Motorsports Tech Roundtable, featuring six roundtables that take a deep dive into this topic and many more.

Table Topic: The Use of Technology in Competition
Expert: Kevin Wells, Competition Director at Formula D
Discussion: Learn about how technology is used in the rules and regulations of motorsports through the eyes of Formula D.

The event will take place in collaboration with the Media Trade Conference January 25, 2016, from 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport, North.

RSVP today! Find out more event details, including a full list of table topics and subject matter experts.

Questions? Contact Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at BryanH@SEMA.org.

Back to Top

Visit TORA's website.

ATC Truck Covers has been producing fiberglass camper shells and tonneau covers just outside of Kansas City since 1994.

TORA Member Spotlight: ATC Truck Covers

ATC Truck Covers in Ottawa, Kansas, has been active in the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) since 2011. Director of Marketing Brant Combs shared these insights about the company and its council membership.

Company Name   
ATC Truck Covers
www.atctruckcovers.com

Person interviewed:  
Brant Combs
Director of Marketing

What does your company do?   
We are a manufacturer of fiberglass truck caps, tonneau covers and cargo management systems.

How many years have you been in business?   
20 years.

What is your company history?   
ATC Truck Covers was founded by TORA Hall of Famer Bobby Combs in 1994, and has been producing fiberglass camper shells and tonneau covers just outside of Kansas City ever since. In 2006, we began offering cargo-management systems as a compliment to our truck covers. In February 2011, the manufacturing facility in Garnett, Kansas, burned to the ground in a complete fire loss, but we were able to relocate in nearby Ottawa, Kansas, in under a year. We now operate in a state-of-the-art facility where we continue to develop some of the lightest and strongest truck caps, tonneau covers and bed systems. Our facility is environmentally friendly, and uses green production practices and the latest technologies to bring you a better truck cover at a great price.

How many employees are at your company?  
Just fewer than 100.

Why are you an TORA member?  
It is very important to ATC for the light-truck aftermarket to continue to grow and thrive. TORA is a great place to help create goals, share needs, create awareness and help with positive action for our market, as well as network with other companies that deal with similar issues and challenges.   

Anything exciting you see happening in the truck market or in your company?  
It is great to see truck sales so strong. New body styles are always a nice boost for truck numbers as well as low gas prices and better MPGs. ATC is growing as well, having recently added routes into Southern California, along with expanding our product line with new window and door options and commercial truck cap and bed system models.

Back to Top