The next-generation Ford Fiesta has been spotted testing ahead of its likely 2017 launch. These shots, which show a modified chassis testing mule based on the current Fiesta, were taken on public roads in Spain.

A revised front-end design reveals a new shape for the grille and air intakes. The rear of the prototype is also disguised, while the model appears to have a wider track than the current Fiesta, suggesting the seventh-generation car will be larger than today's hatchback. Ford is likely to take some styling inspiration for the new Fiesta from the facelifted Focus, which went on sale about a year ago.

The current sixth-generation Fiesta, which received a facelift in 2013 and was launched in 2007, will be due for replacement toward the end of 2016, meaning a 2017 launch is likely.

Officials have been quick to deny any rumors of a Fiesta RS, with Ford Performance Global Director Dave Pericak saying the company is more than happy with having the ST as its Fiesta range-topper.

“The ST plays a really important role in the portfolio, in that it provides our ability to many buyers,” he said at the Geneva Motor Show last March. “Could you do something with the ST? Of course. Should you do something with it? We’re pleased with where the ST is now, so not for the foreseeable future.”

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The next-generation Ford Fiesta has been spotted testing ahead of its likely 2017 launch. These shots, which show a modified chassis testing mule based on the current Fiesta, were taken on public roads in Spain.

A revised front-end design reveals a new shape for the grille and air intakes. The rear of the prototype is also disguised, while the model appears to have a wider track than the current Fiesta, suggesting the seventh-generation car will be larger than today's hatchback. Ford is likely to take some styling inspiration for the new Fiesta from the facelifted Focus, which went on sale about a year ago.

The current sixth-generation Fiesta, which received a facelift in 2013 and was launched in 2007, will be due for replacement toward the end of 2016, meaning a 2017 launch is likely.

Officials have been quick to deny any rumors of a Fiesta RS, with Ford Performance Global Director Dave Pericak saying the company is more than happy with having the ST as its Fiesta range-topper.

“The ST plays a really important role in the portfolio, in that it provides our ability to many buyers,” he said at the Geneva Motor Show last March. “Could you do something with the ST? Of course. Should you do something with it? We’re pleased with where the ST is now, so not for the foreseeable future.”

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Team K&N from Loara High School in Anaheim, California, finished in third place, qualifying for the Engine Challenge Finals at the PRI Show in Indianapolis in two weeks.

Loara High School in Anaheim, California, had two teams qualify for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) Engine Challenge Dual Championship. Both teams finished in the top 15, and Team K&N finished in the top four. Completing their rebuilds in an average time of 23:52, Team K&N qualified for the Engine Challenge Finals, where, in less than two weeks time, they will compete against seven other teams to determine who will be crowned the 2015 Engine Challenge Champion.

During the Engine Challenge, teams comprised solely of high-school students must complete performance engine rebuilds to exact specifications, all while competing against the clock and other teams in front of live audiences. Even when teams have perfected their jobs, the pressure can cause simple mistakes that are costly in the end. The teams that hold up under pressure are the often the ones that go the distance. Such was the case for Team K&N, as their coach Anthony Boccignone explains:

“My team overcame some challenges. They kept it together when things were going wrong. That’s something I’ve always emphasized with them; things don’t always go right, so you have to be prepared for anything. When we practice at school, we have the best conditions because it’s a controlled environment, but when we’re out in an actual competition, it’s not our engine or our room. I emphasize keeping a cool head and staying focused. My second team had greater challenges. They got out of sequence. When they get out of sequence, it’s really hard to get back on track because other teammates have to do jobs they know how to do but don’t normally do. I was really pleased with my students and satisfied that they could keep their cool and help each other out when things were going wrong. I’ve been working with these guys for over a year now and getting them to communicate and keep talking to each other.”

“To me, it’s fascinating,” added Boccignone, who is in his second year as a Hot Rodders of Tomorrow coach. “The competition really draws students in. My other students who aren’t involved in the program take notice. I’m starting to get more and more of my students asking how they can be involved in the program.”

The team’s sponsor, K&N, has also seen the tremendous draw of the program and how it has grown since its inception in 2008–2009. “K&N has supported the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow program since the beginning,” stated Tim Martin, COO of K&N. “This program promotes automotive education, skills and teamwork. It also educates high-school students about vehicle customization, scholarships and various career paths. The SEMA Show is the second largest trade show in the world, with more than 150,000 attendees. Loara High School performed very well, finishing third. They now are qualified for the HROT finals at the Performance Racing Industry show—the largest racing technology show in the world. HROT provides outstanding opportunities to these students and K&N is proud to be involved.”

