A matte-wrapped Kia K5 wins twice at SEMA 2026
Crush Customs earned both the judges’ award and the attendee vote with a dealer accessory package built around a 2026 Kia K5. It was a first for the PRO Cup Challenge.
The 2026 SEMA Show closed on November 6 after four days at the Las Vegas Convention Center. In the West Hall, six finalists in the PRO Cup Challenge tackled a question familiar to installers. Could a dealership sell the same build to its next customer? SEMA’s show overview
The finish behind the winning K5
Crush Customs chose XPEL matte paint protection film for the exterior of its K5. Painted brake calipers and a body kit completed the exterior treatment. Inside, a pink interior made the Georgia shop’s “Pink on Purpose” theme visible as soon as a door opened. See the winning K5 in SEMA’s coverage
The judges assessed the complete accessory package, including how readily another shop could reproduce it and whether a dealer could sell it profitably. The competition allowed up to $14,500 and 50 installation hours for the whole build. Show attendees chose the K5 in a separate vote, giving Crush Customs both awards. Official PRO Cup results
How a panel catches the light
The matte bodywork on the K5 drew attention to the shape of the car. For a dealer planning a finish with a customer, that detail is worth looking at twice, first under showroom lights and then outside. The crease along a fender is a good place to see how the reflection changes.
At SIMOFILM’s factory in Shangqiu, we make two paint protection films that show this difference side by side. HM750 has a matte metallic finish, while H750-Black has a glossy black surface. Lay a sample of each film across the same curved test panel. Where the gloss reflects a narrow line of light, the matte spreads it into a softer band. A customer can point to the look they want before the installer wraps the first panel.
Reporting is based on official SEMA sources linked above. Images are stills from SEMA’s official 2026 opening-day footage, provided for media use. Image credit: SEMA.