Jeep Wrangler Bags Vehicle Design Award

Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the entity that brings together OEM and aftermarket manufacturers, chooses Jeep Wrangler as the most accessory friendly SUV. Said award was given at the 2006 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Each recipient of the SEMA Vehicle Design Award was part of a selection process that involved a number of companies that make up SEMA. It was also participated by several automakers in the industry that share technology programs. SEMA's program includes data sharing, technology transfer initiatives, measurement sessions, and more. This program is aimed at imparting updates, breakthroughs, and wisdom about automobiles and auto industry in general. The information gathered can be used by automakers in their future lineups.

The SEMA Vehicle Design Awards was launched to recognize fresh innovations and new vehicles that best exemplify the alliance between the OEMs and SEMA-member companies. The award is given to the vehicle that was selected by the group of voting members. In regard to Jeep Wrangler, it has received about 25 percent of the votes for this year.

"The big advantage that SEMA offers DaimlerChrysler is putting us together with providers and bringing quality parts to market. They enable us to work with the accessory companies early and ultimately the customer wins with a higher quality accessory. The Jeep Wrangler is the perfect canvas for personal accessories and re-accessorization," said Scott Brown, DaimlerChrysler Group Communications, West Coast.

Jeep Wrangler, a mini sport utility van, is successor to the famed World War II vehicle. It has debuted in 1987. Jeep Wrangler parts and were updated in 1997 and 1997. For the model year 2007, Jeep auto parts will still be subject to redesigns and upgrades.

Jeep Wrangler is manufactured at the automaker's plant at Toledo South Assembly in Ohio. It can be recalled that the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited was launched at the New York Auto Show last April. Said model is designed to compete with larger off-road vehicles like Toyota FJ Cruiser. The latter uses sophisticated Toyota body parts to boost its off-road performance.

"Our participating manufacturing members had early access to the Jeep Wrangler and discovered that the inherited design and classic engineering of this vehicle provides several opportunities for customer personalization," said Carl Sheffer, SEMA vice president, OEM Relations. "Based on feedback from the automakers, we are having a positive impact on the design and marketing of future vehicles."