Here’s a first look at the upcoming Ford Bronco while cold-weather testing. The prototype seen here is in significantly more advanced stages of development than the early chassis mule seen last year, which was cobbled together from various makeshift bits and ends.

This is the four-door variant. Though it’s wearing a lot of heavy camo, particularly on the roof, the general shape of the design is undeniable, and lines up with what’s been leaked out in the past. Upright front and rear ends along with upright pillars give way to short overhangs—elements that play along well with the offroad-oriented nature of the upcoming Bronco. The prototype also has a solid amount of ground clearance. A spare wheel on the swing gate is complemented by what appears to be production-intent taillamps.

Much like the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco will be available in both two- and four-door configurations. A pickup variant has also been rumored. Powertrain details are a bit scarce at the moment, but the 2.3L EcoBoost mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission from the Ford Ranger will be a likely option.

The Bronco is expected to be unveiled this spring and go on sale several months thereafter.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the upcoming Ford Bronco while cold-weather testing. The prototype seen here is in significantly more advanced stages of development than the early chassis mule seen last year, which was cobbled together from various makeshift bits and ends.

This is the four-door variant. Though it’s wearing a lot of heavy camo, particularly on the roof, the general shape of the design is undeniable, and lines up with what’s been leaked out in the past. Upright front and rear ends along with upright pillars give way to short overhangs—elements that play along well with the offroad-oriented nature of the upcoming Bronco. The prototype also has a solid amount of ground clearance. A spare wheel on the swing gate is complemented by what appears to be production-intent taillamps.

Much like the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco will be available in both two- and four-door configurations. A pickup variant has also been rumored. Powertrain details are a bit scarce at the moment, but the 2.3L EcoBoost mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission from the Ford Ranger will be a likely option.

The Bronco is expected to be unveiled this spring and go on sale several months thereafter.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the upcoming Ford Bronco while cold-weather testing. The prototype seen here is in significantly more advanced stages of development than the early chassis mule seen last year, which was cobbled together from various makeshift bits and ends.

This is the four-door variant. Though it’s wearing a lot of heavy camo, particularly on the roof, the general shape of the design is undeniable, and lines up with what’s been leaked out in the past. Upright front and rear ends along with upright pillars give way to short overhangs—elements that play along well with the offroad-oriented nature of the upcoming Bronco. The prototype also has a solid amount of ground clearance. A spare wheel on the swing gate is complemented by what appears to be production-intent taillamps.

Much like the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco will be available in both two- and four-door configurations. A pickup variant has also been rumored. Powertrain details are a bit scarce at the moment, but the 2.3L EcoBoost mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission from the Ford Ranger will be a likely option.

The Bronco is expected to be unveiled this spring and go on sale several months thereafter.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the upcoming Ford Bronco while cold-weather testing. The prototype seen here is in significantly more advanced stages of development than the early chassis mule seen last year, which was cobbled together from various makeshift bits and ends.

This is the four-door variant. Though it’s wearing a lot of heavy camo, particularly on the roof, the general shape of the design is undeniable, and lines up with what’s been leaked out in the past. Upright front and rear ends along with upright pillars give way to short overhangs—elements that play along well with the offroad-oriented nature of the upcoming Bronco. The prototype also has a solid amount of ground clearance. A spare wheel on the swing gate is complemented by what appears to be production-intent taillamps.

Much like the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco will be available in both two- and four-door configurations. A pickup variant has also been rumored. Powertrain details are a bit scarce at the moment, but the 2.3L EcoBoost mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission from the Ford Ranger will be a likely option.

The Bronco is expected to be unveiled this spring and go on sale several months thereafter.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the upcoming Ford Bronco while cold-weather testing. The prototype seen here is in significantly more advanced stages of development than the early chassis mule seen last year, which was cobbled together from various makeshift bits and ends.

This is the four-door variant. Though it’s wearing a lot of heavy camo, particularly on the roof, the general shape of the design is undeniable, and lines up with what’s been leaked out in the past. Upright front and rear ends along with upright pillars give way to short overhangs—elements that play along well with the offroad-oriented nature of the upcoming Bronco. The prototype also has a solid amount of ground clearance. A spare wheel on the swing gate is complemented by what appears to be production-intent taillamps.

