As has become the annual tradition, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced its Vehicle of the Year award winners the night before the official kick-off of the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV.
The awards are voted on by exhibiting manufacturers and represent the trends and themes of the past year. This year, Ford was heavily represented, which is no surprise given the customization options of their top sellers. Hopefully, following the intense stand off with the United Auto Workers union over the past few months, the awards will give Ford something to cheer about. Toyota and Nissan were also recognized for Sport Compact Car of the Year (the Nissan Z) and Mid-Sized Truck of the Year (Toyota Tacoma).
The Mustang in all its many variations took the prestigious Car of the Year award, and it will be heavily represented in the performance spaces around the show, as well as in the featured vehicle areas.
“SEMA Award-winning vehicles are setting worldwide trends in the automotive enthusiast industry,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA Vice President of Sales. “The Awards recognize the best new vehicles on the market that offer the greatest opportunities for customization. Attendees can see many of these unique award-winning vehicles during the 2023 SEMA Show.”
Car of the Year: Ford Mustang
Full-Size Truck of the Year: Ford F-Series
Mid-Size Truck of the Year: Toyota Tacoma
4×4/SUV of the Year: Ford Bronco
Sport Compact Car of the Year: Nissan Z
Electric Vehicle of the Year: Ford Lightning
Toyota Tacoma, their factory design is dull and off-road models, do not lend to a wide selection of aftermarket available accessories for 4 wheel applications.
GMC Canyon & Chevy Colorado from the factory offer a Better design starting point for accessorizing both for 2 wheel and 4X4 functionality
I think someone is biased toward ford.