LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Ford Motor Company's F-150 was recognized as the most accessory-friendly SUV today during the AutoWeek/Automotive News Specialty Vehicle Forum, capturing one of three SEMA Vehicle Design Awards. The F-150 won in the most accessory-friendly truck category, adding to the more than 30 awards the vehicle has received since its introduction in 2004.
"The truck really responds to the changes you make to it," said member voter, Austin Craig, vice president, marketing, Steeda. "One of the neatest things about the F-150 is you can modify something and you don't have to change three or four other things in order to get your change to work. The tolerances and quality are all there."
Those included in the selection of the Ford F-150 were SEMA member companies who regularly participate in tech sharing programs; the F-150 received 24 percent of the votes. "This is a really exciting category because there are so many new accessory-friendly trucks this year," said Carl Sheffer, SEMA vice president, OEM relations. "The 2005 Ford F-150 was up against a host of trucks that scored high in its class including: the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Nissan Titan."
For several months, Ford has been among the original equipment manufacturers included in SEMA's information sharing programs between OEMs and SEMA members. Ford's participation in data sharing, measurement sessions and technology transfer initiatives with SEMA members resulted in the aftermarket being in sync with the launch of their latest F-150 model.
The most accessory-friendly SUV award was presented to the Chevy Tahoe. The most accessory-friendly all-new vehicle was given to the 2005 Ford Mustang last week during a press conference at the California International Auto Show in Anaheim.
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $29 billion specialty automotive industry of 5,727 member companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765-0910: call 909/396-0289; or visit www.sema.org.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: www.sema.org/image/33464.jpg
PHOTO CAPTION: Christopher J. Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, and Carl Sheffer, SEMA vice president, OEM relations, presented Greg C. Smith, president of the Americas, executive vice president, Ford Motor Company, with one of three inaugural SEMA Vehicle Design Awards for Ford's work in making the 2005 Ford F-150 the most accessory-friendly truck in its class.