Ford has begun testing prototypes for its next-generation Super Duty trucks, and the shooters at KGP Photography have the first shots to prove it. The massive pickup prototypes are thoroughly covered in camouflage, for what appears to be their most significant overhaul in a very long time.  

Aluminum Or Steel?

These prototypes have actually appeared sooner than many analyst sources had expected, suggesting that Ford is working to continue its momentum having just finished the bulk of the development work on the new F-150 trucks. Ford representatives are very confident that the all-new, aluminum-intensive F-150 is a game changer in the standard-duty pickup segment, so the question is, are they are going to try to parlay that advantage into the heavy-duty truck ranks? As these prototypes are literally fresh off the pilot build lines, the shooters haven't had a chance to get close enough with any magnets to try to answer the big "Is it aluminum," question, but they will keep digging to try to get more information.

The continuous improvements necessary to compete in the truck segment means that Ford has already made several improvements to their Super Duty engines, many of which will likely find their way into these new trucks—including direct injection that is destined for the 6.2L V8 for the ’14 model year. The prototype caught here is clearly a diesel, but its displacement and power output are unknown.

The Super Duty will get a beefed-up version of the new 10-speed transition as part of the GM/Ford joint-venture, further aiding in fuel economy, which will continue to be a major focus of Ford's truck-related efforts.

With the appearance of these new prototypes, it looks like the next-generation Super Duty is on pace for a ’16 calendar year intro as a ’17 model.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

By SEMA Editors

The Product Development Expo, fueled by the SEMA Garage, will be held Thursday, April 10, 2014, at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

As vehicle technology continues to evolve rapidly, so do the tools that can take your product from a concept to a working product. Knowing that tomorrow’s consumers will look for different capabilities in their vehicles, the challenge becomes understanding how connectivity influences the user experience. The Product Development Expo, fueled by the SEMA Garage, is one of the tools that will help you remain knowledgeable about the newest technologies and developments in the industry, setting your business up for long-term success in a rapidly changing market.

"The race to define future vehicles is on," said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. "Competition for the future of the auto industry is rapidly evolving between Silicon Valley and Detroit. The recession accelerated the auto industry’s transformational changes required for growth as well as reinvention and product development of vehicles—from mechanical to electrical systems, from standalone to connected, and from mass markets to personalization and customization. The changes we are going through today will impact the performance aftermarket industry for decades to come. SEMA's Product Development Expo is your chance to learn how to compete and win as new technologies, tools and applications are deployed."

During the SEMA Product Development Expo, industry experts—including automakers, tier suppliers and association leaders—will discuss the future of the accessory market, including how products will be integrated into new vehicles and why automotive apps, such as Ford’s Open XC platform, matter.

Cosponsored by the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) and the Emerging Trends & Technology network (ETTN), the SEMA Product Development Expo takes place April 10, 2014, at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the future of product development and product planning, current emissions certification requirements, how to access high-tech tools at a reduced cost and other ways to make products cost efficiently.

The registration fee, which includes lunch, is $47 for SEMA members and $97 for non-SEMA members. For details, visit www.sema.org/product-development or contact Juliet Marshall, 909-978-6655.

Register now.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

By SEMA Editors

The Product Development Expo, fueled by the SEMA Garage, will be held Thursday, April 10, 2014, at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

As vehicle technology continues to evolve rapidly, so do the tools that can take your product from a concept to a working product. Knowing that tomorrow’s consumers will look for different capabilities in their vehicles, the challenge becomes understanding how connectivity influences the user experience. The Product Development Expo, fueled by the SEMA Garage, is one of the tools that will help you remain knowledgeable about the newest technologies and developments in the industry, setting your business up for long-term success in a rapidly changing market.

"The race to define future vehicles is on," said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. "Competition for the future of the auto industry is rapidly evolving between Silicon Valley and Detroit. The recession accelerated the auto industry’s transformational changes required for growth as well as reinvention and product development of vehicles—from mechanical to electrical systems, from standalone to connected, and from mass markets to personalization and customization. The changes we are going through today will impact the performance aftermarket industry for decades to come. SEMA's Product Development Expo is your chance to learn how to compete and win as new technologies, tools and applications are deployed."

During the SEMA Product Development Expo, industry experts—including automakers, tier suppliers and association leaders—will discuss the future of the accessory market, including how products will be integrated into new vehicles and why automotive apps, such as Ford’s Open XC platform, matter.

Cosponsored by the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) and the Emerging Trends & Technology network (ETTN), the SEMA Product Development Expo takes place April 10, 2014, at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the future of product development and product planning, current emissions certification requirements, how to access high-tech tools at a reduced cost and other ways to make products cost efficiently.

The registration fee, which includes lunch, is $47 for SEMA members and $97 for non-SEMA members. For details, visit www.sema.org/product-development or contact Juliet Marshall, 909-978-6655.

Register now.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

By Della Domingo

	Tim Martin	Rick Trudo
Steve Wolcott	Greg Adler	Larry Pacey

The following slate of candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

• Tim Martin – COO, K&N Engineering Inc.
• Rick Trudo – President/CEO, SCT Performance LLC
• Steve Wolcott – President/CEO, ProMedia LLC

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

• Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

Voting will take place online between May 14–June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

By Della Domingo

	Tim Martin	Rick Trudo
Steve Wolcott	Greg Adler	Larry Pacey

The following slate of candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

• Tim Martin – COO, K&N Engineering Inc.
• Rick Trudo – President/CEO, SCT Performance LLC
• Steve Wolcott – President/CEO, ProMedia LLC

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

• Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

Voting will take place online between May 14–June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

	Nissan's updated versions of its Body Builder's Guides for the Nissan NV Cargo and NV Passenger (pictured above) vehicles are now available.

