Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

	FIAT is offering a 500 Abarth to select customizers for the 2012 SEMA Show.

FIAT brand is offering customizers Abarth vehicles for the 2012 SEMA Show. This year’s focus will be developing lifestyle and performance vehicles. The FIAT 500 Abarth is equipped with a manual 1.4L 16v MultiAir Turbo Engine rated at 160 hp.

FIAT 500 SEMA Offer/Benefits:

• A FIAT 500 Abarth vehicle to create and promote accessories and/or vendor capabilities.
• Potential display of the modified FIAT at shows and FIAT promotional events.
• Potential media coverage of the modified FIAT and, therefore, the vendor name from the SEMA Show and through other media outreach.

FIAT 500 SEMA Requirements:

• An introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle and its general content.
• 8½ x 11 color renderings illustrating front/side, rear and interior appearance (Composite ¾ views acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme accurately defined. Preservation of front-end brand identity (divisional emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory.
• A list of specific system upgrades, including partnered sources and new products being developed for FIAT through the project.
• Examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant.
• Promotional and media outreach plan beyond the SEMA Show (i.e. tour of events, specific magazine feature articles, online promotion, etc.).
• Availability for the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is required. Please state where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor the vehicle if it is placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2013. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.
• Required shows to be displayed at as part of FIAT display: TBA.
• Need to be accessible for Fiat brand/dealer events (minimum: 4).

Aftermarket companies requesting vehicles should have the following capabilities:

• Financially and technically capable of building a one-off show car without financial or parts support from FIAT USA, Chrysler Group LLC or Mopar.
• Willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.
• History of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.

Project vehicle recipients must:

• Execute a promotional agreement with Chrysler that sets forth the obligations of the vehicle recipient, including, without limitation, the requirement to return the vehicle to Chrysler Group LLC in three years.
• Commit to make the vehicle available to FIAT or its dealers if requested for additional shows and exhibits for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the model logos intact and visible. Commit to provide regular reports to FIAT USA public relations regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

Timeline:

• Proposals due: May 31, 2012; 4:00 p.m. (EDT)
• Winners announced: June 15, 2012
• Vehicle delivery: July 5–9, 2012
• Customized vehicle live visit review with FIAT brand team to review finished vehicle: October 7–11, 2012
• FIAT 500 customized vehicle on display at the 2012 SEMA Show: October 30–November 2, 2012

Contact:

Please e-mail your detailed project proposal or questions to nicole.longhini@FIATUSA.com before May 31, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. (EDT). For more information on the FIAT 500 Abarth, visit www.fiatusa.com/abarth.

	FIAT is offering a 500 Abarth to select customizers for the 2012 SEMA Show.

FIAT brand is offering customizers Abarth vehicles for the 2012 SEMA Show. This year’s focus will be developing lifestyle and performance vehicles. The FIAT 500 Abarth is equipped with a manual 1.4L 16v MultiAir Turbo Engine rated at 160 hp.

FIAT 500 SEMA Offer/Benefits:

• A FIAT 500 Abarth vehicle to create and promote accessories and/or vendor capabilities.
• Potential display of the modified FIAT at shows and FIAT promotional events.
• Potential media coverage of the modified FIAT and, therefore, the vendor name from the SEMA Show and through other media outreach.

FIAT 500 SEMA Requirements:

• An introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle and its general content.
• 8½ x 11 color renderings illustrating front/side, rear and interior appearance (Composite ¾ views acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme accurately defined. Preservation of front-end brand identity (divisional emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory.
• A list of specific system upgrades, including partnered sources and new products being developed for FIAT through the project.
• Examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant.
• Promotional and media outreach plan beyond the SEMA Show (i.e. tour of events, specific magazine feature articles, online promotion, etc.).
• Availability for the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is required. Please state where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor the vehicle if it is placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2013. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.
• Required shows to be displayed at as part of FIAT display: TBA.
• Need to be accessible for Fiat brand/dealer events (minimum: 4).

Aftermarket companies requesting vehicles should have the following capabilities:

• Financially and technically capable of building a one-off show car without financial or parts support from FIAT USA, Chrysler Group LLC or Mopar.
• Willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.
• History of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.

