LAS VEGAS, NV (11.11.24) – Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh, an automotive restyling shop in Pittsburgh, Pa., is the winner of the 2024 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge, a competition that raises awareness of the customization of new-model vehicles. Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh won the award for its accessory package for the 2024 Toyota Rav 4 XLE Hybrid.

Held at the SEMA Show by the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), a SEMA council, the competition challenges automotive restylers to create and install an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that appeals to a broad audience. The main driver of the program is to show fellow restylers, dealers, and accessory manufacturers the value of designing and offering a marketable package rather than a “one-time” vehicle.

The winning vehicle is voted on by a panel of judges based on four criteria: marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity, and profitability.

“The aftermarket gives the ability for people to have options, and it doesn’t have to be extremely expensive and it can be unique,” said PRO Chair Colby McLaughlin. “Classic Soft Trim created a unique package with the branding ‘northern lights’ that really carried throughout the whole build. The judges liked the overlanding aspect, but it also wasn’t so hardcore for somebody who just wants a cool look on their vehicle.”

The 2024 Toyota Rav 4 XLE Hybrid includes:
Alea Leather Interior-Northern Lights
Alea Carbon Fiber Heating Pads
Ironman 4×4 Uber Lite Rooftop Tent
Ironman 4×4 2” ATS Suspension Lift Kit
Ironman 4×4 Front Bumper Guard
Ironman 4×4 Atlas Roof Rack Cross Bars
Ironman 4×4 7” Scope Driving Lights
Ironman 4×4 7” Scope Driving Light Covers (Amber)
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T Tires (4)
Enkei Overlander Wheels (4)
SeatbeltPlanet Reweb Seatbelts – Lime Green
Trim Illusion Mirror & Door Handle Caps
XK Glow LED Undercar Lights
VOXX 10” Smart TV Seatback System
Llumar Driver & Passenger Front Window Tint
TSS Roof & Accents Wrap & Badges

“This award goes to my team, the vendors that helped us along the way, and the dealership that gave us this car. It’s been a blast,” said Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh owner Ray Bedner.

Auto Trim Restyling from Ballwin, Mo, won the PRO Cup Challenge People’s Choice Award, as voted by SEMA Showgoers. Auto Trim Restyling customized a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser LC250 that showcased accessories from Avery Dennison, Method Race Wheels, Nitto, ORACLE Lighting, Rigid Industries, Westcott Designs, and WheelPros.

Additional companies that competed in the PRO Cup Challenge were Auto Trim Design of Utah (2024 Hyundai Santa Fe), Automotive Concepts (2024 Chevrolet Silverado), Keystone Styling (2024 Ford F150), and MARS of Billings (2024 Ford Bronco).

For information on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), visit SEMA.org/PRO.

LAS VEGAS, NV (11.08.24) – Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh, an automotive restyling shop in Pittsburgh, Pa., is the winner of the 2024 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge, a competition that raises awareness of the customization of new-model vehicles. Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh won the award for its accessory package for the 2024 Toyota Rav 4 XLE Hybrid.

Held at the SEMA Show by the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), a SEMA council, the competition challenges automotive restylers to create and install an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that appeals to a broad audience. The main driver of the program is to show fellow restylers, dealers, and accessory manufacturers the value of designing and offering a marketable package rather than a “one-time” vehicle.

The winning vehicle is voted on by a panel of judges based on four criteria: marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity, and profitability.

“The aftermarket gives the ability for people to have options, and it doesn’t have to be extremely expensive and it can be unique,” said PRO Chair Colby McLaughlin. “Classic Soft Trim created a unique package with the branding ‘northern lights’ that really carried throughout the whole build. The judges liked the overlanding aspect, but it also wasn’t so hardcore for somebody who just wants a cool look on their vehicle.”

The 2024 Toyota Rav 4 XLE Hybrid includes:
Alea Leather Interior-Northern Lights
Alea Carbon Fiber Heating Pads
Ironman 4×4 Uber Lite Rooftop Tent
Ironman 4×4 2” ATS Suspension Lift Kit
Ironman 4×4 Front Bumper Guard
Ironman 4×4 Atlas Roof Rack Cross Bars
Ironman 4×4 7” Scope Driving Lights
Ironman 4×4 7” Scope Driving Light Covers (Amber)
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T Tires (4)
Enkei Overlander Wheels (4)
SeatbeltPlanet Reweb Seatbelts – Lime Green
Trim Illusion Mirror & Door Handle Caps
XK Glow LED Undercar Lights
VOXX 10” Smart TV Seatback System
Llumar Driver & Passenger Front Window Tint
TSS Roof & Accents Wrap & Badges

“This award goes to my team, the vendors that helped us along the way, and the dealership that gave us this car. It’s been a blast,” said Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh owner Ray Bedner.

