By SEMA Editors

Ford will highlight the ’19 Mustang for its 2019 project vehicle program.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2019 and the models it will highlight. Complete information on the program is below. The first deadline is for project summaries on February 15. The one-page summary should include vehicle/theme, vehicle modifications, new products developed for the vehicle, promotional plan, and vehicle display location at the SEMA Show. 

2019 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Project Summary Submission Deadline: February 15, 2019
Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2019
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2019

The Ford booth at the 2019 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to its existing lineup:

• ’20 Explorer – The SUV that started it all has been totally redesigned—inside, outside and under the hood. Its silhouette features an athletic stance with sculpted angular lines and a revamped grille. A stylish, comfortable interior offers improved cargo capacity and a host of smart technologies. The new Explorer can tow 5,000 lbs., when equipped with a Class III Trailer Tow Package.
• ’19 Ford Transit – The Ford Transit offers the flexibility to fit any business by offering a cargo van or passenger wagon, plus a choice of three roof heights, three lengths and two wheelbases. Also available is the choice of three engines along with a seemingly endless list of upfitting options.
• ’20 Ford Super Duty – Ford, America’s truck leader, introduces the next level of Built Ford Tough heavy-duty pickup capability, power and technology with the new ’20 F-Series Super Duty pickup. New F-Series Super Duty improvements include new gas and diesel engines, an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission, chassis upgrades, exterior and interior design updates, and smart advanced technology that raises the bar again in towing, payload and connectivity.
• ’19 F-150 – The Ford F-150 sets the high standards for light-duty fullsize pickups with its lightweight, yet high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy cab and bed—the same high-grade 6000 series used in military and industrial applications. The results? Best-in-class payload and towing capability. Available class-exclusive Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection can automatically apply F-150 brakes to help prevent a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian, plus available WiFi Hotspot can help you stay connected.
• ’19 Ford Ranger – The all-new Ranger has been developed and tested to the demanding standards of Built Ford Tough. It shares a heritage of toughness, durability and capability derived from more than 100 years of Ford Trucks’ focus on engineering excellence. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine with Auto Start-Stop technology is designed to optimize power and efficiency using turbocharging and direct gasoline injection. The FordPass Connect feature in the Ranger can create an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot to which 10 devices can be connected, so passengers can stay in touch wherever you roam. FordPass can be used to keep track of Wi-Fi data usage. The hotspot can be accessed up to 50 ft. outside the vehicle.
• ’19 Ford EcoSport – With EcoSport, technology—including SYNC 3 with a high-resolution 8-in. floating touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—easily integrates your smartphone and keeps you connected to friends and family while on the move.
• ’19 Ford Escape – Some of the most technologically advanced driver-assist features Ford offers are found in the Escape, while providing convenience and comfort no matter where you are headed.
• ’19 Ford Expedition – The 3.5L EcoBoost engine with 10-speed automatic transmission and best-in-class towing for a fullsize SUV offers more space, connectivity and smart new technology for any adventure. The Expedition has a Terrain Management System for optimal vehicle handling in different driving conditions. Features include wireless device charging pad and four 12-volt power points, six USB changers and a 110-volt outlet to provide energy in every row.
• ’19 Ford Mustang – The (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) Mustang is designed to custom-fit the way you drive, down to the last detail, from the look of the instrument panel to the sound of its growl to the way it feels tackling a curve. Steering and drive modes make it easy to customize your ride and save your go-to settings for next time. Two new features are available: active valve performance exhaust on the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and the B&O Premium Sound System by Bang & Olufsen.

Information for the above models can be found on Ford’s hompage and media website. 

While the above vehicles have the greatest probability of being awarded, the entire retail Ford product lineup, with the exception of Ford GT, GT350/R, Raptor, Edge ST, Explorer ST and Lincoln products are eligible for the project vehicle program.

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

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by February 15, 2019. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2019 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2019. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker’s compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner’s discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social-media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2019 SEMA Show will follow in January. Details will be provided to allow you to research those products and find high-resolution images for renderings.

