Thu, 10/17/2013 - 07:26

By SEMA Editors

  ups
Jeb Greenstone's winning entry in the UPS “Ride Your Hauler to SEMA” contest is a “Dually Hauler” built by him and Shawn Davis for Joe Kral of Columbia Heights, Minnesota.
  

Jeb Greenstone, president, designer and lead fabricator of Cutworm Specialties—a custom hot-rod builder based in Hayesville, North Carolina, has won UPS’ “Ride Your Hauler to SEMA” contest. Greenstone’s winning entry is a “Dually Hauler” built by him and Shawn Davis for Joe Kral of Columbia Heights, Minnesota. As the winner, the team’s creation will be prominently displayed at the 2013 SEMA Show, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

“Breaking the rules in design” and taking approximately six months to build, Greenstone and Davis produced the all-aluminum body and bed, based on the design of a ’30–’31 Ford Model A truck. With “loads of attitude,” Cutworm Specialties built the custom vehicle‘s suspension, spindles, axle and lug nuts from scratch. The hauler’s rear axle and 19.5-in. wheels were taken from a motor home. Built for the street, the engine is a ’67 Lincoln 460 V8 with a Built c6 transmission, and can reach roughly 575–600 hp. The front spindles and brakes came from a Ford Super Duty, and the interior is completely handmade, including the seat, dash, steering wheel and pedals.

The UPS “Ride Your Hauler to SEMA” contest ran from July to September and was designed to celebrate the creative talent among the automotive specialty aftermarket. Contestants were asked to submit photos of their unique parts hauler designs. Entries were selected after careful review and consideration by a panel of automotive and transportation experts, and were judged based on functionality, innovation and aesthetics.

To learn more about the contest, visit www.UPS.com/Hauler.

Thu, 10/10/2013 - 15:14
Exhibitors of the 2013 SEMA Show have posted more than 200 press releases at www.semashow.com/press. Editors and reporters can view the releases at a single website, making it easy and convenient to learn what to expect at the upcoming Show. Find out what products will be unveiled, learn about vehicle builds and much more.
 
Exhibitors can post releases by visiting www.semashow.com/node/add/press.
Thu, 10/10/2013 - 15:14
Exhibitors of the 2013 SEMA Show have posted more than 200 press releases at www.semashow.com/press. Editors and reporters can view the releases at a single website, making it easy and convenient to learn what to expect at the upcoming Show. Find out what products will be unveiled, learn about vehicle builds and much more.
 
Exhibitors can post releases by visiting www.semashow.com/node/add/press.
Thu, 10/10/2013 - 15:02
SEMA Show, New Products Showcase
Through the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, buyers can preview more than 2,000 of the industry's hottest and newest products all in one area.

By Jason Catullo

The deadline to submit an additional product for the SEMA Show New Products Showcase for the rate of $75 is tomorrow, October 11. As always, the first product entry submitted for the showcase is free, however, after the deadline, the fee for each additional product entry is $150. Exhibitors can place products in the New Products Showcase up until the opening day of the SEMA Show.

Register for the 2013 SEMA Show New Products Showcase online at www.SEMAShow.com/newproducts.

Recent SEMA Show survey data indicates that 87% of buyers consider new products their first mission when the Show opens. In addition, one of the first stops for buyers when they arrive is the New Products Showcase because they can preview more than 2,000 new products and technologies in one designated area.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase also offers all exhibitors the opportunity to enter and display any product as a Featured Product within the showcase. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as "new." This collection of the industry's newest technologies and advancements combined with namesake products has helped the New Products Showcase position itself as a beacon of sorts for buyers looking for the latest innovations, updated versions of the industry's hot sellers and classic products that have defined a company's heritage.

Not only does the SEMA Show New Products Showcase help increase exhibitor product exposure during the Show, each product is photographed and the photos and product information are featured throughout the upcoming year in SEMA News. The trade magazine is distributed to 18,000 industry professionals monthly. In addition to SEMA News, the images and details of all products from the showcase are also made available to media throughout the world. An analysis of SEMA Show media coverage showed that exhibitors who participated in the 2012 New Products Showcase had higher levels of exposure in stories after the Show.

For 2013, SEMA has partnered with Autoweek magazine to further increase exposure for all products in the Showcase. All products will automatically be enrolled at no cost into Autoweek's exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace, where the products will be promoted to enthusiasts throughout the year. To learn more about Autoweek's exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace, visit sema-collection.autoweek.com/register.

