Auto Sunroof and Leather Claims Victory at the 2023 SEMA Pro Cup Challenge
The 2023 SEMA Pro Cup Challenge showcased some of the most innovative builds in recent history, with restylers pushing the boundaries of creativity and functionality. This year, Auto Sunroof and Leather emerged victorious, taking home the grand prize with their exceptional customization of a Subaru Outback. The competition was fierce, but their ability to blend style with practicality made them the event standout.
Event Highlights:
- Winning Build – Auto Sunroof and Leather’s Subaru Outback: Auto Sunroof and Leather’s Subaru Outback was a masterclass in modern customization. The build featured a comprehensive redesign that emphasized both aesthetics and performance. This combination of rugged capability and sleek design secured them the top prize in the 2023 competition. Read more about the winner on the SEMA website here.
- Fan-Favorite – VIP Distributing’s GMC Yukon (Repeat Win): VIP Distributing’s GMC Yukon continued to impress, winning the fan-favorite award for the second consecutive year. The build’s bold design and powerful features resonated strongly with the audience, making it a fan favorite once again.
Impact on the Industry:
The 2023 SEMA Pro Cup Challenge continued influencing trends in the automotive customization industry. The success of Auto Sunroof and Leather’s Subaru Outback and VIP Distributing’s GMC Yukon highlighted the importance of creating vehicles that appeal to both consumers and critics, setting new benchmarks for the industry.
Auto Sunroof and Leather Wins PRO Cup Challenge at the 2023 SEMA Show
By SEMA News Editors
Auto Sunroof and Leather, an automotive restyling shop in Chester, New York, won the 2023 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge, a program that raises awareness of vehicle accessorization for new-model vehicles. Auto Sunroof and Leather won the award for its accessory package for the ’24 Subaru Crosstrek Premium.
Chuck Graf, owner of Auto Sunroof and Leather, accepted the 2023 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge award during the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The competition occurs at the SEMA Show and challenges automotive restylers nationwide to develop an accessory package for a new-model vehicle. Industry judges vote on the winning vehicle based on the packages’ mass appeal, ease of replication, and potential profitability. The package must be completed with at most 40 hours of labor and have a wholesale cost of no more than $12,500 to dealerships. The goal is to showcase how restylers and dealers can benefit from offering a marketable package rather than a “one-time” vehicle.
“We had a great variety of vehicles with different feels and accessories, and it really encompasses what the PRO Cup Challenge is supposed to be,” said PRO Chair Colby McLaughlin. “It was difficult to choose the winner, but the Subaru, as far as being marketable, replicable, and profitable for their dealer, is the reason why the judges selected them.”
The ’24 Subaru Crosstrek Sport includes:
- 4Knines Rear Seat and Cargo Protection Package.
- Avery Dennison Hood Stripe with paw print design.
- Champion 321 Large Power Topslider sunroof.
- Katzkin Custom Leather Interior with paw print design.
- LP Adventure Lift Kit 1.5 in.
- LP Adventure wheel and tire package.
- Squatch custom emblem package.
“My team did a great job,” said Chuck Graf, owner of Auto Sunroof and Leather. “I’m a dog person. I have lots of dogs and I know that people relate to it, so it’s something that’s definitely sellable. It should be something that’s marketable to everybody. I hope that other restylers pick up on it and do the same thing.”
VIP Distributing out of St. Louis, Missouri, is the PRO Cup Challenge People’s Choice Award winner, a separate award that SEMA Showgoers vote on. VIP Distributing customized a ’23 GMC Yukon XL Denali that showcases a No More Chrome Premium Blackout package, Llumar window tint, Llumar Air 80 windshield tint, ERA Paints paint brake calipers, and Cardinal Paints powder coat exhaust tips.
Additional companies that competed in the PRO Cup Challenge were Apex Customs (’24 Ford Mustang GT), RDM Builds (’23 Jeep Gladiator Willys), Restylers Aftermarket Specialist, Inc. (’23 GMC Sierra 1500) and Top Coverage LTD (’23 Ford F150).