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Dan German and Kyle Ebner
semainfo@ford.com

By Kristopher Porter

The 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were (L–R): Donnie Eatherly, Chris Thomson and Ed Pink.

As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

When making your confidential nomination, please provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves this prestigious award. Feel free to mention previous accomplishments and notable industry contributions. This will help the Hall of Fame Committee choose the most deserving candidates.

Before submitting your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website and the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly from P&E Distributors Inc., Ed Pink from Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Chris Thomson from TMG Performance Group.

Submit your nomination for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame before the March 8 deadline.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Kristopher Porter

The 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were (L–R): Donnie Eatherly, Chris Thomson and Ed Pink.

As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

When making your confidential nomination, please provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves this prestigious award. Feel free to mention previous accomplishments and notable industry contributions. This will help the Hall of Fame Committee choose the most deserving candidates.

Before submitting your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website and the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly from P&E Distributors Inc., Ed Pink from Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Chris Thomson from TMG Performance Group.

Submit your nomination for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame before the March 8 deadline.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

Exhibit at the 2019 SEMA Show—Get Started Here

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

http://www.semashow.com/buyabooth

Exhibit at the 2019 SEMA Show—Get Started Here

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

http://www.semashow.com/buyabooth

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (S.B. 5417) has been introduced in Washington to allow for the registration of “military surplus vehicles.”

Legislation (S.B. 5417) has been introduced in Washington to allow for the registration of “military surplus vehicles.”

The bill defines a military surplus vehicle as a vehicle that is not operated using continuous tracks, was originally manufactured and sold directly to the Armed Forces of the United States and is no longer owned by the U.S. Armed Forces.

S.B. 5417 awaits consideration in the Senate Transportation Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (S.B. 5417) has been introduced in Washington to allow for the registration of “military surplus vehicles.”

Legislation (S.B. 5417) has been introduced in Washington to allow for the registration of “military surplus vehicles.”

The bill defines a military surplus vehicle as a vehicle that is not operated using continuous tracks, was originally manufactured and sold directly to the Armed Forces of the United States and is no longer owned by the U.S. Armed Forces.

S.B. 5417 awaits consideration in the Senate Transportation Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

SEMA News—February 2019

PEOPLE

By Mike Imlay

Melanie White: SEMA Person of the Year

Melanie White, who was recently named the first woman president of Hellwig Products, received the SEMA 2018 Person of the Year award at the recent SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet. The award honors exceptional volunteerism and leadership on behalf of the specialty-equipment industry.

Among the several distinguished honors bestowed at the annual SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, the Person of the Year award stands as perhaps the most prestigious. More than their own personal or career achievements, individuals who have received the award were selected in recognition of their tremendous service and contributions to the industry in advancing the success of the entire marketplace. At the recent 2018 SEMA Show ceremonies held in Las Vegas on Thursday night, November 1, the association named Melanie White of Hellwig Products as its 2018 Person of the Year.

White is known throughout the aftermarket as a proven leader for both her own business accomplishments and her dedication to the industry. Hailing from a founding SEMA-member company that has exhibited since the very first SEMA Show in 1967 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, she represents the fourth generation to join the family business established by her great-grandfather in 1946.

White started in Hellwig’s sales and marketing department 13 years ago, working her way up to vice president before ultimately becoming the company’s first female president last year. Even while tackling those considerable company responsibilities, she has always been an equally enthusiastic SEMA volunteer.

In fact, White’s involvement with the association has included membership in six SEMA councils and networks. In addition to earning several service awards from her council groups, she was among SEMA News’ first roster of “35 Under 35” young and rising talents in 2012. White also served as chair of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and has been an outspoken industry advocate, participating in Washington, D.C., Rallies and joining other SEMA members on international business-development trips. Her combination of experience and character made her a natural choice for the chair position of SEMA Cares, the association’s charity outreach—a role she stepped into last summer.