As Martin noted, the teams are able to attend some of the largest industry trade shows in the world. This provides students with incredible opportunities to meet companies and immerse themselves in the automotive world. The benefits of the program, including secondary school scholarships, are seemingly unending. Boccignone notes that developing teamwork and communication skills are some of the biggest assets his students gain. It also gives them a greater motivation to do well in school and have greater career possibilities.

“A lot of my students don’t know what they’re going to do in life,” Boccignone explained. “They don't have a specific direction. Then they come into auto shop and they’re like, ‘Wait a minute, There’s a career in this?’ It gets them energized and excited so that they want to learn more about it. Other kids get interested in the program and want to come into the shop and see what we’re doing.”

Team K&N has just a few practices left before competing in the Engine Challenge Finals at the PRI Show in Indianapolis, December 10–12.

“The SEMA-PRI Dual Championship format provides a platform that highlights the tremendous talent and preparation needed to excel at this level of competition,” added Zane Clark, who serves as SEMA’s director of education. “These students now understand that success does not come without hard work and commitment. The fact that they are invested in a path that leads to a future in our industry in both inspiring and reassuring.”

By SEMA Editors

Team K&N from Loara High School in Anaheim, California, finished in third place, qualifying for the Engine Challenge Finals at the PRI Show in Indianapolis in two weeks.

Loara High School in Anaheim, California, had two teams qualify for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) Engine Challenge Dual Championship. Both teams finished in the top 15, and Team K&N finished in the top four. Completing their rebuilds in an average time of 23:52, Team K&N qualified for the Engine Challenge Finals, where, in less than two weeks time, they will compete against seven other teams to determine who will be crowned the 2015 Engine Challenge Champion.

During the Engine Challenge, teams comprised solely of high-school students must complete performance engine rebuilds to exact specifications, all while competing against the clock and other teams in front of live audiences. Even when teams have perfected their jobs, the pressure can cause simple mistakes that are costly in the end. The teams that hold up under pressure are the often the ones that go the distance. Such was the case for Team K&N, as their coach Anthony Boccignone explains:

“My team overcame some challenges. They kept it together when things were going wrong. That’s something I’ve always emphasized with them; things don’t always go right, so you have to be prepared for anything. When we practice at school, we have the best conditions because it’s a controlled environment, but when we’re out in an actual competition, it’s not our engine or our room. I emphasize keeping a cool head and staying focused. My second team had greater challenges. They got out of sequence. When they get out of sequence, it’s really hard to get back on track because other teammates have to do jobs they know how to do but don’t normally do. I was really pleased with my students and satisfied that they could keep their cool and help each other out when things were going wrong. I’ve been working with these guys for over a year now and getting them to communicate and keep talking to each other.”

“To me, it’s fascinating,” added Boccignone, who is in his second year as a Hot Rodders of Tomorrow coach. “The competition really draws students in. My other students who aren’t involved in the program take notice. I’m starting to get more and more of my students asking how they can be involved in the program.”

The team’s sponsor, K&N, has also seen the tremendous draw of the program and how it has grown since its inception in 2008–2009. “K&N has supported the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow program since the beginning,” stated Tim Martin, COO of K&N. “This program promotes automotive education, skills and teamwork. It also educates high-school students about vehicle customization, scholarships and various career paths. The SEMA Show is the second largest trade show in the world, with more than 150,000 attendees. Loara High School performed very well, finishing third. They now are qualified for the HROT finals at the Performance Racing Industry show—the largest racing technology show in the world. HROT provides outstanding opportunities to these students and K&N is proud to be involved.”

As Martin noted, the teams are able to attend some of the largest industry trade shows in the world. This provides students with incredible opportunities to meet companies and immerse themselves in the automotive world. The benefits of the program, including secondary school scholarships, are seemingly unending. Boccignone notes that developing teamwork and communication skills are some of the biggest assets his students gain. It also gives them a greater motivation to do well in school and have greater career possibilities.

“A lot of my students don’t know what they’re going to do in life,” Boccignone explained. “They don't have a specific direction. Then they come into auto shop and they’re like, ‘Wait a minute, There’s a career in this?’ It gets them energized and excited so that they want to learn more about it. Other kids get interested in the program and want to come into the shop and see what we’re doing.”

