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 product 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.