Follow us today...
The Specialty Equipment Market Association or SEMA show draws hundreds of thousands of automotive fans every year. It is the place to see the latest in customizing and personalizing a vehicle. Exhibitors at the show vote for the top trend-setting vehicles that represent the best business opportunities in the automotive aftermarket. This year the popular Ram 1500 won as SEMA Full-Size Truck of the Year. Three other Stellantis vehicles also took top honors.
Ram 1500 Chosen as SEMA Full-Size Truck of the Year
Ram has done a masterful job of working with Mopar to design popular customization packages straight from the factory. Mopar also has hundreds of special aftermarket parts for the pickup. A huge majority of Ram truck owners have personalized their vehicles in some way. New for 2023, the Ram 1500 Limited Elite becomes the new premiere trim level for the pickup, adding even more premium touches to the truck known for adding refinement to the truck market.
The Ram 1500 Limited has won numerous awards for the luxury changes it brought to truck interiors. The 2023 Ram 1500 Limited Elite kicks it up more than a few notches adding premium leather bucket seats, a suede headliner, unique instrument cluster, multifunction tailgate and jeweled rotary shifter.
Dodge Challenger Voted SEMA Car of the Year
2023 is the last production year for the popular Dodge Challenger muscle car. It is currently in the process of rolling out its “Last Call” special editions. Dodge has already announced an electric muscle car that will debut in 2024. However, Dodge’s Direct Connections special performance parts division will ensure that the ICE muscle cars will be revving their gas engines for a long time to come. The Dodge Challenger is known for its huge horsepower, with some models getting more than 700, even 800 horsepower.
Jeep Wrangler Drives Off with SEMA 4x4/SUV of Year
The Jeep Wrangler is another Stellantis model that is highly personalized. Between Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts, there are hundreds of aftermarket products available to make the iconic vehicle a true representation of the owner’s personality. Every year, the Wrangler offers special paint colors and other modifications to suit the driver’s personal taste and preferences. The Jeep Wrangler is the off-roader’s dream vehicle and there are different tires, lift-kits and accessories to match every situation. Plus, there are several different powertrains available, including the plug-in hybrid called the 4xe.
Jeep Gladiator Takes the Award for SEMA Mid-Size Truck of the Year
The Jeep Gladiator debuted a few short years ago as a 2020 model and is built to handle the demands of an active lifestyle. It delivers the same open-air driving experience as the Wrangler but offers more room for cargo in a design that is unmistakably Jeep. Fans begged Jeep for years to build the Gladiator as a mid-size truck and it never disappoints. The Gladiator can be highly customized with everything a driver needs for off-roading or living in the city.
“With four prestigious SEMA awards, it’s clear that Stellantis is supportive and dedicated to the specialty equipment market,” said Mike Spagnola, president and CEO, SEMA. “Voted on by the SEMA community, the awards validate that Stellantis is hitting the mark with the aftermarket.”
The SEMA awards, launched in 2010, are the show’s definitive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) honors, shining a light on the hottest, trend-setting vehicles that showcase and launch aftermarket parts.
Ram, Jeep and Dodge Photos
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
Follow us today...