After receiving her Person of the Year award, White was congratulated backstage by SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki (right) and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting.

“SEMA is proud to recognize Melanie White as our 2018 Person of the Year,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “The goal of our association is to ensure that all member businesses succeed and prosper. Melanie’s dedication on behalf of SEMA is both exemplary and inspiring. She truly embodies the initiative, leadership and passion that are at the heart of the specialty-equipment aftermarket.”

For White, receiving the award was an incredible experience.

“Overall, I’ve just felt so lucky to be a part of SEMA and its volunteer network,” she said. “I love this industry so much. I love the people. I love the community and that we are all here for each other. I fell for the industry and what we could do together at my first TORA long-range planning meeting in Chicago. I remember the awe of just what is possible when we work together. SEMA is a place where you’re able to take your brand hat off and band together as an industry.”

White sees a number of challenges facing the aftermarket and is glad to be a member of a trade association working on effective solutions. She considers her work on behalf of SEMA Cares to be her greatest volunteer accomplishment to date.

“I’m especially proud to be a part of a team that raised more money than ever before for our SEMA Cares charities through our Pinewood racing event,” she said.

On a more personal note, White can’t express her appreciation enough for those who have helped propel her endeavors.

White, pictured here with SEMA Scholarship Committee Chair Kim Pendergast (right), CEO of Magnuson Products LLC, is now channeling her volunteerism into SEMA Cares, chairing the association’s philanthropic efforts.

“How many thank yous can I give?” she asked. “I have so many people I’m grateful for. My great-grandpa and grandpa for taking a risk and starting our company and growing it. My dad and mom for all of their support and encouragement through the years. And there are so many family members who have helped the company become what it is. I’ve also had amazing mentors and others in this industry who have become lifelong friends. Also, I wouldn’t be doing what I do without the support of my husband or the encouragement of my son, and I couldn’t do any of it without my amazing team at Hellwig.”

White hopes others, too, will avail themselves of the many education, networking and volunteer opportunities SEMA offers its members.

“I’d encourage folks to get more involved,” she said. “You give time but get so much back. It’s a great community in which to fight for what matters for our industry, and volunteering and being involved with SEMA is among the best things I’ve done. I’ve learned so much about the industry and how to get things accomplished.”

The presentation of Person of the Year honors to White was the culmination of numerous industry awards announced at the SEMA Show’s Thursday-night gala. Other award winners included Jon Pulli of Turn 14 Distribution, the Gen-III Innovator of the Year; Bob Cook Sales, the Manufacturer’s Rep Agency of the Year; Turn 14 Distribution, the Warehouse Distributor of the Year; and Aeromotive, the Manufacturer of the Year. SEMA’s most recent Hall of Fame inductees were also recognized, including Donnie Eatherly, Ed Pink and Chris Thomson.

“The SEMA Awards Banquet is always a highlight of the SEMA Show week,” Kersting said. “After several days of business at the Show, it’s a great time to switch gears and celebrate the passion that fuels the industry. Melanie and our several other award winners all stand out as special examples of the professionalism, passion and striving for excellence that we see throughout the Show. We’re honored to be able to recognize them.”

SEMA News—February 2019

PEOPLE

By Mike Imlay

Melanie White: SEMA Person of the Year

Melanie White, who was recently named the first woman president of Hellwig Products, received the SEMA 2018 Person of the Year award at the recent SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet. The award honors exceptional volunteerism and leadership on behalf of the specialty-equipment industry.

Among the several distinguished honors bestowed at the annual SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, the Person of the Year award stands as perhaps the most prestigious. More than their own personal or career achievements, individuals who have received the award were selected in recognition of their tremendous service and contributions to the industry in advancing the success of the entire marketplace. At the recent 2018 SEMA Show ceremonies held in Las Vegas on Thursday night, November 1, the association named Melanie White of Hellwig Products as its 2018 Person of the Year.

