Trunk Bike Rack Used in VFGadgets' Camera Mount System

In what is reported to be a novel new use for bicycle trunk racks, VFGadgets Inc. announced the launch of its new product - the “Hang N Shoot” mini DV camera car mount system.

The new car mount camera system uses an adjustable trunk bike rack that can be attached to any vehicle surface such as the front hood, side doors and car trunk, allowing for many different camera angles from the same anchored position.

VFGadgets Inc. confirms that the combination camera mount and trunk bike rack system is ideal for still cameras and mini DV cameras as well. VFGadgets Inc. is a Canadian distribution and sales company dedicated to the introduction of innovative production equipment & technology solutions for the video and film industry.

New Orleans Bus Bike Rack Program Delayed

The new two-parish Jefferson and Orleans bus bike rack permit that allows passengers' bicycles to travel with them on public buses in New Orleans has been delayed until Jan. 15 2005. "The start of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority's bus bike rack program has been delayed by vendor-related problems," RTA spokeswoman Rosalind Cook said.

"Even if they have a permit, they can't use it here yet," Cook said, adding that work to create a new "regional permit" is almost complete. Instead of requiring bicyclists to obtain two permits -- one for each parish -- that allow them to put their bicycles on racks mounted to the front of buses, the transit agencies came up with a plan to develop a single, free, two-parish permit.

In Jefferson Parish, public transportation buses are equipped with bike racks, and riders with permits have been allowed to use them for nearly a decade. The RTA recently outfitted its buses with bike racks. Jefferson Transit last week began sending certified letters to 1,600 people with bike rack permits for Jefferson buses. The letters include a release form that allows them to use bike racks on buses in New Orleans as well, Cook said. Once they sign the form, the RTA will mail them the two-parish permit, a plastic card about the size of a credit card.

Riders not in possession of the Jefferson-only bike rack card must sign two forms, one for Jefferson and one for Orleans Parish, that explain user rules and regulations. The forms also release all employees, directors, officers, representatives and agents "from any and all liability for injury of any kind."

Bicyclists "also must complete a training-orientation program, which is basically watching a video," Cook said. "And they have to demonstrate they can handle the lockdown procedure for placing the bike securely in the rack."

Bike Roof Racks Added to Snellville Georgia Police Cars

Snellville, Georgia city officials have announced that six police patrol cars will be outfitted with bicycle racks to accompany the new bicycle police patrol program. The funding will come from the city though donations it received from several area businesses and private citizens to start a bicycle patrol unit.

According to Snellville Police Chief, Roy Whitehead, the bicycle roof racks will enable officers to respond and reach all parts of the city that will be patroled by police on bikes, including parks, bike paths, commercial areas and any other zone that is best accessed by a bicycle because patrol cars cannot easily access these zones.

Thule Racks to Sponsor Bike Racing Team Broadmark Capital in 2005

According to a team spokesman for Broadmark Capital Cycling Team, a premiere American U-23 development team, Thule Racks has partnered with the program and will be outfitting the bicycle racing team cars with bike roof racks.

"Broadmark Capital Cycling is very excited to be teaming up with Thule Racks, the bike industry's leading car rack manufacturer. We hope to offer Thule roof racks, and their new line of 2005 products, great marketing opportunities by getting Thule bike racks in front of thousands of cycling enthusiasts that will be attending the numerous events Broadmark Capital Cycling team will be attending throughout the country.", added the team spokesman.

The Broadmark Capital Cycling Team roster for the 2005 season includes Solomon Woras, Carl Decker, Dan Neyens, Dustin MacBurnie, Adam Curry, Owen Gue, Justin Morgan, Ian Tubbs, Ian Bettinger, Troy Critchlow Anton Jackson, Mike Hone, Russell Cree, Sean Van Horn, Taylor Kneuven, Noah Young, Nick Clayville, Andrew Fischer and Seth Davis.

Along with Thule Racks, the sponsor line-up includes Broadmark Capital, Zoka Roastery, Giant Bicycles, Cateye Bike Computers, Easton, Dumonde, Giro Helmets, Timbuk2 Bags, Hammer Nutrition Gel, Michelin Tire, Marker, Nella, Smith Sport Optics, SKS, Supergo, Squadra, Time and Zero Gravity.