More information on the 2013 SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

Thu, 10/10/2013 - 15:02
SEMA Show, New Products Showcase
Through the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, buyers can preview more than 2,000 of the industry's hottest and newest products all in one area.

By Jason Catullo

The deadline to submit an additional product for the SEMA Show New Products Showcase for the rate of $75 is tomorrow, October 11. As always, the first product entry submitted for the showcase is free, however, after the deadline, the fee for each additional product entry is $150. Exhibitors can place products in the New Products Showcase up until the opening day of the SEMA Show.

Register for the 2013 SEMA Show New Products Showcase online at www.SEMAShow.com/newproducts.

Recent SEMA Show survey data indicates that 87% of buyers consider new products their first mission when the Show opens. In addition, one of the first stops for buyers when they arrive is the New Products Showcase because they can preview more than 2,000 new products and technologies in one designated area.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase also offers all exhibitors the opportunity to enter and display any product as a Featured Product within the showcase. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as "new." This collection of the industry's newest technologies and advancements combined with namesake products has helped the New Products Showcase position itself as a beacon of sorts for buyers looking for the latest innovations, updated versions of the industry's hot sellers and classic products that have defined a company's heritage.

Not only does the SEMA Show New Products Showcase help increase exhibitor product exposure during the Show, each product is photographed and the photos and product information are featured throughout the upcoming year in SEMA News. The trade magazine is distributed to 18,000 industry professionals monthly. In addition to SEMA News, the images and details of all products from the showcase are also made available to media throughout the world. An analysis of SEMA Show media coverage showed that exhibitors who participated in the 2012 New Products Showcase had higher levels of exposure in stories after the Show.

For 2013, SEMA has partnered with Autoweek magazine to further increase exposure for all products in the Showcase. All products will automatically be enrolled at no cost into Autoweek's exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace, where the products will be promoted to enthusiasts throughout the year. To learn more about Autoweek's exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace, visit sema-collection.autoweek.com/register.

More information on the 2013 SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

Thu, 10/10/2013 - 15:02
SEMA Show, New Products Showcase
Through the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, buyers can preview more than 2,000 of the industry's hottest and newest products all in one area.

By Jason Catullo

The deadline to submit an additional product for the SEMA Show New Products Showcase for the rate of $75 is tomorrow, October 11. As always, the first product entry submitted for the showcase is free, however, after the deadline, the fee for each additional product entry is $150. Exhibitors can place products in the New Products Showcase up until the opening day of the SEMA Show.

Register for the 2013 SEMA Show New Products Showcase online at www.SEMAShow.com/newproducts.

Recent SEMA Show survey data indicates that 87% of buyers consider new products their first mission when the Show opens. In addition, one of the first stops for buyers when they arrive is the New Products Showcase because they can preview more than 2,000 new products and technologies in one designated area.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase also offers all exhibitors the opportunity to enter and display any product as a Featured Product within the showcase. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as "new." This collection of the industry's newest technologies and advancements combined with namesake products has helped the New Products Showcase position itself as a beacon of sorts for buyers looking for the latest innovations, updated versions of the industry's hot sellers and classic products that have defined a company's heritage.

Not only does the SEMA Show New Products Showcase help increase exhibitor product exposure during the Show, each product is photographed and the photos and product information are featured throughout the upcoming year in SEMA News. The trade magazine is distributed to 18,000 industry professionals monthly. In addition to SEMA News, the images and details of all products from the showcase are also made available to media throughout the world. An analysis of SEMA Show media coverage showed that exhibitors who participated in the 2012 New Products Showcase had higher levels of exposure in stories after the Show.

For 2013, SEMA has partnered with Autoweek magazine to further increase exposure for all products in the Showcase. All products will automatically be enrolled at no cost into Autoweek's exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace, where the products will be promoted to enthusiasts throughout the year. To learn more about Autoweek's exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace, visit sema-collection.autoweek.com/register.

More information on the 2013 SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

Thu, 10/10/2013 - 13:50
ford

The shooters at KGP Photography have some new shots of an updated ’15 Ford Expedition EL prototype running on the streets of Dearborn.

