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SEMA - Ford Partner in Technology Initiative

3 November 1999

SEMA - Ford Partner in Technology Initiative

    LAS VEGAS, Nov. 2 -- The Specialty Equipment Market
Association (SEMA) today announced it will partner with Ford Motor Company in
a pilot program designed to facilitate vehicle information and technology
transfer to the benefit of SEMA-member companies.
    "We consider this a very pivotal day in the history of our industry.  The
Ford/SEMA pilot program provides a significantly increased opportunity for our
manufacturers to access information that was previously unavailable.  It puts
in place a process to produce quality products in a more timely and efficient
manner, resulting in lower costs and a higher level of customer satisfaction,"
said Chuck Blum, President of SEMA.
    "The Ford-SEMA accord is the first of its kind, one in which a major
vehicle manufacturer agrees to fully cooperate with non-original car or truck
product suppliers to achieve the design and production of specialty
accessories and equipment," Blum continued.  "In my recollection, there has
never been an alliance of this magnitude in the history of the auto industry."
    The first segment of the two-phase pilot program features the 4.6-liter
Mustang GT and is scheduled to roll out beginning the first quarter of 2000.
Initially, phase one will make available a wide range of Mustang technical
data covering dimensions, tolerances, electrical schematics, engine and
powertrain drawings.  Phase two, consisting of a process enabling SEMA members
to produce OBD II-compatible performance parts, is scheduled for the second
quarter of 2000.  "This is a significant first-step that will allow SEMA
members to prepare for the increasingly complex technology planned for future
generation vehicles.  Team members from both SEMA and Ford will closely
monitor the pilot.  A tremendous amount of information gathering from within
many of the Ford systems must take place.  Technical support personnel from
both organizations will assist in getting the system operational through a
state-of-the-art interactive web site administered by SEMA," added Blum.
    SEMA and Ford Motor Company will share all costs related to the
implementation of the pilot program.
    Selection of the Mustang GT as the focus vehicle for the pilot program was
based on popularity and the already high level of personalization among
consumers.  The vehicle, from a technology viewpoint, is considered cutting-
edge, typical of complex existing systems and those expected in the future.
    "Ford has been a long-time supporter of SEMA and our member
organizations," said Blum.  "Given the anticipated success of this pilot
program, we see the initiative expanding to other Ford vehicles including
trucks and sport utilities.  In addition, we anticipate the program to be a
template for establishing similar programs with other major vehicle
manufacturers."
    SEMA is a trade group comprised of more than 3,600 member companies that
make up the specialty automotive aftermarket industry.  The seven diverse
niches in which SEMA members specialize include light-truck, off-road, racing
and performance, street rod and restoration, and restyling.  All combined the
markets add up to $21.2 billion in retail business annually.