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While the title may not make this sound like anything special, the customized 2013 Mustang GT certainly is. The project to build this Mustang is a team effort between the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Ford Motor Company and it is called SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. The entire project is being directed and completed by members of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN).
While the title may not make this sound like anything special, the customized 2013 Mustang GT certainly is. The project to build this Mustang is a team effort between the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Ford Motor Company and it is called SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. The entire project is being directed and completed by members of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). The goal of this project is to turn the spotlight on women that work in the automotive aftermarket industry and encourage more women to pursue automotive careers.
Not only did Ford Motor Company donate the 2013 Mustang GT, they also provided some of their leading female designers to work with Theresa Contreras of the SBN to draw three potential designs for the custom Mustang. The three concept drawings were posted on Hotrod.com and the public was given the chance to vote on which design they would like to see as a final product. The winner was announced on June 5, 2012 with the build beginning in July. A third sponsor of the build was Source Interlink Media in El Segundo, California who not only handled creating the digital media for the three concepts to be voted on, they also provided a spot at their headquarters for the build to take place. Several female employees of SIM took part in the build as well. From the engine and undercarriage to the drivetrain, sound system and paint, there is nothing that is not going to be modified on this 2013 Mustang GT.
The idea of creating an all-female crew to customize a vehicle is nothing new for SBN as in 2010, committee member Joann Bortles participated in a similar project with a motorcycle customization. SBN saw the idea of women customizing a car, especially a Mustang, as a great way to showcase how passionate women that are part of the auto industry are. Ford, SIM and the SEMA Scholarship Committee, who will benefit from the sale of the vehicle, all agreed and plans were quickly made to get the project in order to have a vehicle ready for the 2012 SEMA show in October 2012.
The public was given the opportunity to choose one of three designs for the Mustang build. Thousands of people voted and the winning design, “High Gear” was chosen to be the winner. Team member Jennifer Seely for Ford Motor Company created the design. Seely’s inspiration for her design was to combine luxury and power and include products such as jewelry, clothing and architectures. The vehicle will receive Rosegold chrome accents inside and out, a satin black exterior finish, quilted suede seats and leather adorned interior. There will also be modifications made to the engine, drivetrain and sound system as well.
The choice of the Mustang was because of its longevity, wide demographic appeal and canvas it provides for creative customizations. The Mustang appeals to those of almost any age, and with recent figures showing that women, in most cases, have more than 50 percent decision-making power when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, the Mustang seemed like a perfect choice. The amount of women that customize their vehicles is also on the rise. Gone are the days of women being stuck with the station wagon or minivan, they are buying what they want instead of just what they need to drive. Women are becoming more involved in all areas of the auto industry, from an all-female auto repair shop in California to the long list of women who race professionally in NASCAR, NHRA and other racing venues.
The SBN Vehicle Build Task Force is comprised of women that work in all areas of the automotive industry from automotive media to eTool services to one member of a company that designs and manufactures performance add-ons for vehicles. SEMA is sure that this will bring them positive attention, as well as be something that will show women that they too can make a statement with the vehicle they drive. The best part of this is that the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund will be receiving donations on behalf of every company the women represent. Once it is unveiled at the SEMA Show, expect to see it available on eBay motors, with all the proceeds going to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The future of women in the automotive industry is a bright one. With women moving more from the traditional jobs and roles they once upheld to more male dominated areas, the potential for new ideas and designs in the automotive industry is endless. Just remember, the next time you see a great looking car driving down the road or parked in a lot somewhere, the person that belongs in the driver’s seat may be a woman. Get used to it guys, we are not going anywhere!