By Ashley Reyes
Distinctive Industries has been manufacturing quality OEM interiors for classic cars, trucks and specialty vehicles since 1969. They are among the first companies to offer aftermarket replacement automotive interiors, enabling car collectors and enthusiasts to maintain and restore their vehicles to their original glory.
In 2024, the company earned industry recognition when the CTX Buddy Bench Seat Vertical Inserts with Cupholders was voted Best New Interior Product in the SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
SEMA News recently spoke with Distinctive Industries Sales Manager Chris Compton, who shared the story behind the bench seat, and how other restoration parts manufacturers can benefit from displaying their products in the ARMO Hot Products Showcase at the 2025 Spring Carlisle in April.
SEMA News: Can you tell us what inspired the product's creation?
Chris Compton: Older trucks have always had uncomfortable seating, lacking any extra storage areas, not to mention the lack of cup holders. As popular as the truck market has become, a seat of this type was needed. This seat mixes the comfort of bucket seats and the look of a bench and also has a center armrest with cup holders that will fold up for a lower storage compartment. To top it all off, it also allows a third seating position. This is a modern take on an older design. We manufacture this seat entirely in our factory, from raw materials to the finished product.
Distinctive Industries' CTX Buddy Bench Seat Vertical Inserts with Cupholders was voted Best New Interior Product in last year's SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
SN: Why did you decide to showcase the bench seat at Spring Carlisle instead of Distinctive Industries' other products?
CC: We displayed four total products in the 2024 Hot Products Showcase, but we knew this seat would be the hit of the interior category. It was very new and had not received much public exposure; attendees loved it and gave us a lot of great feedback.
SN: What did winning the Best New Interior Product award mean to you and your team?
CC: This meant we achieved our goal and lived up to our expectations. This honor elevates our product to a higher standard and introduces it to a wider audience of individuals and companies. Winning an award voted on by car and truck people validates the integration of modern technology into older vehicles.
SN: Is Distinctive Industries planning to display anything in this year's Hot Products Showcase? If so, what are you bringing?
CC: We do have a few products that will be entered into the 2025 Hot Products Showcase. This year we will have some consoles and console accessories for display--more of the modern creature comforts into the classics.
SN: Why would you recommend other ARMO members participate in the 2025 Showcase?
CC: Almost every person at Spring Carlisle is a car and truck enthusiast, so other than the SEMA Show, there is no better event to display a product. All the eyes on your products are potential customers, and participating increases brand awareness and displays proof of craftsmanship. These are the reasons we continue to participate in this wonderful event.
2025 ARMO Hot Products Showcase Product Entries Now Open
Registration is now open to ARMO members who would like to have their products included in the Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, April 23-25.
Program participation is free to ARMO members; manufacturers are responsible only for shipping their products in advance with a return label, or dropping off and picking up their products on-site.
During the event, Carlisle attendees will vote for their favorite products in the categories of exterior, interior, engine, accessory item, drivetrain/brakes/suspension and People's Choice. Winners will be recognized at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November.
Click here to start the product submission process.
For more information on the ARMO Hot Products Showcase, visit here.