The results are in. The second annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Award was presented to the 2012 Jeep® Wrangler for the "Hottest 4x4-SUV" and to the 2012 FIAT 500 for the "Hottest Sports Compact Car" this morning at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The SEMA Award honors vehicles that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and showcase this year's most unique products. The award recognizes four outstanding vehicle models in four categories – "Hottest Car," "Hottest Sport Compact Car," "Hottest Truck," and "Hottest-4x4-SUV." Both awards were accepted by Mopar® President and CEO Pietro Gorlier.
"The Jeep Wrangler has an incredible enthusiast following, and with hundreds of Mopar parts and accessories available for it, it is clearly one of our most customized vehicles," said Gorlier. "And, in just its first year, our new FIAT 500 is prominent throughout this year's SEMA Show as it is the perfect canvas for customization."
The "Hottest 4x4-SUV" of this year's Show is the fourth award the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler has received in the last 10 days. Last week, it captured the prestigious "4x4 of the Year" crown from Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine, the "Mid-size SUV of Texas" award by the Texas Auto Writers Association and "Best Off-Road Value" in the Active Lifestyle Vehicle awards competition.
"With an avid following of enthusiasts, Jeep Wrangler has long been the most customized SUV in the marketplace," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Wrangler owners love to modify their vehicles, often at purchase with dealer-installed Mopar parts, and throughout their ownership experience. For 2012, Jeep Wrangler is an even better customization platform, with more fuel efficiency, power and capability than ever before."
With beautiful Italian styling, timeless functionality, fuel efficiency and innovative technology – the same attributes that made the original version an icon – the 2012 Fiat 500 is relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers.
"The FIAT 500's timeless proportions and efficient design make it a perfect platform for customization," said Olivier Francois, Head of FIAT Brand and Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group. "We are honored by the SEMA Award recognition and excited by the creativity and enthusiasm of our fans and the specialty-equipment manufacturers who continue to make the Cinquecento even more distinctive in the marketplace."
The 2011 SEMA Show features more than 2,000 exhibiting companies. SEMA Show exhibitors manufacture thousands of products that improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort. While products are available for every make and model vehicle, exhibitors are investing more into the Chevrolet Camaro, the FIAT 500, Ford F-Series, and Jeep Wrangler than any other vehicle. Consumers, therefore, can expect to find more options for accessorizing these vehicles.