Much like the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco will be available in both two- and four-door configurations. A pickup variant has also been rumored. Powertrain details are a bit scarce at the moment, but the 2.3L EcoBoost mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission from the Ford Ranger will be a likely option.

The Bronco is expected to be unveiled this spring and go on sale several months thereafter.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

As the world’s premier automotive specialty-equipment trade event, the SEMA Show annually attracts the industry’s best companies, cars, products and people to the Las Vegas Convention Center. The four-day experience offers attendees a real-world look at the engineering and innovation that shape the automotive landscape, and provide them with the opportunity to stock their shelves with the latest products from the industry's best businesses. 

More than 160,000 individuals attended the 2019 SEMA Show to connect with each other, experience new products, learn more about emerging trends and sharpen business skills through the Show's seminars. More than 3,000 products were displayed in the 2019 New Products Showcase.

The 2020 SEMA Show takes places Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, in Las Vegas. For more information, visit SEMAShow.com, contact the SEMA Show Hotline at 909-396-0289, or email sales@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

As the world’s premier automotive specialty-equipment trade event, the SEMA Show annually attracts the industry’s best companies, cars, products and people to the Las Vegas Convention Center. The four-day experience offers attendees a real-world look at the engineering and innovation that shape the automotive landscape, and provide them with the opportunity to stock their shelves with the latest products from the industry's best businesses. 

More than 160,000 individuals attended the 2019 SEMA Show to connect with each other, experience new products, learn more about emerging trends and sharpen business skills through the Show's seminars. More than 3,000 products were displayed in the 2019 New Products Showcase.

The 2020 SEMA Show takes places Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, in Las Vegas. For more information, visit SEMAShow.com, contact the SEMA Show Hotline at 909-396-0289, or email sales@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals and Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels have created a Radial-based program that includes the Street Outlaw category at three national events.

NMCA Hosts Mickey Thompson Radial Rampage Program at Select Events

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals and Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels have created a Radial-based program that includes the Street Outlaw category at three national events—Atlanta Dragway, World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway and Route 66 Raceway—and a special Radial Rampage shootout at World Wide Technology at Gateway (Madison, Illinois), which adds Radial vs. The World and Limited Drag Radial. Total Venue Concepts will handle the track preparations using VP Racing Fuels Lane Choice materials. All Radial categories are eligible to participate in the NMCA Contingency program, and every event winner will walk away with a Victor trophy and a celebration in the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

CJ Greaves and his Greaves Motorsports/Yamaha/Monster Energy/Maxxis YXZ1000R will contend in the all-new Championship Off-Road Tour.

Yamaha Announces 2020 bLU cRU Side-by-Side and ATV Racing Support

Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, has pledged more than $100,000 in Side-by-Side (SxS) and ATV bLU cRU championship racing bonuses for the 2020 season, including $10,000 for a first-place finish in a YXZ1000R or YXZ1000R SS (Sport Shift) at the 2020 King of the Hammers (KOH) race, February 2. All qualified and registered racers competing in select series with a YXZ1000R pure sport SxS or YFZ450R sport ATV are eligible for payout, including Yamaha’s factory-supported racers. Racers can register online at and apply for the bLU cRU benefits. Once approved, racers will receive a reloadable Yamaha bLU cRU debit card and $45 credit on their bLUcRUswag.com account for bLU cRU apparel. These racers will be eligible to receive championship bonuses paid directly to their bLU cRU debit card. Starting the 2020 race season, Yamaha is offering $10,000 in potential bonuses at the KOH race. The top-finishing YXZ1000R in the UTV class will earn $5,000, plus an additional $5,000 with the overall win. Yamaha’s factory-supported race team competing alongside other YXZ bLU cRU challengers at this year’s KOH is Greaves Motorsports, comprised of the championship-winning drivers Johnny Greaves, CJ Greaves and Brock Heger.

Jason Line will retire from Pro Stock racing following the 2020 season.

Jason Line to Retire From Pro Stock Driving Duties After 2020 Season

Turning 50 and having 50 Pro Stock wins to his name, Jason Line has decided to retire from behind the wheel of the Summit Racing Pro Stock Camaro following the 2020 season. The three-time NHRA Pro Stock champion has dubbed this final season of driving for Ken Black Racing, “the Finish Line Tour.” Line will channel his drive to win into building and tuning Pro Stock and Sportsman-class race engines at the Ken Black Racing shop in Mooresville, North Carolina. Line joined KB Racing in 2003 to drive a second Pro Stock car alongside Greg Anderson, and made his driving debut at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

CTDA luncheon host Vahe Michaelian (left) of 1-800EveryRim OEM Wheels and TIA Vice President Dan Nothdurft of Tires, Tires, Tires at TIA meetings in November 2019.

