Ford takes home three out of four of the top awards at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas
Speed Equipment Manufacturing Association
You may not recognize the above name, but that's what the acronym "SEMA" stood for during its first seven years. Way back in 1963, a group of the reigning merchants of speed, that included such luminaries as Roy Richter, Dean Moon and Ed Iskenderian, decided to form an association to promote the automotive aftermarket parts industry.
In a move toward political correctness in 1970, the name was changed to the more acceptable Specialty Equipment Market Association, while it also enabled the "SEMA" name to be carried over.
Since that time, the yearly soiree at the Las Vegas Convention Center that the association sponsors has evolved into the largest automotive aftermarket show in the world and one of the largest events in Vegas, period. But despite its size, it wasn't until 2010 that SEMA got around to sponsoring an award that covered the hundreds of vehicles on display.
SEMA Awards - just like in high school
That changed in 2010 with the inaugural SEMA awards. But just as the Vegas show is different from other auto shows (no public days - only manufacturers, buyers, exhibitors or members of the media can attend); the SEMA awards are not judged, being based solely on vehicle count as described by SEMA:
"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 high school, this is a popularity contest.
2015 SEMA Award winners
This past Tuesday at the awards breakfast for SEMA15, show officials announced the award winners from four categories: Hottest Car, Hottest Sport Compact, Hottest Truck and Hottest 4x4-SUV.
Ford Mustang – 2015 SEMA Hottest Car
Ford Focus – 2015 SEMA Hottest Sport Compact Car
Ford F-Series – 2015 SEMA Hottest Truck
"Winning SEMA’s hottest vehicle awards for Mustang, Focus and F-Series is a great affirmation of the popularity of Ford vehicles with this trendsetting part of the market," said Dave Pericak, director, Ford Performance, who accepted all of the honors at the annual awards breakfast. "We’re proud the aftermarket has embraced these three vehicles with as much enthusiasm as our customers invest to personalize their Mustang, Focus and F-Series."
Jeep Wrangler – 2015 SEMA Hottest 4x4-SUV Category
The Mopar brand and the Jeep Wrangler continue to form a sizzling combination at the Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show, with the most accessorized vehicle by Mopar earning the SEMA "Hottest 4x4-SUV" award for the sixth consecutive year.
"The SEMA Show is an event where the newest and most innovative aftermarket products are seen first," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "And the SEMA Award celebrates the industry's unique ability to identify and set the trends that influence consumers worldwide."