These new prototypes have hit public roads just as GM's fullsize SUVs have gone—or about are about to go—fully official. While GM's new fullsize SUVs are based on the recently overhauled Silverado and Sierra pickups, the platform changes to the Navigator and its Ford Expedition platform-mate are rumored to be less extensive. How much of the all-new F-150 will find its way into Ford's big SUVs is unclear, but it appears that Ford Motor Co. is keeping investment levels lower on their big 'utes, compared to GM's new Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban models.

On the Navigator prototypes, Lincoln will incorporate a version of the new corporate split grille, building on the look started with the Lincoln MKS and the upcoming MKC entry-level crossover. It appears that everything in front of the A-pillar will receive a redesign, while the Navigator's midsection seems to carry over the existing styling (except for reworked lower trim from the mid-door, down). More changes appear to be in store for the rear, between the C- and D-pillars, with restyled taillights. The interior is also heavily camouflaged, so a new dashboard design integrating Lincoln's latest electronics is almost certainly in store.

Sources say that the Navigator and Expedition will get an Ecoboost engine to help modernize the drivetrain and aid in achieving better fuel economy.

There had been reports suggesting that Ford might drop the big-daddy Expedition EL when the ’15 update hits the market, but the prototype captured here seems to contradict those reports. The appearance of these updated Expedition EL and Navigator L prototypes suggest that the Suburban and Yukon XL models will continue to have a cross-town rival.

Rumor is that Lincoln could rename the big SUV as the Lincoln MKN, but these prototypes seem to dispel those rumors. One of the prototypes actually still had a piece of paper taped to the door announcing it as the "Navigator," and the taped-over badging also seems to be of Navigator-length.

The revamped Navigator is expected to arrive late next year, as a ’15 model. Whether the changes will be enough to be market-relevant is a big question, especially given GM's head start with a slew of new entries on the horizon.

 ford

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 10/10/2013 - 13:50
ford

The shooters at KGP Photography have some new shots of an updated ’15 Ford Expedition EL prototype running on the streets of Dearborn.

These new prototypes have hit public roads just as GM's fullsize SUVs have gone—or about are about to go—fully official. While GM's new fullsize SUVs are based on the recently overhauled Silverado and Sierra pickups, the platform changes to the Navigator and its Ford Expedition platform-mate are rumored to be less extensive. How much of the all-new F-150 will find its way into Ford's big SUVs is unclear, but it appears that Ford Motor Co. is keeping investment levels lower on their big 'utes, compared to GM's new Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban models.

On the Navigator prototypes, Lincoln will incorporate a version of the new corporate split grille, building on the look started with the Lincoln MKS and the upcoming MKC entry-level crossover. It appears that everything in front of the A-pillar will receive a redesign, while the Navigator's midsection seems to carry over the existing styling (except for reworked lower trim from the mid-door, down). More changes appear to be in store for the rear, between the C- and D-pillars, with restyled taillights. The interior is also heavily camouflaged, so a new dashboard design integrating Lincoln's latest electronics is almost certainly in store.

Sources say that the Navigator and Expedition will get an Ecoboost engine to help modernize the drivetrain and aid in achieving better fuel economy.

There had been reports suggesting that Ford might drop the big-daddy Expedition EL when the ’15 update hits the market, but the prototype captured here seems to contradict those reports. The appearance of these updated Expedition EL and Navigator L prototypes suggest that the Suburban and Yukon XL models will continue to have a cross-town rival.

Rumor is that Lincoln could rename the big SUV as the Lincoln MKN, but these prototypes seem to dispel those rumors. One of the prototypes actually still had a piece of paper taped to the door announcing it as the "Navigator," and the taped-over badging also seems to be of Navigator-length.

The revamped Navigator is expected to arrive late next year, as a ’15 model. Whether the changes will be enough to be market-relevant is a big question, especially given GM's head start with a slew of new entries on the horizon.

 ford

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 10/10/2013 - 13:50
ford

The shooters at KGP Photography have some new shots of an updated ’15 Ford Expedition EL prototype running on the streets of Dearborn.

These new prototypes have hit public roads just as GM's fullsize SUVs have gone—or about are about to go—fully official. While GM's new fullsize SUVs are based on the recently overhauled Silverado and Sierra pickups, the platform changes to the Navigator and its Ford Expedition platform-mate are rumored to be less extensive. How much of the all-new F-150 will find its way into Ford's big SUVs is unclear, but it appears that Ford Motor Co. is keeping investment levels lower on their big 'utes, compared to GM's new Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban models.