Auto Trim Restyling from Ballwin, Mo, won the PRO Cup Challenge People’s Choice Award, as voted by SEMA Showgoers. Auto Trim Restyling customized a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser LC250 that showcased accessories from Avery Dennison, Method Race Wheels, Nitto, ORACLE Lighting, Rigid Industries, Westcott Designs, and WheelPros.

Additional companies that competed in the PRO Cup Challenge were Auto Trim Design of Utah (2024 Hyundai Santa Fe), Automotive Concepts (2024 Chevrolet Silverado), Keystone Styling (2024 Ford F150), and MARS of Billings (2024 Ford Bronco).

For information on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), visit SEMA.org/PRO.

HOLLY HILL, FL (11.08.24) – Install Bay by Metra Electronics will display new additions to its comprehensive collection of professional installation products at SEMA, November 5th to 8th at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Visitors can see these new products in Metra’s main booth, #10439, in the North Hall and at its off-roading and powersports booth, #24743, in the Central Hall. The brand will debut a new 120 series SB connector kit, flush mount USB type-C charging socket, a level controller with voltmeter, extension cables, cable management clamp sets, window tint installation tools, and more.

120 Series SB Connector Kit
The SB120-G is a gray connector housing kit, ideal for use on battery or charger applications, that provides a quick disconnect for power distribution systems. It is designed using reliable SB flat-wiping
contact technology so that the contacts wipe or slide against each other during connection and disconnection, minimizing the build-up of any non-conductive deposits on the contacts themselves. The mated housings are color-matched for easy identification of plug and receptacle connectors.

Flush Mount USB Type-C Charging Socket
The IBR142 socket provides fast charging for smartphones, tablets, and other devices with a Type-C port. The PD3.0 power supply standard ensures a faster battery charge than traditional USB chargers and prevents devices from draining while in use. It can be installed by mounting it within a port in the vehicle’s dash or center console or mounting it to the dash surface with the supplied flush-mount bracket. This socket features weather-resistant components, including a protective cover and a pre-wired mini-ATC fuse holder, making it an ideal solution for marine applications.

Level Controller with Voltmeter
The IBR143 is a level controller with a built-in voltmeter that prevents damage to a vehicle’s audio equipment. It combines a power switch, bass knob, and voltmeter, making it easy to adjust the bass level and consistently monitor amplifier voltage to avoid drops or spikes. This unit offers remote gain control, a
rotary pushable ON/OFF switch, and a digital voltmeter display.

Flush Mount USB 4.0 Type-C Extension Cables
Available in 1-meter (IBR144) or 1-foot (IBR145) lengths, Install Bay’s new USB 4.0 Type-C extension cables can be installed by feeding through a port in the dash or by mounting beneath the dash with the supplied flush-mount bracket to easily connect USB-C devices. USB 4.0 is the latest specification of USB, offering data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps to ensure reliable CarPlay and Android™ audio performance.

100-Piece Modular Cable Management Clamp Sets
The Install Bay has two new modular cable management clamp sets in 8GA to 4GA (IBCTKIT75) or 4GA to 1/0GA (IBCTKIT100). These cable clamp sets make it easy for installers to secure and organize wiring for show-quality audio installations. The included cable clamps feature a unique dovetail click-lock design that attaches single or bundled wires to surfaces and allows multiple clamps to be assembled in creative configurations, keeping wires evenly spaced in straight runs or around corners.

Window Tint, PPF, Vinyl, and Film Installation Tools
New hard cards and specialized scrubbing tools for tint and film installers will be at SEMA. The cherry suede blade tool (GT2097-4) and lemon suede blade tool (GT2096-4) are multipurpose card-shaped installation tools with both hard and soft edges. They each offer their own level of flexibility and contour to surfaces to smooth bumps and bubbles from materials. The GT2003PLT is a platinum easy-reach hard card designed to reach difficult corners. The tint installer’s scrubber tool, the GT209, has a 15-inch handle that extends its scrub pad, allowing installers to scrub the lower windshield and other hard-to-reach areas. The scrub-it blue pad (GT2120B) is an ergonomic scrubbing tool that attaches to an installer’s hand with an included hook-and-loop style strap for easier scrubbing of stubborn glue and contaminants.

