As OEMs roll out advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) on new vehicles, the latest technologies are proving to be a mixed bag for the aftermarket.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2019/12/adas-problem-solving

Here are some of the more popular tactics marketers use to create buzz on social media, along with the tools you can use to analyze how each tactic is working for you.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2019/12/seven-tactics-for-creating-social-media-buzz

Retailers need an organized way to monitor and respond to trash talk and other comments about them that appear online—or face potential peril.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Aftermarket Performance Group Announces CEO Departure

The Aftermarket Performance Group (APG) has announced the departure of its CEO, Matt Jordan. APG and Jordan have mutually agreed to seek new leadership for the organization to allow him to focus on recent health issues and to better support APG’s next stage of growth. Over the past five years, APG has doubled the sales and employee count of the business through organic growth and multiple acquisitions. The board of directors has announced that Russ Spieler has agreed to assume the role of Interim CEO while the company conducts a search for a permanent replacement. Spieler is a managing director at Capital Partners and brings considerable experience and strong leadership skills to the role, having served on APG’s board of managers for five years. 

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.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Junior Johnson

NASCAR Hall of Fame Member Junior Johnson Passes Away

NASCAR legend Junior Johnson, 88, has passed away. According to The New York Times, he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

Johnson was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in its inaugural Class of 2010. He won 50 races in NASCAR’s top division—the most of any driver without a championship—and added 132 victories and six championships as a successful team owner for many legends of the sport. Johnson won the second running of the Daytona 500 in ’60, then added two more victoires in the Great American Race as a car owner in ’69 and ’77.

Robert Glenn Johnson Jr., who became known as “Junior,” was born in 1931, in Ronda, North Carolina. The family business was farming and manufacturing and transporting untaxed whiskey. Johnson was convicted of moonshining in ’56 and pardoned by President Ronald Reagan, December 26, 1986. Until his death, he sold moonshine legally under the Midnight Moon label.

Johnson’s first appearance in NASCAR’s top division was in the ’53 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. He finished 38th in the 59-car field. His first victory came at Hickory Speedway, May 7, 1955, and he added four more victories by the end of his rookie season. In ’60, he beat Bobby Johns in the Daytona 500, using the “drafting” technique he discovered, which consisted of an aerodynamic push and pull created by the air at high speeds.

In ’65, Johnson won 13 of his 36 starts, including his final win as a driver at North Wilkesboro Speedway. That same year, Johnson was featured in Tom Wolfe’s iconic article, “The Last American Hero is Junior Johnson. Yes!”

Johnson ended his driving career at the age of 35 and became a team owner for three more decades. He was enshrined in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010, joining Bill France Sr. and Jr., Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty as the inaugural inductees. He remained involved with the NASCAR Hall for years afterward and contributed an operational moonshine still as an exhibit for the museum’s Heritage Speedway section. He was presented for induction by his son, Robert.

As of press time, no funeral arrangements have been announced.

Reintjes Named Vice President of Broadcasting

Steve Reintjes, who has served as NHRA’s coordinating producer for the past two years, has been promoted to the role of vice president of broadcasting. In his new role, Reintjes will continue to oversee NHRA’s production of all NHRA on Fox television broadcasts, as well as content created at the NHRA Wally Parks Studio, displayed at NHRA events and streamed online via NHRA.TV. Reintjes has an extensive background in live broadcasting with more than 19 years of experience in network television. He has produced more than 500 live events covering 11 sports, including major college football bowl games, multiple FCS college football national championship games and NCAA national championship games in men’s and women’s soccer. He has produced the last two years of all NHRA on Fox television broadcasts. Reintjes will begin his new role January 1, 2020.

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

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

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

By Linda Spencer

First-time exhibitor Specialty Vehicle Engineering Inc./DBA Hamburger’s Superchargers Inc. attracted lots of attention among local buyers.

Register now for the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 31–April 5, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and April 5–7, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where attendees will meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region. Explore the potential for your products in this customizing-crazy market, where consumers are eager to buy the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

Attendees of the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference will:

• Exhibit at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates—in a turn-key booth.
• Participate in a seminar with top distributors.
• Participate in an official U.S. government briefing.
• Tour specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades.
• Attend networking receptions.

All meals, hotel accommodations, a turnkey booth at Custom Show Emirates and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia are included. Attendees can self-certify to qualify for up to $1,250 in U.S. government grants to defray trip costs. California-based companies are eligible for additional funds, including state grants of up to $1,500 to help defray the costs of participating.*

Slots are limited, and the registration deadline for the Saudi portion of the trip is December 28, so so register today!

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Conference, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

*Check with SEMA staff regarding additional funds for SEMA members located in other states.

By Linda Spencer

First-time exhibitor Specialty Vehicle Engineering Inc./DBA Hamburger’s Superchargers Inc. attracted lots of attention among local buyers.

Register now for the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 31–April 5, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and April 5–7, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where attendees will meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region. Explore the potential for your products in this customizing-crazy market, where consumers are eager to buy the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

Attendees of the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference will:

• Exhibit at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates—in a turn-key booth.
• Participate in a seminar with top distributors.
• Participate in an official U.S. government briefing.
• Tour specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades.
• Attend networking receptions.

All meals, hotel accommodations, a turnkey booth at Custom Show Emirates and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia are included. Attendees can self-certify to qualify for up to $1,250 in U.S. government grants to defray trip costs. California-based companies are eligible for additional funds, including state grants of up to $1,500 to help defray the costs of participating.*

Slots are limited, and the registration deadline for the Saudi portion of the trip is December 28, so so register today!

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Conference, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

*Check with SEMA staff regarding additional funds for SEMA members located in other states.