Team K&N has just a few practices left before competing in the Engine Challenge Finals at the PRI Show in Indianapolis, December 10–12.

“The SEMA-PRI Dual Championship format provides a platform that highlights the tremendous talent and preparation needed to excel at this level of competition,” added Zane Clark, who serves as SEMA’s director of education. “These students now understand that success does not come without hard work and commitment. The fact that they are invested in a path that leads to a future in our industry in both inspiring and reassuring.”

By SEMA Editors

Team K&N from Loara High School in Anaheim, California, finished in third place, qualifying for the Engine Challenge Finals at the PRI Show in Indianapolis in two weeks.

Loara High School in Anaheim, California, had two teams qualify for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) Engine Challenge Dual Championship. Both teams finished in the top 15, and Team K&N finished in the top four. Completing their rebuilds in an average time of 23:52, Team K&N qualified for the Engine Challenge Finals, where, in less than two weeks time, they will compete against seven other teams to determine who will be crowned the 2015 Engine Challenge Champion.

During the Engine Challenge, teams comprised solely of high-school students must complete performance engine rebuilds to exact specifications, all while competing against the clock and other teams in front of live audiences. Even when teams have perfected their jobs, the pressure can cause simple mistakes that are costly in the end. The teams that hold up under pressure are the often the ones that go the distance. Such was the case for Team K&N, as their coach Anthony Boccignone explains:

“My team overcame some challenges. They kept it together when things were going wrong. That’s something I’ve always emphasized with them; things don’t always go right, so you have to be prepared for anything. When we practice at school, we have the best conditions because it’s a controlled environment, but when we’re out in an actual competition, it’s not our engine or our room. I emphasize keeping a cool head and staying focused. My second team had greater challenges. They got out of sequence. When they get out of sequence, it’s really hard to get back on track because other teammates have to do jobs they know how to do but don’t normally do. I was really pleased with my students and satisfied that they could keep their cool and help each other out when things were going wrong. I’ve been working with these guys for over a year now and getting them to communicate and keep talking to each other.”

“To me, it’s fascinating,” added Boccignone, who is in his second year as a Hot Rodders of Tomorrow coach. “The competition really draws students in. My other students who aren’t involved in the program take notice. I’m starting to get more and more of my students asking how they can be involved in the program.”

The team’s sponsor, K&N, has also seen the tremendous draw of the program and how it has grown since its inception in 2008–2009. “K&N has supported the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow program since the beginning,” stated Tim Martin, COO of K&N. “This program promotes automotive education, skills and teamwork. It also educates high-school students about vehicle customization, scholarships and various career paths. The SEMA Show is the second largest trade show in the world, with more than 150,000 attendees. Loara High School performed very well, finishing third. They now are qualified for the HROT finals at the Performance Racing Industry show—the largest racing technology show in the world. HROT provides outstanding opportunities to these students and K&N is proud to be involved.”

As Martin noted, the teams are able to attend some of the largest industry trade shows in the world. This provides students with incredible opportunities to meet companies and immerse themselves in the automotive world. The benefits of the program, including secondary school scholarships, are seemingly unending. Boccignone notes that developing teamwork and communication skills are some of the biggest assets his students gain. It also gives them a greater motivation to do well in school and have greater career possibilities.

“A lot of my students don’t know what they’re going to do in life,” Boccignone explained. “They don't have a specific direction. Then they come into auto shop and they’re like, ‘Wait a minute, There’s a career in this?’ It gets them energized and excited so that they want to learn more about it. Other kids get interested in the program and want to come into the shop and see what we’re doing.”

Team K&N has just a few practices left before competing in the Engine Challenge Finals at the PRI Show in Indianapolis, December 10–12.

“The SEMA-PRI Dual Championship format provides a platform that highlights the tremendous talent and preparation needed to excel at this level of competition,” added Zane Clark, who serves as SEMA’s director of education. “These students now understand that success does not come without hard work and commitment. The fact that they are invested in a path that leads to a future in our industry in both inspiring and reassuring.”

By SEMA Editors

Team K&N from Loara High School in Anaheim, California, finished in third place, qualifying for the Engine Challenge Finals at the PRI Show in Indianapolis in two weeks.

