Ford takes home three out of five awards, while FCA nabs the remaining two at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA Show banner atop the Las Vegas Convention Center

SEMA Show

It may have started under humble circumstances as a small trade show in the basement of Dodger Stadium, but the yearly soirée that the Specialty Equipment Market Association sponsors which, since 1977, has been held at the at the Las Vegas Convention Center, has evolved into the largest automotive aftermarket show in the world and one of the largest single events in Vegas.

But despite its size, it wasn't until 2010 that the association got around to sponsoring a series of awards that cover the hundreds of vehicles on display.

SEMA Awards breakfast

Just like high school

They're called the SEMA awards. And just as the Vegas show is different from other auto shows (no public days - only manufacturers, buyers, exhibitors or members of the media are allowed inside the exhibit halls); the awards aren't based on aesthetics or engineering, but are handed out based on their popularity. In the case of the SEMA awards, vehicle count is the only criteria. Here's how SEMA describes the process:

"As the visionaries and innovators of the industry, our SEMA Show exhibitors determine the winners of the SEMA Award based on the vehicles they showcase in their booths. With each booth vehicle representing one vote, the most prominent models in each category are the winners. The SEMA Award celebrates these outstanding vehicles that emerge each year at the show."

That's right, guys. Just like the high school homecoming queen, this is a popularity contest.

SEMA Award Winners

2016 SEMA Award winners

This past Tuesday at the awards breakfast for SEMA16, show officials announced the award winners in five categories: Hottest Coupe, Hottest Sedan, Hottest Hatch, Hottest Truck and Hottest 4x4-SUV. Here's the list of winners.

Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang – 2016 SEMA Hottest Coupe

Chysler SEMA 2016

Dodge Charger – 2016 SEMA Hottest Sedan

2016 Focus

Ford Focus – 2016 SEMA Hottest Hatch

2016 F-150

Ford F-Series – 2016 SEMA Hottest Truck

2016 Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler – 2016 SEMA Hottest 4x4-SUV

For Ford, this marks the second year in a row that Mustang, Focus and F-series have won their respective categories.

"We are honored to take home three SEMA hottest vehicle awards for the second straight year," says Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. "Embracing the aftermarket industry is something we relish, and – with Mustang, Focus and F-Series being back-to-back winners – it appears the aftermarket appreciates our products as well."

Both the Mopar brand and the Jeep Wrangler continued their winning ways at SEMA vehicle by winning the SEMA "Hottest 4x4-SUV" award for a record seventh consecutive year. For its part, the Dodge Charger took the inaugural "Hottest Sedan" award.

"The SEMA Show and SEMA members play a critical role in identifying the hottest trends and rides in the vehicle customization industry, which is why winning a SEMA Award represents an important recognition for our company," said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service. "Enthusiasts customize vehicles they love and feel passionate about, and we at Mopar are lucky to have such a great portfolio of vehicles within the FCA umbrella. FCA vehicles are the perfect canvas for our accessories and performance parts."