The Install Bay’s new products also include UV-stable interior protection tape, bulk roll black speaker acoustic grille cloth ideal for custom fabrication and speaker grille repair, and more. Additional product information is available at theInstallBay.com

LAS VEGAS, NV (11.07.24) – QA1 was named SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and Keystone Automotive was named SEMA Channel Partner of the Year at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Both companies were recognized at today’s SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, which celebrated their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment industry over the past year.

“We are proud to honor QA1 and Keystone Automotive for their relentless dedication to advancing the industry,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “It takes hard work to drive meaningful change, and these companies have exemplified the teamwork, innovation, and service needed to propel the industry forward.”

QA1 is an industry leader in high-performance suspension and driveline for the automotive aftermarket. From individual shock absorbers to suspension systems for entire vehicles, they are dedicated to designing and producing high-quality, cost-effective solutions across several markets. QA1’s commitment to providing customers with high-quality product data, a passion for pushing boundaries and setting new standards, and investing in their employees through professional development opportunities are what made them the ideal recipient of this year’s award. Visit them and learn more about their products at the SEMA Show in Central Hall, booth #21357.

Keystone Automotive is a leading distributor and marketer of specialty automotive equipment and accessories, serving the diverse interests and needs of auto enthusiasts. With eight warehouses and multiple cross docks supported by their own fleet of trucks, their distribution network is second to none. The Channel Partner of the Year Award recognizes Keystone’s ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements, embracing new technologies and trends, and investing in cutting-edge logistics and inventory management systems that have revolutionized the way aftermarket parts are distributed, ensuring that customers receive timely and accurate deliveries. Visit them at the SEMA Show in Central Hall, booth #21249.

QA1 and Keystone Automotive are among the more than 2,400 exhibiting companies at the 2024 SEMA Show. Taking place Nov. 5-8, 2024, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show is the ultimate trade show for aftermarket professionals to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills.

For more information, visit SEMAShow.com.

LAS VEGAS, NV (11.07.24) – Axxess by Metra Electronics will introduce new vehicle-specific audio integration interfaces that utilize Bluetooth wireless technology for personalization settings at this year’s SEMA Show. These new products are designed for use when installing aftermarket radios and include two interfaces that retain OnStar, three new options from Axxess’s Total Control series, and more. These new audio integrations will be displayed from November 5th to 8th at the Las Vegas Convention Center at Metra’s main booth, #10439, in the North Hall.

• Lexus/Toyota 2002-2019 SWC/wireless Total Control interface (AXTC-TY1BT)
• Toyota 2018-2024 SWC/wireless Total Control interface (AXTC-TY2BT)
• Mazda 2007-2015 SWC/wireless Total Control interface (AXTC-MZ1BT)
• GM 2014-2020 SWC/wireless OnStar radio interface (AXDIS-GMLN9BT)
• GM 2016-2020 SWC/wireless OnStar radio interface (AXDIS-GMLN10BT)
• Hyundai/Kia 2017-up* SWC/wireless radio replacement interface (AXDIS-HK3BT)

These new products feature simple installation, retain audio controls on the vehicle’s steering wheel, and balance and fade. They also provide NAV outputs, including parking brake, reverse, speed sense, and 12-volt 10-amp accessory power. They offer adjustment of personalization options for locks, security, lights, chimes, audio settings, and more via Bluetooth wireless technology when used with the free downloadable Axxess Custom BT app for smartphones and tablets.

The Axxess Total Control Series is a universal solution designed to work with all major radio brands, utilizing patented auto-detect technology that automatically detects the vehicle type, radio connection, and preset controls while allowing the ability to dual-assign steering wheel controls. These interfaces provide wires for multimedia radios (parking brake, reverse, and speed sense), accessory power, a 12-volt illumination output, and retain R.A.P., and balance and fade. Memory settings are retained even after battery disconnection or interface removal.

Product experts will be on-site to meet with SEMA show attendees and provide more information, and more details are available at AxxessInterfaces.com.

*Visit the Vehicle Fit Guide at MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific information.