LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Chevy Tahoe 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.
"There are just so many things out there for the Chevy Tahoe," said Rich Brown, SEMA member voter and Engineer, American Racing Equipment. "You can get a variety of products -- everything from wheels, tires and grilles, to running boards and lift kits. A customer can really customize the Tahoe to fit their individual taste."
The Tahoe has long been a favorite with consumers and the aftermarket. The 2005 Tahoe offers several new features that are intended to help keep its position as the best-selling full-size SUV in North America.
"Today, light-trucks and SUVs represent over half of all new vehicles sold in the United States -- the SUV award category is exciting because there are now so many great models on the market," said Carl Sheffer, vice president, OEM relations. "There were many new SUVs that also scored high in its class such as: the Cadillac Escalade, Dodge Durango, Ford Excursion and the Hummer H2."
Those included in the vehicle design awards selection process were SEMA member companies who regularly participate in technology and information-sharing programs. Programs such as the OEM Tech Talks, the Technology Transfer initiative and the ongoing Measuring Sessions create more vehicles designed with aftermarket products in mind. The benefits of the proliferation of accessory-friendly vehicles are far reaching and these efforts needed to be celebrated. The SEMA Vehicle Awards do just that.
SEMA presented the most accessory-friendly truck award to the Ford F-150 during the AutoWeek/Automotive News Specialty Vehicle Forum. The winner of the most accessory-friendly all-new vehicle also was awarded to Ford Motor Company for the 2005 Mustang during a SEMA press conference at the California International Auto Show in Anaheim last week.
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.
Note to Editors: A photo accompanying this release is available at: www.sema.org/image/33463.jpg
PHOTO CAPTION: Mark L. Reuss, executive director, Architectural Engineering & GM Performance Division, accepted one of three inaugural SEMA Vehicle Design Awards from Christopher J. Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, and Carl Sheffer, SEMA vice president, OEM relations, for GM's work on the Chevy Tahoe, voted the most accessory-friendly SUV in its class by SEMA aftermarket member companies.