SEMA 2011: The Wrap-Up
by Sarah Forst
SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), #1 on most auto enthusiasts bucket list:
1) Mecca of the auto industry
2) 135,000 industry leaders
3) 61,000 buyers
4) 621 first time exhibitors
5) A bazillion drinks consumed (almost as many coffees)
6) 0 hours of sleep
That pretty much sums it up. Vegas revved up for another exciting SEMA convention and it seems like the auto industry is taking off again. This year's show was busier and more exhausting. I felt like a salmon swimming upstream just trying to navigate most of the aisles but am ecstatic to see new concept cars, more aftermarket parts being introduced, and more gear heads that can go for broke on their cars. This year, the MotoIQ group hit the show like a piston slapping a valve; of course, we only damaged our livers…
These are this year's SEMA Award winners (photos from here), with a vote being assigned to each booth vehicle. Readers, what do you think?
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| Hottest Car: Chevrolet Camaro; award presented to Chris Perry, Vice President Global Chevrolet Marketing and Strategy of General Motors. |
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| Hottest Sport-Compact: FIAT 500; award presented to Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO, Mopar Service, Parts, and Customer Care. |
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| Hottest 4×4-SUV: Jeep Wrangler, a repeat winner |
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| Hottest Truck: Ford F-Series award presented to Martin Smith, Executive Design Director for Ford. |
Other MotoIQ designated “Awesome Sauce” Spots:
Hottest Buffet: Wicked Spoon at Cosmopolitan hotel
Tastiest Food at SEMA: NY Deli, back of center hall
Cleanest Bathrooms at SEMA: Next to the media center- no lines!
