By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will celebrate the talents and craftsmanship of automotive restylers at the 2022 SEMA Show through its PRO Cup Challenge.
The SEMA PRO Cup Challenge promotes the accessorization of new cars and trucks, and is a great way for restylers to showcase their talents to dealerships and consumers.
Now in its third year, the SEMA PRO Cup Challenge promotes the accessorization of new cars and trucks, and is a great way for restylers to showcase their talents to dealerships and consumers. Restylers enter the competition by creating a package for a new-model car or truck that is marketable, easy to replicate and profitable. If selected to compete, the build will be displayed and voted on at the SEMA Show in the PRO Booth, and may win an award!
“I’ve always dreamed of having a car at the SEMA Show,” said 2021 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge winner Tom Waitzman of DPS Automotive. “I knew choosing a brand like VW, which doesn’t get accessorized as much as other brands, would set us apart. Winning the challenge brings an enormous amount of pride and satisfaction for the hard work we put into the build.”
The essence of the program is to inspire and motivate others—including consumers, dealers and restylers—to customize their vehicles.
“We benefitted in many ways. It was a hit with our social media. We gained new followers, with a percentage turning into customers. It provided a boost of credibility with our suppliers,” added Chris Turgeon of On the Rocks 4x4. Turgeon was selected for the 2021 competition for his customized ’21 Chevrolet Silverado. “One of the best benefits was exposure to dealers. When we finished the truck, we showed it around. This has led to many leads and steady accessory work with two multi-line dealer groups. The exposure is already paying dividends.”
Past PRO Cup Challenge participants have been featured in industry magazines, on the evening news and in SEMA publications. Winning packages will be announced and celebrated during the PRO Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 2, at the SEMA Show.
If you have what it takes to create a vehicle package with a maximum MSRP price of $15,000, maximum labor hours of 40 hours per package installed and a wholesale cost no more than $11,000 to the dealer, we encourage you to apply today at www.sema.org/pro-cup-challenge.