Nissan has released an updated version of its Body Builder's Guide for the Nissan NV and NV Passenger vehicles. The revised builder's guides contain information on Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) and Center of Gravity (GC).

The Cargo version of the Nissan NV was released in 2011, and represented the automaker's first fullsize van built for the United States and sold by Nissan. The NV uses the same F-Alpha platform as the Nissan Titan that has been highly modified to meet the need for loading, unloading and carrying cargo.

The NV Passenger is a highly configurable people carrier that has 12-passenger seating. There are currently three trim levels available for the NV Passenger, and two engine options—a V6 4.0L 24-valve DOHC, or a V8 5.6L 32-valve DOHC. 

Access the Body Builder's Guide for both the Nissan NV 1500 Cargo Van and Passenger Van. 

	Nissan's updated versions of its Body Builder's Guides for the Nissan NV Cargo and NV Passenger (pictured above) vehicles are now available.

Nissan has released an updated version of its Body Builder's Guide for the Nissan NV and NV Passenger vehicles. The revised builder's guides contain information on Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) and Center of Gravity (GC).

The Cargo version of the Nissan NV was released in 2011, and represented the automaker's first fullsize van built for the United States and sold by Nissan. The NV uses the same F-Alpha platform as the Nissan Titan that has been highly modified to meet the need for loading, unloading and carrying cargo.

The NV Passenger is a highly configurable people carrier that has 12-passenger seating. There are currently three trim levels available for the NV Passenger, and two engine options—a V6 4.0L 24-valve DOHC, or a V8 5.6L 32-valve DOHC. 

Access the Body Builder's Guide for both the Nissan NV 1500 Cargo Van and Passenger Van. 

	Nissan's updated versions of its Body Builder's Guides for the Nissan NV Cargo and NV Passenger (pictured above) vehicles are now available.

Nissan has released an updated version of its Body Builder's Guide for the Nissan NV and NV Passenger vehicles. The revised builder's guides contain information on Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) and Center of Gravity (GC).

The Cargo version of the Nissan NV was released in 2011, and represented the automaker's first fullsize van built for the United States and sold by Nissan. The NV uses the same F-Alpha platform as the Nissan Titan that has been highly modified to meet the need for loading, unloading and carrying cargo.

The NV Passenger is a highly configurable people carrier that has 12-passenger seating. There are currently three trim levels available for the NV Passenger, and two engine options—a V6 4.0L 24-valve DOHC, or a V8 5.6L 32-valve DOHC. 

Access the Body Builder's Guide for both the Nissan NV 1500 Cargo Van and Passenger Van. 

	Nissan's updated versions of its Body Builder's Guides for the Nissan NV Cargo and NV Passenger (pictured above) vehicles are now available.

Nissan has released an updated version of its Body Builder's Guide for the Nissan NV and NV Passenger vehicles. The revised builder's guides contain information on Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) and Center of Gravity (GC).

The Cargo version of the Nissan NV was released in 2011, and represented the automaker's first fullsize van built for the United States and sold by Nissan. The NV uses the same F-Alpha platform as the Nissan Titan that has been highly modified to meet the need for loading, unloading and carrying cargo.

The NV Passenger is a highly configurable people carrier that has 12-passenger seating. There are currently three trim levels available for the NV Passenger, and two engine options—a V6 4.0L 24-valve DOHC, or a V8 5.6L 32-valve DOHC. 

Access the Body Builder's Guide for both the Nissan NV 1500 Cargo Van and Passenger Van. 

By Della Domingo

	One of the biggest downfalls that buyers have identified is the lack of follow-up from exhibitors after the connection was made on the Show floor.

Ever wonder what annoys buyers, or how they decide where to begin at the SEMA Show? You might be surprised to learn what they identified as  common failures that they see from exhibitors.

What Buyers Said

"If people are huddled in the middle, you have the tendency not to want to visit that booth. Even though it may be something that you are interested in, you want people who are outgoing—people who are welcoming you to the booth."

What Exhibitors Can Do

Staff your booth with individuals who work the aisles, saying hello and welcoming buyers to your booth. This is something that staff can review prior to the Show, while identifying additional ways to direct traffic to what your company has to offer.

What Buyers Said

"We expect some follow-up to the meetings that we had at the SEMA Show. That's probably the biggest downfall that we have seen from an exhibitor—a lack of follow-up.

What Exhibitors Can Do

Send an e-mail follow-up message to prospective buyers you met during the Show. Additional Exhibitor Tip: The best time to follow up with buyers is between 1–3 weeks after the SEMA Show. Buyers note that they are busy catching up on the day immediately after the SEMA Show, and by the time the holidays arrive, they will have already reviewed everything that they saw at the Show and made their decisions.

What Buyers Said

"Most of our purchases require in-depth conversations, so we're typically not buying on-site. But if it's a supplier that we already work with and they have a SEMA Show special that we can't pass up, then we'll make a commitment then and there."

What Exhibitors Can Do

Don't shy away from offering a SEMA Show discount. Approximately 45% of buyers report making onsite purchases at the Show. While it's mostly with existing suppliers, buyers note that it's all about the profit margins.

Find out what buyers want and need by watching the 2013 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit video. 

Register Now

SEMA and its hotel partners have made arrangements to cover hotel accommodations for up to two rooms per company on the nights of April 14 and 15; hotels to be determined. All meals at the Summit will be provided as well. Participants will be responsible for travel to and from Las Vegas and incidental hotel charges (phone, room service, etc.).

Learn more about the 2014 SEMA Show or reserve your booth space for the annual event at www.SEMAShow.com.