Loara High School in Anaheim, California, had two teams qualify for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) Engine Challenge Dual Championship. Both teams finished in the top 15, and Team K&N finished in the top four. Completing their rebuilds in an average time of 23:52, Team K&N qualified for the Engine Challenge Finals, where, in less than two weeks time, they will compete against seven other teams to determine who will be crowned the 2015 Engine Challenge Champion.

During the Engine Challenge, teams comprised solely of high-school students must complete performance engine rebuilds to exact specifications, all while competing against the clock and other teams in front of live audiences. Even when teams have perfected their jobs, the pressure can cause simple mistakes that are costly in the end. The teams that hold up under pressure are the often the ones that go the distance. Such was the case for Team K&N, as their coach Anthony Boccignone explains:

“My team overcame some challenges. They kept it together when things were going wrong. That’s something I’ve always emphasized with them; things don’t always go right, so you have to be prepared for anything. When we practice at school, we have the best conditions because it’s a controlled environment, but when we’re out in an actual competition, it’s not our engine or our room. I emphasize keeping a cool head and staying focused. My second team had greater challenges. They got out of sequence. When they get out of sequence, it’s really hard to get back on track because other teammates have to do jobs they know how to do but don’t normally do. I was really pleased with my students and satisfied that they could keep their cool and help each other out when things were going wrong. I’ve been working with these guys for over a year now and getting them to communicate and keep talking to each other.”

“To me, it’s fascinating,” added Boccignone, who is in his second year as a Hot Rodders of Tomorrow coach. “The competition really draws students in. My other students who aren’t involved in the program take notice. I’m starting to get more and more of my students asking how they can be involved in the program.”

The team’s sponsor, K&N, has also seen the tremendous draw of the program and how it has grown since its inception in 2008–2009. “K&N has supported the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow program since the beginning,” stated Tim Martin, COO of K&N. “This program promotes automotive education, skills and teamwork. It also educates high-school students about vehicle customization, scholarships and various career paths. The SEMA Show is the second largest trade show in the world, with more than 150,000 attendees. Loara High School performed very well, finishing third. They now are qualified for the HROT finals at the Performance Racing Industry show—the largest racing technology show in the world. HROT provides outstanding opportunities to these students and K&N is proud to be involved.”

As Martin noted, the teams are able to attend some of the largest industry trade shows in the world. This provides students with incredible opportunities to meet companies and immerse themselves in the automotive world. The benefits of the program, including secondary school scholarships, are seemingly unending. Boccignone notes that developing teamwork and communication skills are some of the biggest assets his students gain. It also gives them a greater motivation to do well in school and have greater career possibilities.

“A lot of my students don’t know what they’re going to do in life,” Boccignone explained. “They don't have a specific direction. Then they come into auto shop and they’re like, ‘Wait a minute, There’s a career in this?’ It gets them energized and excited so that they want to learn more about it. Other kids get interested in the program and want to come into the shop and see what we’re doing.”

Team K&N has just a few practices left before competing in the Engine Challenge Finals at the PRI Show in Indianapolis, December 10–12.

“The SEMA-PRI Dual Championship format provides a platform that highlights the tremendous talent and preparation needed to excel at this level of competition,” added Zane Clark, who serves as SEMA’s director of education. “These students now understand that success does not come without hard work and commitment. The fact that they are invested in a path that leads to a future in our industry in both inspiring and reassuring.”

By Linda Spencer

The new ’16 Toyota HiLux and two other international vehicles popularly customized by enthusiasts worldwide but not sold in the United States will be available in the SEMA Garage the week of December 14.

All SEMA manufacturing members are invited to attend three international vehicle measuring sessions at the SEMA Garage the week of December 14. The three vehicles available are the ’16 Toyota HiLux double-cab 4x4, ’14 UAZ Hunter, and ’14 Mitsubishi L200 4x4 double-cab.

’16 Toyota HiLux double-cab 4x4: This is the fifth vehicle SEMA has purchased to provide members with access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popularly customized globally but not sold in the United States. One of the most iconic Toyota vehicles, the HiLux has sold more than 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions since the first-generation model launched in 1968, and is now in its eighth reiteration. The just-arrived truck was built in Thailand and purchased from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is spec'd with a five-speed manual transmission and the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol four-cylinder VVT-i engine.

’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200: HiLux participants will also be able to measure/conduct fitness checks on a ’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200. There are no fees to participate. Register now!

