SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women to be Unveiled at 2012 SEMA Show in the Ford Booth

For Immediate Release

Media Contacts:
Della Domingo, SEMA
: 909/978-6723, dellad@sema.org
Elizabeth Weigandt, Ford: 313/845-4147, eweigand@ford.com  

SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women to be Unveiled at 2012 SEMA Show in the Ford booth

-- Historic Project Vehicle to be Auctioned on eBay beginning October 30, 2012 --
--
http://www.SEMA.org/Auctions --

Diamond Bar, CA (October 8, 2012) -  The SEMA Mustang Build Powered By Women, better known as "High Gear," will debut in the Ford Motor Company booth on Tuesday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m., the opening day of the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2013 Mustang GT made national headlines during the summer when more than 40 women volunteered their time and expertise to customize the vehicle in less than two months. Immediately after the unveiling, the vehicle will be auctioned to raise funds for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Details about the auction are available at www.SEMA.org/Auctions.

"The SEMA Mustang Build is truly inspiring," said Marla Moore, SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Chair. "The SBN is honored to host this historic project. We're now excited to unveil and share the final creation with the industry at the upcoming SEMA Show."

The SBN launched the project to showcase the talented women of the automotive industry. With SEMA and Ford Motor Co. teaming up for the build, an additional 40-plus SEMA member companies donated products and services, which includes custom paint, customized wheels, a custom leather interior, high performance suspension, and a new supercharger autographed by industry legend Vic Edelbrock.

"This project could not have happened without the amazing support of SEMA, Ford Motor Company, Source Interlink Media along with the many manufacturers who provided product for the Mustang and our awesome women build team members" said Rose Kawasaki, SBN Vehicle Build Task Force Chair.

"This project has confirmed the fact that there are a group of passionate female enthusiasts in our industry and this was an ideal undertaking to showcase their talent," said Doug Evans, Executive VP for Source Interlink Media (SIM). SIM, which publishes dozens of leading automotive magazines including Hot Rod Magazine, was an active partner in the SEMA Mustang Build, which hosted much of the build at its headquarters in El Segundo, California.

More information can be found on www.SEMA.org/SEMAMustangBuild or contact the vehicle build Project Manager, Sr. Manager of Councils Bryan Harrison at BryanH@sema.org or 909/978-6691.

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 6,537 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 $2,000 - $3,000, with $5,000 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.  For more information, visit www.SEMA.org/scholarships.