Project vehicle recipients must:

• Execute a promotional agreement with Chrysler that sets forth the obligations of the vehicle recipient, including, without limitation, the requirement to return the vehicle to Chrysler Group LLC in three years.
• Commit to make the vehicle available to FIAT or its dealers if requested for additional shows and exhibits for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the model logos intact and visible. Commit to provide regular reports to FIAT USA public relations regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

Timeline:

• Proposals due: May 31, 2012; 4:00 p.m. (EDT)
• Winners announced: June 15, 2012
• Vehicle delivery: July 5–9, 2012
• Customized vehicle live visit review with FIAT brand team to review finished vehicle: October 7–11, 2012
• FIAT 500 customized vehicle on display at the 2012 SEMA Show: October 30–November 2, 2012

Contact:

Please e-mail your detailed project proposal or questions to nicole.longhini@FIATUSA.com before May 31, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. (EDT). For more information on the FIAT 500 Abarth, visit www.fiatusa.com/abarth.

	FIAT is offering a 500 Abarth to select customizers for the 2012 SEMA Show.

FIAT brand is offering customizers Abarth vehicles for the 2012 SEMA Show. This year’s focus will be developing lifestyle and performance vehicles. The FIAT 500 Abarth is equipped with a manual 1.4L 16v MultiAir Turbo Engine rated at 160 hp.

FIAT 500 SEMA Offer/Benefits:

• A FIAT 500 Abarth vehicle to create and promote accessories and/or vendor capabilities.
• Potential display of the modified FIAT at shows and FIAT promotional events.
• Potential media coverage of the modified FIAT and, therefore, the vendor name from the SEMA Show and through other media outreach.

FIAT 500 SEMA Requirements:

• An introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle and its general content.
• 8½ x 11 color renderings illustrating front/side, rear and interior appearance (Composite ¾ views acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme accurately defined. Preservation of front-end brand identity (divisional emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory.
• A list of specific system upgrades, including partnered sources and new products being developed for FIAT through the project.
• Examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant.
• Promotional and media outreach plan beyond the SEMA Show (i.e. tour of events, specific magazine feature articles, online promotion, etc.).
• Availability for the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is required. Please state where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor the vehicle if it is placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2013. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.
• Required shows to be displayed at as part of FIAT display: TBA.
• Need to be accessible for Fiat brand/dealer events (minimum: 4).

Aftermarket companies requesting vehicles should have the following capabilities:

• Financially and technically capable of building a one-off show car without financial or parts support from FIAT USA, Chrysler Group LLC or Mopar.
• Willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.
• History of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.

Project vehicle recipients must:

• Execute a promotional agreement with Chrysler that sets forth the obligations of the vehicle recipient, including, without limitation, the requirement to return the vehicle to Chrysler Group LLC in three years.
• Commit to make the vehicle available to FIAT or its dealers if requested for additional shows and exhibits for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the model logos intact and visible. Commit to provide regular reports to FIAT USA public relations regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

Timeline:

• Proposals due: May 31, 2012; 4:00 p.m. (EDT)
• Winners announced: June 15, 2012
• Vehicle delivery: July 5–9, 2012
• Customized vehicle live visit review with FIAT brand team to review finished vehicle: October 7–11, 2012
• FIAT 500 customized vehicle on display at the 2012 SEMA Show: October 30–November 2, 2012

Contact:

Please e-mail your detailed project proposal or questions to nicole.longhini@FIATUSA.com before May 31, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. (EDT). For more information on the FIAT 500 Abarth, visit www.fiatusa.com/abarth.

	Toyota recently revealed an all-new Toyota RAV4 EV that the company says has the driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity that are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6.

Earlier this week at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles, Toyota revealed an all-new electric Toyota RAV4 EV. The SUV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger.

According to the manufacturer, the RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas-powered RAV4 V6.

The RAV4 EV is the product of a collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corp. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers brought product to market. So far, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.

Tesla designed and produced the battery and electric powertrain for Toyota’s most popular SUV model. For the most part, aside from distinctive exterior badges and more efficient LED/halogen projector headlights, the RAV4 EV will be identical to the standard gas version. The battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components. The announced MSRP is $49,800 for a fully equipped model.