’17 Hyundai Elantra: Available for measuring at the SEMA Garage just weeks following its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will be the all-new ’17 Hyundai Elantra. As one of Hyundai’s all-time best-selling models, the Elantra enters its sixth-generation, building on the momentum and success of its award-winning formula: bold aerodynamic design, all-new efficient powertrain, enhanced fuel economy, better ride quality and comprehensive safety upgrades. Register now to measure the Elantra.

An expert panel of industry manufacturers will share their insights on how measuring sessions have helped to grow their business during a three-hour program/luncheon, December 15, from 10:00 a.m–1:00 p.m. The panel will highlight the benefits of new-vehicle measuring sessions and SEMA resources for product development. Attendees will also receive a private tour of the SEMA Garage’s all-new CARB-recognized emissions lab, installation center, photography studio, meeting facility and 3D printing solutions. In addition, attendees will witness first-hand live measuring sessions as SEMA hosts three of the most-popular international vehicles, including the ’16 Toyota HiLux double-cab 4x4. Participants will be briefed on the upcoming SEMA-sponsored trip to the Middle East and other programs designed to help SEMA members grow their overseas business. A complimentary lunch will be provided.

To register, please email SEMA Education Director Zane Clark, and include the names, titles and company of all attendees.

By Linda Spencer

The new ’16 Toyota HiLux and two other international vehicles popularly customized by enthusiasts worldwide but not sold in the United States will be available in the SEMA Garage the week of December 14.

All SEMA manufacturing members are invited to attend three international vehicle measuring sessions at the SEMA Garage the week of December 14. The three vehicles available are the ’16 Toyota HiLux double-cab 4x4, ’14 UAZ Hunter, and ’14 Mitsubishi L200 4x4 double-cab.

’16 Toyota HiLux double-cab 4x4: This is the fifth vehicle SEMA has purchased to provide members with access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popularly customized globally but not sold in the United States. One of the most iconic Toyota vehicles, the HiLux has sold more than 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions since the first-generation model launched in 1968, and is now in its eighth reiteration. The just-arrived truck was built in Thailand and purchased from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is spec'd with a five-speed manual transmission and the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol four-cylinder VVT-i engine.

’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200: HiLux participants will also be able to measure/conduct fitness checks on a ’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200. There are no fees to participate. Register now!

’17 Hyundai Elantra: Available for measuring at the SEMA Garage just weeks following its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will be the all-new ’17 Hyundai Elantra. As one of Hyundai’s all-time best-selling models, the Elantra enters its sixth-generation, building on the momentum and success of its award-winning formula: bold aerodynamic design, all-new efficient powertrain, enhanced fuel economy, better ride quality and comprehensive safety upgrades. Register now to measure the Elantra.

An expert panel of industry manufacturers will share their insights on how measuring sessions have helped to grow their business during a three-hour program/luncheon, December 15, from 10:00 a.m–1:00 p.m. The panel will highlight the benefits of new-vehicle measuring sessions and SEMA resources for product development. Attendees will also receive a private tour of the SEMA Garage’s all-new CARB-recognized emissions lab, installation center, photography studio, meeting facility and 3D printing solutions. In addition, attendees will witness first-hand live measuring sessions as SEMA hosts three of the most-popular international vehicles, including the ’16 Toyota HiLux double-cab 4x4. Participants will be briefed on the upcoming SEMA-sponsored trip to the Middle East and other programs designed to help SEMA members grow their overseas business. A complimentary lunch will be provided.

To register, please email SEMA Education Director Zane Clark, and include the names, titles and company of all attendees.

By Linda Spencer

The new ’16 Toyota HiLux and two other international vehicles popularly customized by enthusiasts worldwide but not sold in the United States will be available in the SEMA Garage the week of December 14.

All SEMA manufacturing members are invited to attend three international vehicle measuring sessions at the SEMA Garage the week of December 14. The three vehicles available are the ’16 Toyota HiLux double-cab 4x4, ’14 UAZ Hunter, and ’14 Mitsubishi L200 4x4 double-cab.

’16 Toyota HiLux double-cab 4x4: This is the fifth vehicle SEMA has purchased to provide members with access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popularly customized globally but not sold in the United States. One of the most iconic Toyota vehicles, the HiLux has sold more than 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions since the first-generation model launched in 1968, and is now in its eighth reiteration. The just-arrived truck was built in Thailand and purchased from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is spec'd with a five-speed manual transmission and the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol four-cylinder VVT-i engine.

