'High Gear' Chosen as Concept for First-Ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women

DEARBORN, Mich., June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of fans voted for a satin-black, luxury Ford Mustang concept in the first-ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. The project - a collaboration between Ford Motor Company 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 women volunteers.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120606/DE20010 )

Known as "High Gear," the winning concept was designed by Jennifer Seely of Ford.

Click below to listen to an interview with Seely as she discusses the inspiration and design philosophy behind High Gear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2wUVebG1jo

Inspired by international products in categories such as jewelry, couture clothing and architecture, High Gear is meant to stimulate the senses by fusing luxury and power. Highlights include rose-gold 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, drivetrain 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 vice president 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, Calif., headquarters.

"The concept selected by everyone who voted is amazing," Evans added. "It will be very exciting to see the vehicle transformed in just eight short weeks by this dedicated group of women. The drive and talent this collaboration of women from the SEMA Business Network (SBN), Ford and Source Interlink Media brings to this project is nothing short of phenomenal."

As title sponsor of the project, Ford donated a 2013 Ford Mustang GT. Women members of SBN will perform the hands-on modifications from July to August. The finished car will debut at the 2012 SEMA show in Las Vegas, then be auctioned 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), 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 the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women, visit www.sema.org/SEMAMustangBuild or contact SEMA Project Manager Bryan C. Harrison at [email protected].

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 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 and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.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.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company