For Immediate Release
Media Contacts:
Della Domingo, SEMA: 909/978-6723, dellad@sema.org
Elizabeth Weigandt, Ford: 313/845-4147, eweigand@ford.com
"High Gear" Chosen as Concept for First-Ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered By Women
-- Women
Builders Perform Modifications this Summer;
Final Vehicle Debuts at 2012 SEMA Show Then Auctioned on eBay --
Diamond Bar, CA (June 5, 2012) - Thousands of fans voted
for a satin black luxury Mustang concept in the first-ever SEMA Mustang Build
Powered by Women. The project, which is a collaboration between Ford Motor Co.
and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), invited the public to view
three concepts online and vote for the one they would like to see built by a
group of female volunteers.
The winning concept known as "High Gear" was designed by Jennifer Seely of Ford Motor Co. Inspired by international products in categories such as jewelry, couture clothing and architecture, the concept is meant to stimulate the senses by fusing luxury and power. Highlights include Rosegold chrome accents throughout the exterior and interior, satin black body, plush quilted suede seats and a leather wrapped interior. Modifications will also be made to the engine, undercarriage, drive train and sound system.
"We appreciate our readers and fans helping us determine which concept will be used for this very exciting project," said Doug Evans, Executive VP of Source Interlink Media (SIM). SIM, a partner in the project, hosted the voting on several of its websites and will also host the physical build at its El Segundo, California, headquarters.
"The concept selected by everyone who voted is amazing," continued Evans. "It will be very exciting to see the vehicle transformed in just eight short weeks by the dedicated group of women participating in the project. The drive and talent this collaboration of women from the SBN, Ford and Source Interlink Media brings to this project is nothing short of phenomenal."
As title sponsor of the project, Ford Motor Co. donated a 2013 Ford Mustang GT for the project. Female members of the SBN will perform the hands-on modifications from July to August. The finished vehicle will debut at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, then auctioned off on eBay to raise money for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators.
The SBN Vehicle Build Task Force is comprised of Task Force Chair Rose Kawasaki (Exports International), Project Vehicle Coordinator Sherry Kollien (Ford Motor Company), Assembly Coordinator Kellie Colf (eTool Developers), PR/Media Coordinator Camee Edelbrock (Schiefer Media Inc.) and Product Coordinator Susan Carpenter (JR Products). Advisors include Mike Spagnola (Street Scene), Joel Ayres (Bedslide) and Marla Moore (Hypertech).
To learn more about SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women, visit www.sema.org/SEMAMustangBuild or contact SEMA Project Manager Bryan C. Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn,
Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With
about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive
brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services
through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's
products, please visit www.ford.com.
About the Specialty
Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents
the $29.99 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,383 member-companies. It
is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth
information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides
appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for
passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575
S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit
www.sema.org
or www.enjoythedrive.com.
About Source
Interlink Media
Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in
the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded
products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of
content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, home
theatre and other niche activities. The division's strategy is to wholly focus
on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading
brands through a multiplatform media approach.
About the SEMA
Scholarship Fund
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next
generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators. Scholarship awards
range from $1,000 - $2,000, with $4,000 going to the top student. Assistance is
available for career paths in the automotive industry in accounting,
administration, advertising, design/graphics, engineering, information
technology, manufacturing, photo/journalism, race car driver/crew,
sales/marketing, technicians and transportation.