This is the ’19 Ford Ranger FX4, finally caught testing in production metal and with its production face. Up until this point, the FX4 was testing in mule form.

The Ranger FX4 will get added ground clearance and styling tweaks to make it unique from the standard Ranger. On this prototype, the grille appears to have an Explorer-ish feel to it.

In other markets, the current FX4 can be had with a 3.2L diesel engine found in the Transit. It’s unclear if it will be offered on U.S. models, but the Ranger could be offered in a number of configurations to compete with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

Expect a full complement of Ecoboost four and six-cylinder engines, and perhaps a diesel. Ford may use the direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 as the premium choice. Ford’s new 10-speed automatic, co-developed with GM, is also expected.

The ’19 Ranger FX4 will be revealed next year, more than likely in Detroit.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’19 Ford Ranger FX4, finally caught testing in production metal and with its production face. Up until this point, the FX4 was testing in mule form.

The Ranger FX4 will get added ground clearance and styling tweaks to make it unique from the standard Ranger. On this prototype, the grille appears to have an Explorer-ish feel to it.

In other markets, the current FX4 can be had with a 3.2L diesel engine found in the Transit. It’s unclear if it will be offered on U.S. models, but the Ranger could be offered in a number of configurations to compete with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

Expect a full complement of Ecoboost four and six-cylinder engines, and perhaps a diesel. Ford may use the direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 as the premium choice. Ford’s new 10-speed automatic, co-developed with GM, is also expected.

The ’19 Ranger FX4 will be revealed next year, more than likely in Detroit.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’19 Ford Ranger FX4, finally caught testing in production metal and with its production face. Up until this point, the FX4 was testing in mule form.

The Ranger FX4 will get added ground clearance and styling tweaks to make it unique from the standard Ranger. On this prototype, the grille appears to have an Explorer-ish feel to it.

In other markets, the current FX4 can be had with a 3.2L diesel engine found in the Transit. It’s unclear if it will be offered on U.S. models, but the Ranger could be offered in a number of configurations to compete with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

Expect a full complement of Ecoboost four and six-cylinder engines, and perhaps a diesel. Ford may use the direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 as the premium choice. Ford’s new 10-speed automatic, co-developed with GM, is also expected.

The ’19 Ranger FX4 will be revealed next year, more than likely in Detroit.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’19 Ford Ranger FX4, finally caught testing in production metal and with its production face. Up until this point, the FX4 was testing in mule form.

The Ranger FX4 will get added ground clearance and styling tweaks to make it unique from the standard Ranger. On this prototype, the grille appears to have an Explorer-ish feel to it.

In other markets, the current FX4 can be had with a 3.2L diesel engine found in the Transit. It’s unclear if it will be offered on U.S. models, but the Ranger could be offered in a number of configurations to compete with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

Expect a full complement of Ecoboost four and six-cylinder engines, and perhaps a diesel. Ford may use the direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 as the premium choice. Ford’s new 10-speed automatic, co-developed with GM, is also expected.

The ’19 Ranger FX4 will be revealed next year, more than likely in Detroit.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

In partnership with KIA, the SEMA Garage has announced it will host the ’18 KIA Stinger measuring session. Ushering in a new dynamic era for KIA Motors, the all-new ’18 Stinger is a five-passenger sportback poised to redefine a segment currently populated by European automakers. The Stinger promises to be the highest-performance production vehicle in the company’s history, and is backed by KIA’s industry-leading warranty. The Stinger is offered in five trim levels (Stinger, Premium, GT, GT1, GT2) and luxurious accommodations.

In partnership with KIA, the SEMA Garage has announced it will host the ’18 KIA Stinger measuring session. Ushering in a new dynamic era for KIA Motors, the all-new ’18 Stinger is a five-passenger sportback poised to redefine a segment currently populated by European automakers. The Stinger promises to be the highest-performance production vehicle in the company’s history, and is backed by KIA’s industry-leading warranty. The Stinger is offered in five trim levels (Stinger, Premium, GT, GT1, GT2) and luxurious accommodations.

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has openings for two seats in the Manufacturers category, two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category and one seat in the Services category.

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

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for 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 about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member 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 Manufacturers category
• Two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category
• One seat in the Services category

Nominations for the 2018 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 4, 2018. 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 has openings for two seats in the Manufacturers category, two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category and one seat in the Services category.

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

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for 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 about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member 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 Manufacturers category
• Two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category
• One seat in the Services category

Nominations for the 2018 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 4, 2018. 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

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• SEMA Measuring Session: ’18 KIA Stinger, January 11, 2018, SEMA Garage, Diamond Bar, California

• MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 23–25, 2018, Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North, Santa Ana, California

• SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, April 3–8, 2018, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• SEMA Australia Business Development Program, May 24–28, 2018, Melbourne, Australia

• Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD), July 13, 2018

• SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.