DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) will include a powersport vehicle for the first time among the top trending vehicles recognized at this year's SEMA Show.
The SEMA Awards honors — previously referred to as the Hottest Vehicles — will be for car, (light) truck, 4X4/SUV, sport compact and powersport vehicle, SEMA said, and will be announced prior to the show's opening, on Oct. 29, instead of on the first day as in years past.
"The SEMA Awards recognize the vehicles that SEMA Show exhibitors have identified as being at the forefront of emerging trends in the industry," SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting said.
"These vehicles are embraced by the industry due to their ability to help showcase and launch new aftermarket parts."
Among the types of vehicles included in the powersport category are motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides and scooters.
Ballots for the SEMA Awards were sent in early September to exhibiting manufacturers at the 2018 SEMA Show.
SEMA said these awards heighten awareness for aftermarket products and are an example of the industry's partnership between vehicle makers and aftermarket component and system manufacturers.
Last year the top awards went to the Ford F-Series (light truck), Chevrolet Camaro (coupe), Ford Focus (hatch), Jeep Wrangler (4x4-SUV) and Cadillac CTS-V (sedan).
This year the coupe and sedan categories will be combined into one for passenger car.
The 2018 SEMA Show runs Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.