Ford Goes All Out for SEMA 2022

While there is no shortage of digital ink being spilled about the viability of traditional auto shows, it seems that some events remain worth the effort. Witness the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas, an industry-only bash originating as a trade show for aftermarket suppliers but since ballooning to a multi-day event drawing attendance from all corners.

Ford showed up with no fewer than 10 different custom builds, ranging from mild to bonkers creative. Electrified powertrains were front and center, as you’d imagine, with the Blue Oval eager to show off some EVs (Mach-E and Lightning) and hybrids (F-150 PowerBoost).

The all-electric Lightning showed up in two distinct flavors. A so-called ‘Swiss Army Knife’ based on an extended-range Lariat brings the likes of Solar charging, a portable air compressor, and a refrigerator. Details are scanty on the power draw of those items but the 131 kWh battery pack found in a standard Lightning ER should hold plenty of juice to run those items for at least short spurts. The typical rooftop box is present but we’re far more interested in the illuminated LIGHTNING billboard on its front grille.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is a ‘Race Support’ F-150 Lightning, fitted with a fully mobile toolbox and welding equipment. Again using an extended-range Lightning – this time in XLT trim – the truck has a set of knobby tires on 18-inch Method wheels and the type of protective bumper/rocker gear one would expect on a support truck headed to the desert.

Looking appropriately aggro is the Bronco Service Unit shown up top, taking visual inspiration from the rugged and capable medical service vehicles used a hundred years ago. Giving the concept a modern upgrade are tube doors, an air compressor, a jack mount, a winch, and a light bar. Those are Nitto Recon Grappler Tires on 17-inch aftermarket wheels and noted off-road supplier ARB fitted suspension components plus gear like a rear air locker and protective plates.

It’s worth noting all these rigs were built by their respective aftermarket companies – ARB, Motor City Solutions, Tjin, et al – and not by Ford itself. However, that an OEM sees fit to support these efforts at all bodes well for the proliferation of accessory gear for machines across the Ford lineup. After all, it’s not like the Glass House would object to its average transaction prices being nudged skyward by customers taking delivery of their new whips with some of these accessories in place.

SEMA runs until Friday at the million+ square foot Las Vegas Convention Center. 

[Images: Ford]

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