The front-wheel-drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes—Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0–60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0–60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph. Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 hp (115kW) @ 2,800 rpm.

Toyota’s approved electric vehicle supplier equipment provider is Leviton. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) emergency charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available.

The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Sales volume is planned for approximately 2,600 units over the next three years. The battery warranty is eight years or 100,000 miles. For more information: http://pressroom.toyota.com.

	Toyota recently revealed an all-new Toyota RAV4 EV that the company says has the driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity that are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6.

Earlier this week at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles, Toyota revealed an all-new electric Toyota RAV4 EV. The SUV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger.

According to the manufacturer, the RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas-powered RAV4 V6.

The RAV4 EV is the product of a collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corp. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers brought product to market. So far, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.

Tesla designed and produced the battery and electric powertrain for Toyota’s most popular SUV model. For the most part, aside from distinctive exterior badges and more efficient LED/halogen projector headlights, the RAV4 EV will be identical to the standard gas version. The battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components. The announced MSRP is $49,800 for a fully equipped model.

The front-wheel-drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes—Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0–60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0–60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph. Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 hp (115kW) @ 2,800 rpm.

Toyota’s approved electric vehicle supplier equipment provider is Leviton. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) emergency charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available.

The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Sales volume is planned for approximately 2,600 units over the next three years. The battery warranty is eight years or 100,000 miles. For more information: http://pressroom.toyota.com.

	Toyota recently revealed an all-new Toyota RAV4 EV that the company says has the driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity that are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6.

Earlier this week at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles, Toyota revealed an all-new electric Toyota RAV4 EV. The SUV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger.

According to the manufacturer, the RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas-powered RAV4 V6.

The RAV4 EV is the product of a collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corp. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers brought product to market. So far, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.

Tesla designed and produced the battery and electric powertrain for Toyota’s most popular SUV model. For the most part, aside from distinctive exterior badges and more efficient LED/halogen projector headlights, the RAV4 EV will be identical to the standard gas version. The battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components. The announced MSRP is $49,800 for a fully equipped model.

The front-wheel-drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes—Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0–60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0–60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph. Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 hp (115kW) @ 2,800 rpm.

Toyota’s approved electric vehicle supplier equipment provider is Leviton. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) emergency charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available.

The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Sales volume is planned for approximately 2,600 units over the next three years. The battery warranty is eight years or 100,000 miles. For more information: http://pressroom.toyota.com.

	Toyota recently revealed an all-new Toyota RAV4 EV that the company says has the driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity that are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6.

Earlier this week at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles, Toyota revealed an all-new electric Toyota RAV4 EV. The SUV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger.

According to the manufacturer, the RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas-powered RAV4 V6.

The RAV4 EV is the product of a collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corp. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers brought product to market. So far, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.

Tesla designed and produced the battery and electric powertrain for Toyota’s most popular SUV model. For the most part, aside from distinctive exterior badges and more efficient LED/halogen projector headlights, the RAV4 EV will be identical to the standard gas version. The battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components. The announced MSRP is $49,800 for a fully equipped model.

The front-wheel-drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes—Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0–60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0–60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph. Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 hp (115kW) @ 2,800 rpm.

Toyota’s approved electric vehicle supplier equipment provider is Leviton. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) emergency charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available.

The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Sales volume is planned for approximately 2,600 units over the next three years. The battery warranty is eight years or 100,000 miles. For more information: http://pressroom.toyota.com.

Even with heavy camouflage, the team at Brenda Priddy & Co. says that it's obvious this is the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado, which is due out for the 2014 model year.

While the team did not get to peek under the hood, sources have told the group to expect a small-block V8 with improved fuel economy and greater horsepower. The shooters also report that at a glance, it appears that the new Silverado will have a roomier interior.

Stay tuned for more details as they come in.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Co.

Even with heavy camouflage, the team at Brenda Priddy & Co. says that it's obvious this is the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado, which is due out for the 2014 model year.

While the team did not get to peek under the hood, sources have told the group to expect a small-block V8 with improved fuel economy and greater horsepower. The shooters also report that at a glance, it appears that the new Silverado will have a roomier interior.

Stay tuned for more details as they come in.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Co.