White is known throughout the aftermarket as a proven leader for both her own business accomplishments and her dedication to the industry. Hailing from a founding SEMA-member company that has exhibited since the very first SEMA Show in 1967 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, she represents the fourth generation to join the family business established by her great-grandfather in 1946.

White started in Hellwig’s sales and marketing department 13 years ago, working her way up to vice president before ultimately becoming the company’s first female president last year. Even while tackling those considerable company responsibilities, she has always been an equally enthusiastic SEMA volunteer.

In fact, White’s involvement with the association has included membership in six SEMA councils and networks. In addition to earning several service awards from her council groups, she was among SEMA News’ first roster of “35 Under 35” young and rising talents in 2012. White also served as chair of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and has been an outspoken industry advocate, participating in Washington, D.C., Rallies and joining other SEMA members on international business-development trips. Her combination of experience and character made her a natural choice for the chair position of SEMA Cares, the association’s charity outreach—a role she stepped into last summer.

After receiving her Person of the Year award, White was congratulated backstage by SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki (right) and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting.

“SEMA is proud to recognize Melanie White as our 2018 Person of the Year,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “The goal of our association is to ensure that all member businesses succeed and prosper. Melanie’s dedication on behalf of SEMA is both exemplary and inspiring. She truly embodies the initiative, leadership and passion that are at the heart of the specialty-equipment aftermarket.”

For White, receiving the award was an incredible experience.

“Overall, I’ve just felt so lucky to be a part of SEMA and its volunteer network,” she said. “I love this industry so much. I love the people. I love the community and that we are all here for each other. I fell for the industry and what we could do together at my first TORA long-range planning meeting in Chicago. I remember the awe of just what is possible when we work together. SEMA is a place where you’re able to take your brand hat off and band together as an industry.”

White sees a number of challenges facing the aftermarket and is glad to be a member of a trade association working on effective solutions. She considers her work on behalf of SEMA Cares to be her greatest volunteer accomplishment to date.

“I’m especially proud to be a part of a team that raised more money than ever before for our SEMA Cares charities through our Pinewood racing event,” she said.

On a more personal note, White can’t express her appreciation enough for those who have helped propel her endeavors.

White, pictured here with SEMA Scholarship Committee Chair Kim Pendergast (right), CEO of Magnuson Products LLC, is now channeling her volunteerism into SEMA Cares, chairing the association’s philanthropic efforts.

“How many thank yous can I give?” she asked. “I have so many people I’m grateful for. My great-grandpa and grandpa for taking a risk and starting our company and growing it. My dad and mom for all of their support and encouragement through the years. And there are so many family members who have helped the company become what it is. I’ve also had amazing mentors and others in this industry who have become lifelong friends. Also, I wouldn’t be doing what I do without the support of my husband or the encouragement of my son, and I couldn’t do any of it without my amazing team at Hellwig.”

White hopes others, too, will avail themselves of the many education, networking and volunteer opportunities SEMA offers its members.

“I’d encourage folks to get more involved,” she said. “You give time but get so much back. It’s a great community in which to fight for what matters for our industry, and volunteering and being involved with SEMA is among the best things I’ve done. I’ve learned so much about the industry and how to get things accomplished.”

The presentation of Person of the Year honors to White was the culmination of numerous industry awards announced at the SEMA Show’s Thursday-night gala. Other award winners included Jon Pulli of Turn 14 Distribution, the Gen-III Innovator of the Year; Bob Cook Sales, the Manufacturer’s Rep Agency of the Year; Turn 14 Distribution, the Warehouse Distributor of the Year; and Aeromotive, the Manufacturer of the Year. SEMA’s most recent Hall of Fame inductees were also recognized, including Donnie Eatherly, Ed Pink and Chris Thomson.

“The SEMA Awards Banquet is always a highlight of the SEMA Show week,” Kersting said. “After several days of business at the Show, it’s a great time to switch gears and celebrate the passion that fuels the industry. Melanie and our several other award winners all stand out as special examples of the professionalism, passion and striving for excellence that we see throughout the Show. We’re honored to be able to recognize them.”