Bus Bike Racks An Option for New National Park Service Washington D.C. Transportation Plan

The National Park Service of Washington D.C. recently announced it is working on a new transportation plan that focuses on offering vistors more transportation options such as bikes, pedicabs, electric scooters and even a ferry.

However, central to the plan is likely to be a bus transportation service that will also service many of these alternative modes of transportation. Efforts to encourage more sightseers to choose bicycles will likely include new bus bike racks on the national museum and park bus routes. The Park Service is hoping this will help facilitate bicyclists, allowing them to use th buses at any point during their chosen tour route.

Eric Gilliland, member of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, hopes the National Park Service will indeed put bike racks on the front of the tour buses. He criticized any plans that will not include bicycle carriers on buses. He would further like to see the NPS doing more to put bike racks near the monuments and also developing well-marked bike paths throughout the National Mall.

Audi A6 Avant Includes Cargo & Bike Rack in the Interior Cargo Bay

The new 2005 Audi A6 Avant storage area for the cargo bay features two securing car rack rails that are fitted with four sliding, adjustable, and lockable lashes that can be used to secure all types of gear and luggage.

The innovative interior cargo rack rail system's variability is further enhanced by a telescoping rod that can be engaged into both rails, dividing up the luggage compartment horizontally or diagonally, thus providing another option of securing luggage.

Perhaps most innovative is expanding on the interior car rack rail system, and instead of a car roof bike rack system, the bikes are mounted on the rails as a means of transporting two mountain bikes securely inside the vehicle instead of on more traditional Audi bike roof rack systems.

And while the new 2005 Audi A6 Avant is roughly the same size as the A6 sedan, the Avant boasts considerable additional cargo capacity due to this exceptional redesign and engineering.

Secure Snowboard Roof Racks Purpose of the Kryptonite Claw & Chain

Kryptonite Locks' new Kryptonite Claw & Chain has been designed and engineered to be used both on vehicle factory racks and multi-sport aftermarket carriers, such as Yakima Racks and Thule Racks, while transporting snowboards.

Kryptonite Locks claims the Claw and Chain is currently the only snowboard lock on the market that will fit all sizes of boards, junior and adult. It adjusts to fit on the board snuggly without marring the surface. The Kryptonite Claw & Chain deadbolt locking mechanism provides greater security by preventing the lock from being pulled apart.

The Claw & Chain is a lightweight, high-strength aluminum bar, which secures to the snowboard while a braided steel cable tethers to a permanent, stationary object such as a snowboard roof rack or a ski resort storage rack. The interlocking design allows the adjustable claw to fit all snowboard models on the market.

According to Kryptonite, "The 40 inch X 5mm flexible braided steel security cable is exceptionally strong and deters theives, yet is flexible enough to maneuver in below zero temperatures. The angled foot design and elongated tabs wrap around the bottom of the board keeping it secure."

The Kryptonite Claw & Chain snowboard and roof rack lock is currently available at retailers nationwide. Suggested Retail is $24.99 US.

Car Industry Provides Roof Rack Tips for Christmas Tree Transport

This time of year the practice of tying the Christmas tree to a car roof rack is very common. Consumers should look to avoid transporting a tree that can invariably slide around scratching the rooftop paintwork and other resultant hazards such as windshield obstruction.

Car Industry safety tips have been compiled for consumers. Essential is thinking about how the christmas tree will be going home before making a purchase. Ensuring the tree is tied safely to the car rack is best left to the seller, who more often than not has considerable experience. Also many sellers also supply plastic bags to pull over the tree. The plastic bags can aid considerably in avoiding damage to a vehicle's exterior cuased by the tree. Wrapped trees are easier to secure to the roof rack. And above all, industry experts stress, is to never transport a christmas tree on a vehicle that does not have some type of car roof rack system. Unsafe transport and exterior finish damage is certain to result otherwise.

JAC Car Rack Products Promotes Wayne Nash to Director of European Operations

JAC ROOF RACK PRODUCTS PRESS RELEASE
JAC Products, a leading manufacturer of automotive functional exterior trim including car and truck roof rack systems for VW, Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Isuzu, Hyundai, Land Rover, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, Toyota and Suzuki, announced the promotion of Wayne Nash to Director - European Operations.

