By Ashley Reyes
Automotive restylers have limited time left to apply to showcase a creative vehicle package in the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) booth in the West Hall at the 2024 SEMA Show, as part of the council's 2024 PRO Cup Challenge.
Open exclusively to PRO member companies, the PRO Cup Challenge is a competition that invites automotive restylers to design an accessory package for a new-model car or truck. Six competitors will have their build showcased in the SEMA Show PRO Booth, where it will voted on by industry judges and SEMA Show attendees for the chance to win one of two coveted awards. Judges will select a PRO Cup Challenge-winning vehicle based on the vehicle's marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability. SEMA Showgoers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite accessory package and recognize it with the People's Choice Award.
"The essence of the program is to inspire and motivate others to customize their new-model vehicles," said PRO Council Director Denise Waddingham. "It also offers a platform unlike any other for restylers to showcase their talents to dealerships, build brand awareness and solidify their expertise."
The council is seeking applications that represent all vehicle segments. The vehicle packages must meet the following criteria:
- The package must be for a new-model vehicle.
- The package must require no more than 40 hours of labor.
- The wholesale cost to the dealer must not exceed $12,500.
In addition to showcasing their build in the PRO booth, competitors will benefit from networking opportunities at the SEMA Show, promotional support on SEMA's channels, industry recognition as a top restyler, and inclusion in SEMA Show media announcements.
Applications for the 2024 PRO Cup Challenge are due August 9, 2024. Selected applicants will be required to submit a build sheet with the basic idea of their package by September 6, 2024. For full build criteria and to apply, visit www.sema.org/pro-cup-challenge.
PRO is looking for PRO member manufacturers to donate or offer parts at a discounted price to PRO Cup Challenge competitors. This is a fantastic opportunity for companies to highlight their products in a prime SEMA Show location. If interested in donating or providing a discounted product, sign up here. Questions can be directed to PRO Council Director, Denise Waddingham, at deniselw@sema.org.