SEMA and TIA to Headline CTDA/1-800EveryRim New Year Luncheon

The California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA), with 1-800Everyrim OEM Wheels as event host, will hold its annual CTDA/1-800EveryRim New Year Luncheon, January 29th, at Geezers in Santa Fe Springs, California. Tire Industry Association (TIA) Vice President Dan Nothdurft of Tires, Tires, Tires and SEMA’s Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp will headline the event. CTDA Past President Chris Barry of The Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG) will serve as master of ceremonies. Early RSVPs are highly encouraged as an overflow crowd is expected. The event is open to the industry and free to all tire retailers and CTDA members.

Sponsors to date include:

• Diamond – Federated Insurance
• Gold – Yokohama, West Creek Financial, Advance Professional
• Silver – Turbo Wholesale Tire, Myers Tire Supply, Service Capital, Penn Tire, National Tire Warehouse, Fury Off-Road Tires, Tires Warehouse
• Host – 1-800EveryRim OEM Wheels

For more information, contact 1-800EveryRim OEM Wheels President Billy Eordekian.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Appoints Andrew Ebel Chief Operating Officer

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has announced the appointment of Andrew Ebel as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. In his newly expanded role, Ebel will assume responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day administrative, finance, marketing, media and publishing, sales and event operations for functions for Goodguys. Prior to this appointment, Ebel served as vice president, business operations and marketing since 2014, and prior to that served as marketing director for the company. Ebel joined Goodguys in 2011 after spending the previous three years serving as the director of business operations for Strikeforce Mixed Martial Arts, where he was responsible for the day-to-day business operations and marketing efforts for the brand. Prior to Strikeforce, from ’00–’08, he served as the marketing manager and then marketing director for Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), the parent company of the San Jose Sharks, where he spearheaded the marketing efforts for co-promoted HP Pavilion at San Jose events, San Jose Sharks Hockey, the SAP Open Tennis Tournament and other SVS&E-owned and co-owned properties.

Paramount Data Management Selected as Judging Partner for the 2020 ACPN Content Excellence Awards

Paramount Data Management (PDM Automotive) has announced it has been selected by the Automotive Content Professional’s Network (ACPN) Committee—a community of the Auto Care Association—for a second year in a row to be its data judging partner for the 2020 ACPN Content Excellence Awards. The ACPN Content Excellence Awards recognize the best examples of electronic content and cataloging in the auto care industry. This year, PDM Automotive will judge the 2020 Content Excellence Award category for ACES and PIES Data.

The Content Excellence Awards are comprised of four categories:

• Web-Based Catalogs: catalog application lookup that is purely browser-based and does not require any special client-side app to be installed
• ACES and PIES Data: recognizes excellent source data and adherence to XSD validations
• CCPN Installer’s Choice: recognizes excellent business-to-business systems that are either web-based or client-side install (app) supported, which support business transactions; and
• Receiver’s Choice: Industry-leading data receivers recognize organizations that are supplying high-quality content including ACES, PIES, digital assets and other customer specific formats.

ACPN is now accepting entries for the 2020 ACPN Content Excellence Awards. The award ceremony will take place at the 47th annual ACPN Knowledge Exchange Conference, May 3–6, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle. The deadline to submit for the Web-Based Catalog, ACES and PIES Data and CCPN Installer’s Choice Award categories is January 27. For more information about the ACPN Content Excellence Awards and to access award entry forms, visit the ACPN website.

VMP Performance, R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. Announce New Business Services Partnership

VMP Performance has announced a new partnership with R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) that will see the two brands work together in a number of national marketing and sales initiatives in the automotive aftermarket. As part of the VMP partner program, RRMCI will bolster the strength and range of VMP’s products that it can offer to its customers.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Ford has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2020. 

2020 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: February 1, 2020
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2020

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 January 27, 2020. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2020 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by February 3, 2020. 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 2020 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

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

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