On the Navigator prototypes, Lincoln will incorporate a version of the new corporate split grille, building on the look started with the Lincoln MKS and the upcoming MKC entry-level crossover. It appears that everything in front of the A-pillar will receive a redesign, while the Navigator's midsection seems to carry over the existing styling (except for reworked lower trim from the mid-door, down). More changes appear to be in store for the rear, between the C- and D-pillars, with restyled taillights. The interior is also heavily camouflaged, so a new dashboard design integrating Lincoln's latest electronics is almost certainly in store.

Sources say that the Navigator and Expedition will get an Ecoboost engine to help modernize the drivetrain and aid in achieving better fuel economy.

There had been reports suggesting that Ford might drop the big-daddy Expedition EL when the ’15 update hits the market, but the prototype captured here seems to contradict those reports. The appearance of these updated Expedition EL and Navigator L prototypes suggest that the Suburban and Yukon XL models will continue to have a cross-town rival.

Rumor is that Lincoln could rename the big SUV as the Lincoln MKN, but these prototypes seem to dispel those rumors. One of the prototypes actually still had a piece of paper taped to the door announcing it as the "Navigator," and the taped-over badging also seems to be of Navigator-length.

The revamped Navigator is expected to arrive late next year, as a ’15 model. Whether the changes will be enough to be market-relevant is a big question, especially given GM's head start with a slew of new entries on the horizon.

 ford

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 10/10/2013 - 13:36
 SEMA Garage—Industry Innovations Center
The purpose of the SEMA Garage is to assist members with product development by providing a resource containing tools and hosting events designed to reduce the time needed to go from prototype to final product.
  
By Jason Catullo

One of the newest benefits available to SEMA manufacturing members is the SEMA Garage-Industry Innovations Center located adjacent to the SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. The garage is designed as a resource to help members shorten the process of getting products from the drawing board to store shelves.

As a member resource, one of the functions of the SEMA Garage is to serve as the main location for most of SEMA's Measuring Sessions—a SEMA and OEM partnership that provides members with access to upcoming vehicles, most often, before they hit dealerships. Members take their turns scanning, examining and measuring the vehicles for accurate, hands-on specs used to begin prototyping. In the past, Measuring Sessions required manufacturers to travel to various locations, typically within a two-day timeframe, and carry the gear needed to record accurate vehicle data.

With the SEMA Garage, vehicles can stay in one location for a longer period of time, stretching the time-constrained measuring sessions from days to weeks, in most cases. Not only are vehicles available to members longer, the new suite of tools, work benches and scanners will also help alleviate the need for members to transport a large amount of equipment.

To date, the value of the tools and equipment included in the garage is nearly $2 million. One of latest items added to the SEMA Garage is a Faro arm, also called a coordinate-measuring machine, along with some PolyWorks software. The newly added device can be used to scan complete vehicles and individual parts.

SEMA Garage—Industry Innovations Center
The SEMA Garage is stocked with a host of tools and equipment to help members obtain vehicle specs and data, eliminating the need for members to transport extra gear.
 
  

As an example of some of the measuring sessions and special events that have taken place at the SEMA Garage include the first-ever Mega Measuring Session in July, which featured five popular vehicles for members to preview—the Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tundra, Ford Focus ST, Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger ST.

 SEMA Garage—Industry Innovations Center
The SEMA Garage recently hosted a Honda Measuring Session that featured, for the first time ever, three motorcycles and an ATV. 
  

The facility was also recently the home to another first—the Honda/Acura Measuring Session featuring ’14 versions of the Honda Grom, CTX700 and Goldwing F6B motorcycles, the Pioneer SXS all-terrain vehicle and Odyssey minivan. The ’14 Acura MDX midsize SUV and RLX mid-luxury sedan were also available for members to explore.

The SEMA Garage is also serving as the installation hub for the exclusive WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose Ford F-150. All work for the build program will be done at the SEMA Garage. Foose Design and WD-40 Co.—through a partnership with the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts—will have leading SEMA manufacturers working alongside underprivileged teens and young adults to complete the truck to auction off for the benefit of SEMA Cares charities.

SEMA members are encouraged to take advantage of this industry-owned facility for product development, fitment, research and much more. For more information about the SEMA Garage—Industry Innovations Center, including upcoming events and availability, contact Mike Spagnola at mikes@sema.org