SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), SEMA’s fastest-growing professional group, unveiled its All-Female Build ’21 Ford Bronco Wildtrak earlier this month at the 2022 SEMA Show, the aftermarket industry’s annual event. Ford Motor Co. will display it in their booth at this year’s AutoMobility LA Auto Show November 18–27.
The four-door SUV provided by the Ford Motor Co. underwent modifications that represent a culmination of the work of more than 125 female volunteers from throughout the United States and Canada that included veterans, students, mother-daughter and even granddaughter duos, as well as automotive technicians, race car drivers and award-winning car-building sisters.
“The collaboration truly represents the spirit of the build,” added Cathy Clark, SBN chair. “This project was a chance to spotlight women in the automotive aftermarket industry and the ways in which they come together and offer support to each other. We’re excited to see the passion their efforts received at the SEMA Show this year and to see where these opportunities may lead in the future.”
The project began on July 19 at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, where SBN volunteers, including students from WyoTech, began disassembling, painting and upgrading the vehicle. The Bronco then made its way to the SEMA Garage in Detroit, where final accessories and a vinyl wrap were installed, and the vehicle was prepped for Las Vegas. Throughout 2023, the vehicle will be on display at multiple events highlighting women in automotive.
“To me, this wasn’t about trying to prove that women are capable,” said Volunteer Team Lead Haley Keelin. “We already know we are capable. This was about changing the way the world perceives our capabilities and showcasing what all these amazing women can do. I’m so proud to share this build with everyone at SEMA and to showcase what we all built together.”
The SBN’s 2022 All-Female Build campaign marks the 10-year anniversary of SBN’s first award-winning all-female build, a ’13 Ford Mustang GT, which was also present in the SBN’s SEMA booth for the unveiling. The program’s popularity over the last decade has grown so much, more than 250 women expressed interest in volunteering to support this year’s build.
“This experience continues to create awareness of female expertise, expose women to other aspects of the industry and instill confidence in all of our female volunteers,” said Nicole Bradle, SBN council director. “It’s amazing to celebrate 10 years of the All-Female Build program with these amazing professionals and enthusiasts and finally have the opportunity to show the result of countless hours of work with the world.”
The overland and off-road-themed build features an ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 8 Suspension System and 17×8.5-in. ICON Alloys Thrust satin-black wheels wrapped in aggressive 37-in. Milestar Patagonia M/T-02 tires. Oracle headlights, taillights and off-road lights provide visibility in all conditions. A Goose Gear Rear Seat Delete makes space for an interior camp kitchen, complete with a Ford Performance 50-quart Classic Series fridge/freezer by ARB. The exterior boasts a Ford Research and one-off Advanced Engineering illuminated Bronco Grille, Crawler bumpers by woman-owned brand Baja Forged, Yakima Skyline tent and Terra Strada Design custom wrap, expertly fulfilling the vision of Monika Kalenski, founder of MEK Magnet. Her rendering was selected by popular vote on social media to be used as inspiration for the SBN Build.
The stock 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission receives a power boost from a Ford Performance EcoBoost Power Pack performance calibration, Turbosmart Kompact EM Plumb-Back Valve, aFe Power Momentum GT cold-air intake and an AWE Tuning cat-back exhaust system.
For more information on the project, visit sites.sema.org/sbn-build.