In his newly created position, Nash will be responsible for JAC Europe original-equipment manufacturing operations, including the development and execution of the firm's manufacturing strategy. From his former office in Saline, Michigan, U.S.A., Nash previously headed up quality for JAC Products global manufacturing and design operations. He has advanced through a series of quality-management positions at JAC over the last 12 years, since arriving from General Motors. In his new posistion, Nash will report to Paul Parent, President of JAC Products-Europe. A subsidiary of JAC Products Inc., the company has facilities and operations in Portugal, Germany, the U.K., and Argentina. "This is an exciting time at JAC Products-Europe," said Paul Parent, in announcing the appointment of Nash to the newly created position. "We must refine our manufacturing operations and continue as the benchmark vehicle roof rack supplier in Europe. Manufacturing improvements are the key to our success, and the creation of this position will enable us to meet our goals." Nash, his wife, Julie and two sons will be relocating to Germany in early January, 2005.

Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures products in Germany, the U.S., Portugal, Argentina, and the U.K. JAC also owns and operates Mont Blanc of Sweden and Paddy Hopkirk of England, which manufacture bike racks and ski racks, plus component supplier Franklin Aluminum of Franklin, Georgia.

Thule Racks Re-Engineers Thule Playpen for Compatibility with More Vehicles Plus New Features

Thule Racks re-engineers Thule Playpen for compatibility with more vehicles as well as added new features. The car roof basket now works with virtually all factory-installed roof racks, as well as standard Thule and Yakima Racks cross bar systems.

The Playpen's burly aluminum basket holds bulky duffel bags, backpacks, ice chests or whatever else consumers may want to carry on the roof for trips. The basket measures 44 inches by 39 inches and is 6 inches deep, providing ample room for even big duffle bags and all types of camping gear.

Getting bikes attached to the 840 Playpen Basket is now easier too. The Playpen integrates two load bars of Thule's standard rectangular bars on the side of the basket, allowing users to mount various ski, bike and kayak carriers to the Thule 840 Playpen basket. It is also possible to add full-width load bars to the roof basket (bars included with the Playpen) in order to use wider carriers, such as ski racks. This is especially nice with bulky duffel bags, luggage and large gear items such as bikes, skis, canoes, kayaks, etc. for loading on the basket roof rack.

Flexcar Seattle Fleet Using Sportworks Bike Roof Racks

Flexcar, the biggest car sharing company in the United States, is currently using Sportworks racks on many of its cars in the Seattle, Washington fleet.

"Many of our members ride their bikes to access our vehicles. Many more want to take their bikes to trails and roads outside Seattle," said William del Valle, general manager of Flexcar's Seattle regional operations. "Simply put, Sportworks bike roof racks are the best out there so we chose them for our vehicles. "Flexcar offers its members hourly access to a fleet of vehicles in Seattle, Portland Oregon, Los Angeles and San Diego California as well as Washington, D.C.

The Flexcar program allows members to reserve the cars for hourly use. Flexcar covers the expenses including the cost of the car, parking, gas, insurance and service maintenance. "We are very excited to have provided Flexcar with the Sportworks Bob Ratchet car rooftop racks," says Julie Gregg, Sportworks product manager. "With the Bob Ratchet, Seattle Flexcar members have been able to easily take their bicycles with them." The Bob Ratchet rooftop rack features a unique supporting arm with ratcheting grip that enables a bike to be quickly loaded without removing the wheels. The bicycle carrier also mounts to Thule Racks and Yakima Racks cross bars.

Yakima Racks' Announcement of Move to Portland Met with Some Criticism

Car rack manufacurer Yakima Racks' announcement that it is relocating its 70-person headquarters from Arcata, Calif., to Portland, Oregon has been met with some criticism from analysts claiming the company has the potential to fall victim to what economists call the 'cluster approach.' Specifically that it could be contributing to what could lead to an over-specialization, making the Portland economy vulnerable to steep crashes.

