LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4 – Ford is unveiling 19 customized concept vehicles – most of them based on the top-selling F-150 pickup – and reaffirming in a major way its industry-leading relationship with the growing aftermarket at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.

As the official "manufacturer of show" this year, Ford unveiled the largest ever exhibit from an auto manufacturer – a 65,000-foot display space highlighted by 14 customized versions of its all-new 2004 Ford F-150 – and teased visitors with a preview of the next-generation 2005 Ford Mustang.

Ford also announced the continuation of its Ford/SEMA Technology Initiative, which provides SEMA members with advanced access to future-product information. The relationship includes giving computer-aided design (CAD) data to aid aftermarket companies in the design and engineering of customized parts well in advance of a new vehicle’s introduction.

This successful information sharing already has allowed aftermarket companies to market and sell more than 100 items available on the 2004 F-150, as well as begin the engineering work necessary to prepare for the launch of customized parts for the next-generation 2005 Mustang next year.

"U.S. consumers spend $27 billion annually in aftermarket parts and service, and more than a third of that is on light trucks," says Phil Martens, Ford’s group vice president of Product Creation. "Ford has been on the ground floor in helping to fuel the aftermarket’s growth, and we intend to remain a leader in the future with hot aftermarket products like the all-new F-150 and the next-generation Mustang coming next year.

"At Ford, we’re introducing the largest wave of new products in our history – from the new F-150 and next year’s Mustang to several all-new products in new segments," Martens continues. "We intend to have hot product news every year that SEMA members will love."

In addition to news about these vehicles, Ford announced several produc t and marketing ventures to further strengthen the company’s leadership in performance, racing and specialty vehicles:

• Three concepts powered by Ford’s all-new 5.0-liter "Cammer" V-8 engine, which will be available through Ford Racing Performance Parts dealers or warehouse distributors beginning in 2004.
• All-new Focus and Ranger concepts that foretell soon-to-be-available custom body kits, interior enhancements and powertrain upgrades for the aftermarket.
• An innovative marketing relationship between Ford Motor Company and Revolution Studios to bring more hot Ford vehicles to a movie theater near you.

2004 Ford F-150: America’s Truck Leader Takes Over SEMA

Visitors to the Ford display will find an overwhelming presence of 2004 F-150s customized by SEMA members. Each truck features the aftermarket company’s personalization specialties and showcases the 100 aftermarket parts already available for the new F-150.

"The CAD files that Ford provided in advance saved time by allowing us to start our project before we even had a truck in our possession," says Ryan Strathearn with Tenneco Automotive, who developed the Rancho Suspension F-150.

"We ended up with more accurate designs because we could try many iterations before we even cut a piece of metal. Having the data greatly reduced our need to reverse engineer and also saved us money because we didn’t have to buy as many spare parts."

The customized 2004 F-150’s on display at SEMA include:

Ford F-150 Everest.

• Everest by Prefix : This F-150 is dressed in leather and trimmed with Corian™ accents and features the convenience of door activated self-stowing entry steps making it a tough luxury truck. The Everest F-150 is designed to be a partner in business for busy executives with such features as a stand-alone wireless network providing all occupants with his or her own personal work station.

• Iron Man F-150 by DeBerti Designs : The Iron Man takes "Built Ford Tough" to a new level, featuring modified fenders, tailgate, inner bed, grille, rocker panels, skid guard and exhaust. It also features a complete color change and a custom DeBerti interior.

• Stainless by Classic Design Concepts: Designed to be the ultimate go-kart hauler, this F-150 is equipped for a weekend warrior with a Magellan Navigation system and custom pop-up screen, high tech storage, pull-out shelves, Eurovox/Rockford amplifiers and speakers, and modified fascia and lower body cladding.

• Super Wagons F-150 by Hulst Customs: The Super Wagon F-150 is a high-end utility truck that hauls a custom toolbox. It is designed to be at home on the work site and to look good at a show.

• F-150 LSC (Low, Smooth, Cool) by Air Ride: This new F-150 is for truck owners who want to arrive in style. Boosted with a Roush supercharger and sprung with a full Air Ride suspension with remote control, F-150 LSC adds performance to style under the hood, under the frame and inside with a 5,800-watt Kicker Stereo.

Ford F-150 Canyon Crawler.

• Canyon Crawler by X-Treme Toys : Another ultimate tough truck, it features Off Road Unlimited tub bumper guards, Borla exhaust system, Amp Research retracting entry steps, Stillen fender flares and Budnik M-6 wheels.

• F-150 by Foose Design: One of the most famous names in customization adds European flair to Ford tough truck style in this all-wheel-drive Euro-inspired F-150 design.

• Roush F-150 : How do you style a 2004 Ford F-150 to look like a Mustang GT-350? Roush did it by restyling the bumper, roll pan and hood, modifying the engine air intake adding nitrous oxide injection, lowering the suspension and adding aftermarket wheels and tires.
• Fast and Ferocious by Wings West : Featuring a 5.4-liter 3-valve Triton V-8 engine with custom engine, paint and detail, this F-150 is fast and ferocious.

• Big Sky by Performance West: The Performance West Group has created a loaded four-by-four sport truck that merges an active lifestyle’s needs with show-stopping appearance.

• American Muscle by Street Scene : This F-150 is a sport "tuner" truck that handles, has power and offers good looks. Designed for a road racer, this truck offers a Whipple Super Charger, a lowered suspension, custom steering wheel and dash, a Street Scene urethane front spoiler and a fiberglass wiper cowl and hood.

• SCOUT by BFS Mobility : This truck’s rugged features include the IntelliRide air adjustable suspension that increases ride height, KC Daylighters that illuminate the darkest of paths a nd the Bombardier Traxter, which can be remotely lowered to the ground.