DPS Automotive Wins the 2021 SEMA Pro Cup Challenge
The 2021 SEMA Pro Cup Challenge marked a triumphant return for this prestigious competition, showcasing some of the automotive industry’s most innovative and creative builds. After a brief hiatus, the event brought together top restylers who competed fiercely for recognition and the title of SEMA Pro Cup Challenge winner. DPS Automotive emerged as the standout, taking home the grand prize for their exceptional work.
Event Highlights:
- Winning Build – DPS Automotive’s VW Atlas Cross Sport: DPS Automotive stole the show with its stunning VW Atlas Cross Sport customization. The build featured a striking design that combined aesthetic appeal with enhanced functionality, capturing the attention of both the judges and the audience. Their innovative approach to the build, particularly in balancing performance enhancements with sleek styling, made them the clear winner of the 2021 competition.
- Fan-Favorite – Automotive Concepts’ Ford Bronco: In addition to the grand prize, Automotive Concepts captured the fan-favorite award with their impressive Ford Bronco build. This vehicle’s rugged design and off-road capabilities resonated with fans, earning them widespread admiration.
Impact on the Industry:
The success of DPS Automotive and Automotive Concepts at the 2021 SEMA Pro Cup Challenge set new trends in automotive customization. Their builds demonstrated the growing consumer demand for vehicles with style and substance, influencing future designs in the crossover and off-road vehicle markets.
DPS Automotive Wins SEMA PRO Cup Challenge Award
DPS Automotive, an automotive restyling shop in Arlington Heights, Ill., won the second SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Cup Challenge. DPS Automotive was awarded for creating an accessory package for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas with broad consumer appeal.
The program, which encourages customization of new-model cars and trucks for mainstream consumers, showcases restyling packages that are easy to replicate and demonstrates potential profitability for restylers and dealers. The Volkswagen Atlas includes a full satin blue wrap with interior accents, custom Wheel Pros 21-inch wheels, Rosen Electronics dual rear seat tablets, and lowering springs.
The competition occurred at the SEMA Show and featured seven restylers showcasing a package for a popular new-model vehicle that would take less than 40 hours to execute and cost no more than $12,500. Packages are judged on their mass appeal, ease of replication, and potential profitability.
Other companies competing in the PRO Cup Challenge included Auto Image, 2021 Ford F-150; Integrity Customs, 2021 Jeep Gladiator; On The Rocks 4×4, 2021 Chevrolet Silverado; City Kia/Vaccar Co., 2021 Kia Sorento; and Crush Customs, 2021 Kia Telluride. Automotive Concepts won the Fan Favorite Award for their accessorized 2021 Ford Bronco.
The PRO Cup Challenge encourages the customization of new-model vehicles and raises awareness of vehicle accessorizing among the general public. It also enables dealers to work with restylers to offer accessory packages to increase sales and profits.
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PRO Cup Challenge Reaps Rewards
The PRO Cup Challenge celebrated restyler craftsmanship and creativity at the 2021 SEMA Show. Seven vehicles competed, each upfitted with an accessory package that could be easily replicated, appeal to a range of customers, and enhance profitability for new-car dealers and restylers.
“We were excited to participate in two Challenge events,” said Automotive Concepts’ Dino Perfetti, whose Bronco was chosen as the fan favorite. “It allowed our team to build packages that proved profitable for our dealer partners. But the ultimate takeaway was the creatively designed packages by some of the leading companies in our industry.”
Four contestants—including winner Tom Waitzman—shared their experiences in interviews with SEMA Member News. Here are edited excerpts:
I’ve always been in awe of the cars on display at the SEMA Show. When the opportunity presented itself, Colby McLaughlin (PRO chair-elect) encouraged me to apply.
Putting together a build during a pandemic was challenging. Overcoming those challenges was a huge morale boost for our team. I brought some of my guys to the SEMA Show. Their joy at seeing their work on display was priceless, and the dealer couldn’t be more pleased: The vehicle sold in three days.
It’s great for restylers to see builds we can recreate. Discussing ideas and benefits with fellow PRO members presents huge opportunities.
Chelsea Allen, Crush Customs
When I learned about the Challenge, we talked about how it would be a boost to our small shop. We’ve always had a goal of doing restyling for dealers but had yet to make good contacts.
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.
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.
Chris Turgeon, On the Rocks 4×4
I learned about the Challenge from media coverage of the 2019 SEMA Show. The desire to participate in 2021 aligned with the work I’m involved with and my passion for project vehicles.
I gravitated toward a Kia because of my relationship with City Kia. While the idea of added marketing was a worthwhile benefit, it was equally meaningful to support a unique, education-type contribution.
For PRO members, the Challenge can be a source of aspiration, inspiration, and information. These are real-world examples that get budgeted, built, and sold. It provides a rare, unfiltered look at how a profitable business relationship exists between restylers and dealerships.
Aaron Vaccar, Vaccar Co.—City Kia
I learned about the Challenge from media coverage of the 2019 SEMA Show. The desire to participate in 2021 aligned with the work I’m involved with and my passion for project vehicles.
I gravitated toward a Kia because of my relationship with City Kia. While the idea of added marketing was a worthwhile benefit, it was equally meaningful to support a unique, education-type contribution.
For PRO members, the Challenge can be a source of aspiration, inspiration, and information. These are real-world examples that get budgeted, built, and sold. It provides a rare, unfiltered look at how a profitable business relationship exists between restylers and dealerships.
Tom Waitzman, DPS Automotive Group