Oregon's unemployment rate has ranked among the nation's highest for nearly three years, in part because the most recent downturn hit its high-tech and traditional manufacturing sectors so hard. Analysts have suggested the Oregon outdoor industry could become vulnerable as well. Joining Yakima Racks, and it's parent company, Watermark, which also owns Perception Kayaks and Dagger Kayaks, is bicycle parts maker King Bicycle Group of Redding, California. They are transferring 100 jobs to Portland as well. Nike, Columbia Sportwear, Adidas and Solomon Sports are some of the outdoor manufacturers already headquartered in the Portland area.

Yakima is betting the city's outdoor friendly reputation and rich entertainment scene will help it find and keep designers, engineers, marketers and other educated professionals that would continue Yakima's well regarded brand of car rack systems including its ski, canoe, kayak and bike racks.

2005 Ford Freestyle Includes Factory Roof Rack SideRails

The new 2005 Ford Freestyle includes, among its many standard features, a factory roof rack system. Besides offering cargo transport, Ford Freestyle designers explained the purpose of the rack is to also add to the ambiance and versatility, while also covering a bulge in the rear portion of the roof that increases both rear headroom and cargo capacity.

The siderail system is designed to be compatible with after-market car rack systems including those manufactured by Thule, Yakima, Sportracks and Inno Car Rack systems.

MINI Introduces MINI Cooper Ski Roof Rack System

In time for winter, MINI Cooper has introduced a new MINI roof rack system designed and engineered specifically for transporting skis and snowboards to the slopes. The MINI Cooper car rack system consists of a basic roof rack system and then offers three ski and snowboard carrier options, depending on the type of equipment and quantity the user plans to transport.

The three offerings include a ski rack designed for four pairs of skis, a snowboard rack for carrying two snowboards and finally a combination snowboard-ski rack that can handle two pairs of skis and two snowboards. The MINI Cooper roof rack systems are available through all MINI car dealerships.

Tailgate Cargo Box, LLC Announces Launch of Patent-Pending Convertible Cargo Box

TAILGATE CARGO BOX PRESS RELEASE
A first of its kind, the Tailgate Cargo Box is a new Truck/SUV and RV accessory that provides practical storage and transforms into two durable tables perfect for any occasion.

The Tailgate Cargo Box connects to a standard two-inch receiver hitch and is comprised of an excess cargo carrier and cargo box. The Carrier is made of steel and can be used separately from the box. The Box is made of aluminum and is clear powder coated, helping to prevent weathering. The Box locks into the cargo carrier for secure transport.

"This product has so many uses for any type of event. It's multi-versatile -- cargo box, carrier, tables and bench, all in one, saves space and time with no tools required," said Daniel Morris, founder of Tailgate Cargo Box Inc. "With the popularity of tailgating, this product simplifies the tailgating experience. It's not just for the tailgater, this box can be used by everyone from campers, hunters, construction workers, exhibitors at trade shows, to the armed forces."

The box is great for carrying collapsible chairs, coolers, tents, tools, luggage, etc. Tailgate Cargo Box has a smooth finish which allows the user to personalize the box with a favorite team or company logo.

Daniel Morris created TCB after spending countless tailgating Saturdays packing and unpacking his truck. "Carrying tables, chairs, coolers and other items for tailgating simply took up all our space," he said. "There had to be a way to eliminate packing/unpacking time and save space. Well, we didn't eliminate any items, but created more space. Plus when you are finished tailgating, working, or camping, the box can be removed from the carrier and stored as is, ready for the next event."

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), rising truck and sport-utility sales (SUV sales passed autos sales in 2002) have been accompanied by booming sales of aftermarket accessories. This trend, accompanied by record-breaking attendance at events such as college football games, validates the ever-increasing truck/SUV enthusiast population. Tailgate Cargo Box will ideally complement the needs of the Pickup Truck, SUV and RV community who desires a solution to excess cargo needs with added versatility.

About SEMA
SEMA represents the $29 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in 1963, the trade association has more than 5,200 member companies. It is the authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles.

About Tailgate Cargo Box
Tailgate Cargo Box, LLC is located in Taylors, SC. (East of Greenville, SC.) Tailgate Cargo Box, LLC is an official member of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).