Ford Accepting Project Vehicle Program Applications

Bronco Sport Trail Rig. For adventurers looking to elevate their off-road trekking in a small, rugged 4x4, the Bronco Sport Trail Rig amps up the Badlands series model by adding 31-inch BFGoodrich™ Mud-Terrain T/A® KM3 tires, a one-inch lift kit, plus Ford Performance by RIGID LED off-road lights mounted to a front nudge bar. On top, a Yakima LockNLoad Platform roof rack and off-road gear mounts are designed to carry gear like a high-lift jack kit, Ford Performance recovery boards and jerry cans. (Preproduction image with optional features shown. Available late 2020.)

Ford is now accepting submissions from SEMA-member companies to participate in the 2021 Ford Project Vehicle Program, the automaker announced.

The program is open to SEMA-member manufacturers, designers and retailers. Participants must actively promote the vehicle with their products through an established marketing plan and be financially capable of spending promotional dollars, Ford said.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria:

  • Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
  • Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
  • Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
  • Purchase and maintain $3 million in General Liability Insurance, $3 million in Automotive Liability Insurance, $1 million in Employers Liability and demonstrate Workers Compensation coverage; an Umbrella Policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
  • Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
  • Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
  • Make vehicles available to Ford or its Dealers for display, at the owner’s discretion.

Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

  • Product development.
  • Modifications to the vehicle
  • Events (including dates, location and type of event)
  • Media exposure (originals or color copies)
  • Company advertising featuring the vehicle
  • Social media exposure
  • A copy of your current vehicle registration

To request a project vehicle:

1. E-mail a one-page project summary with the following information to semainfo@ford.com.

  • Vehicle/theme
  • Vehicle modifications
  • New product development
  • Promotional plan
  • Vehicle display location at the 2021 SEMA Show

2. Mail and/or E-mail a detailed project proposal to the following:

Ford Motor Company
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Kyle Ebner
semainfo@ford.com

Include detail supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

By A.J. Hecht

A.J. Hecht is the managing editor of THE SHOP and host of the In Gear with THE SHOP podcast. Have an idea, a tip, or a question you’d like to see answered? Contact A.J. at ahecht@cahabamedia.com.