’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200: HiLux participants will also be able to measure/conduct fitness checks on a ’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200. There are no fees to participate. Register now!

’17 Hyundai Elantra: Available for measuring at the SEMA Garage just weeks following its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will be the all-new ’17 Hyundai Elantra. As one of Hyundai’s all-time best-selling models, the Elantra enters its sixth-generation, building on the momentum and success of its award-winning formula: bold aerodynamic design, all-new efficient powertrain, enhanced fuel economy, better ride quality and comprehensive safety upgrades. Register now to measure the Elantra.

An expert panel of industry manufacturers will share their insights on how measuring sessions have helped to grow their business during a three-hour program/luncheon, December 15, from 10:00 a.m–1:00 p.m. The panel will highlight the benefits of new-vehicle measuring sessions and SEMA resources for product development. Attendees will also receive a private tour of the SEMA Garage’s all-new CARB-recognized emissions lab, installation center, photography studio, meeting facility and 3D printing solutions. In addition, attendees will witness first-hand live measuring sessions as SEMA hosts three of the most-popular international vehicles, including the ’16 Toyota HiLux double-cab 4x4. Participants will be briefed on the upcoming SEMA-sponsored trip to the Middle East and other programs designed to help SEMA members grow their overseas business. A complimentary lunch will be provided.

To register, please email SEMA Education Director Zane Clark, and include the names, titles and company of all attendees.

By Linda Spencer

Each company is provided a turnkey booth at a local specialty-equipment show. “The SEMA Middle East Business Development Program was a perfect opportunity for us as a new entrant to the Middle Eastern market,” said Michael Sampson (left), director of operations and foreign sales for Rock-Slide Engineering. “Attending the SEMA Middle East Business Development Program allowed us to find our first cus­tomers and begin what should be a long and profitable relation­ship in the Middle East for Rock-Slide Engineering.”

Visiting speed and off-road shops is on the SEMA Middle East Business Development Program schedule.

Join SEMA for the 5th annual Middle East Business Development Program in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 29–April 2, 2016.

What is included:

• A turnkey booth at the Custom Show Emirates—the largest specialty-equipment show in the Middle East.
• A hands-on workshop with vehicles popularly customized throughout the Middle East but not sold in the United States.
• Hotel accommodations and all meals.
• Tours of local speed and off-road shops.
• A briefing with U.S. Government officials and seasoned exporters on the “do’s and don’ts of setting up successful distribution in the region.”
• Pre-trip support and a pre-trip briefing on what to bring and what to expect.

What your peers are saying about the SEMA Middle East trip:

“This was our fourth year participating in the SEMA Middle East event, and the results surpassed our expectations once again. SEMA’s contribution to our success is crucial, and these trips are undeniably beneficial for us. The fact that we are provided with the chance to meet a group of hand-selected, prequalified buyers is priceless, and we very much appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this effort of bringing companies and markets together for the greater good of the industry.”

—Josh Abbott, international sales manager for Borla Performance Industries

“The buyers that SEMA vetted for our Abu Dhabi meetings were top-tier businesses that really knew the racing and performance market, which is a lot like ours in the United States. What’s really great about doing these types of shows in a foreign country with SEMA is that you don’t have to have any anxiety about finding new businesses, the hotel, the food, your booth or transportation. They have worked through all the details and timetables, and you can really concentrate on learning the nuances of the culture and that particular automotive market. You can focus on your business and getting things accomplished.”

—Karl Dedolph, director of international sales for Champion Oil

“The SEMA Middle East trip was an eye-opening experience. This trip can open new doors to distributors you never knew existed. It can give you first-hand visibility of the consumer market and see the vehicles in action. It can also give you the confidence you need to export into a part of the world that you may not have thought you could reach.”

—Kathryn Reinhardt, marketing manager for MagnaFlow

“SEMA’s diligent efforts to vet and qualify buyers in the region have made the SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference one of the most lucrative SEMA events in terms of return on investment. When we visited the Middle East with SEMA last year, it opened our eyes to what the real potential of this market could be. Since we began visiting the region with SEMA, we have picked up more than 20 new customers who are doing significant sales volume, most of which represent new business.”

—Daniel Dolan, sales and marketing manager, Diablosport Inc.

For more information on how to exhibit, visit the SEMA website or contact Linda Spencer. For a recap of last year’s event, read the SEMA News article or view video highlights of the 2015 and 2014 events.

Register now!