DIAMOND BAR, Calif. – Thousands of fans voted for a satin black luxury Mustang concept in the first-ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. The project, which is a collaboration between Ford Motor Co. 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 female volunteers. 
The winning concept, known as “High Gear,” was designed by Jennifer Seely of Ford Motor Co. Inspired by international products in categories such as jewelry, couture clothing and architecture, the concept 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, drive train 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 VP 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,” continued Evans. “It will be very exciting to see the vehicle transformed in just eight short weeks by the dedicated group of women participating in the project. The drive and talent this collaboration of women from the SBN, Ford and Source Interlink Media brings to this project is nothing short of phenomenal.”
As title sponsor of the project, Ford Motor Co. donated a 2013 Ford Mustang GT for the project. Female members of the SBN will perform the hands-on modifications from July to August. The finished vehicle will debut at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, then will be auctioned off 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 Motor Company), 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 SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women, visit www.sema.org/SEMAMustangBuild.
