Additional Information on Yakima Mighty Joe Trunk Bike Rack Recall

The Yakima Rack company has issued further information regarding the Mighty Joe 2 & Mighty Joe 3 bicycle trunk rack nationwide recall. The company has decided that a defect that relates to motor vehicle safety exists in its 2005 Mighty Joe 2 and Mighty Joe 3 bicycle racks. Specifically, the latches designed to support the load arms may appear to be latched even when they are not latched. In such a case, the bicycle load arms may collapse while one or more bikes are mounted on the trunk rack, which could possibly cause injury or property damage.

All customers are asked to immediately stop using the product, and dealers should remove them from their car rack sales floors as well. Yakima will reimburse all customers that own a product affected by this recall. A Yakima website has been established to instruct consumers on how to apply for a complete refund.

Participants Wanted for Thule Rack Testing

Spokesmen from the Thule car rack company have issued a release stating the company is currently seeking participants for Thule rack testing at the company headquarters in Seymour, Connecticut. The announcement explains that anyone residing in the Connecticut area and willing to allow Thule technicians some time to test a roof rack on the car, Thule can provide a free rack system in return. The free roof rack system would be based on the company's ability to successfully fit the vehicle and may not immediately be available.

The testing program is available on a first come, first serve basis for the following car and truck testing - 2006 Dodge Charger 2006 Hyundai Accent 2006 Hyundai Azera 2006 Lexus IS 250/350 2006 Lexus GS 300/430 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2006 Buick Lucerne 2005 Ford Mustang 2004 or 2005 Kia Amanti 2005 Mercedes C-class 4dr, coupe, or wagon 2005 Nissan Frontier without factory installed rack 2005 Suzuki Reno 2005 Mazda 5.

If anyone owns one of these car or truck models listed above and are willing to bring the vehicle to Seymour, CT, interested participants are instructed to email the company for complete information.

Nissan Roof Rack Manufacturer Establishes Local Assembly Plant

A spokesman for the Nissan Motor Corporation has announced that Nissan’s automobile assembly plant is helping to bring suppliers close by. Tier-one supplier SportRack Automotive, a supplier of roof rack systems, is establishing an assembly and manufacturing plant locally, where it will manufacture Nissan roof racks. SportRack car racks will ship the products to the Nissan plant.

“We’re extremely pleased with the relationship we’ve developed with Nissan,” remarked Richard Borghi, president and COO for SportsRack. “SRA looks at Nissan as a partner and intends to help it in its future growth initiatives.” SRA reports to have chosen this location because executives got the impression that state and local officials were not only interested in helping the company to locate in Mississippi, but that they were also concerned with making the location a successful one.

Thule Truck Racks & Leer Truck Caps Announce Partnership

A representative from Thule recently announced it is to be the exclusive supplier for Leer fiberglass truck caps. Thule Inc., world leader in car and truck rack systems, and Leer, the truck accessory industry’s leading brand of pickup truck caps and tonneaus, have formed a strategic partnership where Thule is to be the exclusive supplier of roof rack products for Leer’s line of fiberglass truck caps. The companies will also cross-promote each other through their websites, collateral materials, and other marketing efforts.

“Leer is the undeniable leader when it comes to truck caps, and together we will provide truck owners with the best solutions for transporting their gear safely, easily, and in style,” stated Fred Clark, President, Thule Inc. “Active families need the capabilities of today’s pickup trucks for work and play – and a Thule-equipped Leer truck cap gives them the ability to take all their cargo, sports equipment and other gear along with them no matter where they go.”

“Thule is more than just a car rack company, they are an innovative leader who understands our customers and our business,” remarked Bruce Freeman, President, Truck Accessories Group. ”Thule truck racks fit perfectly with our ongoing campaign to encourage truck cap purchasers to ‘gear up their Leer.’ We look forward to the retail appeal and brand strength Thule brings to our product line.”

Effective November 1, 2005, Thule will be the only factory installed rack systems offered for the LEER line of fiberglass truck caps. In addition to a basic rack system of Top-Tracks, foot packs, load bars and locks, Thule Accessories will be included in popular Leer Special Edition packages. Early in 2006, consumers will also be able to add Thule’s new Rapid Aero load bars, Castaway fishing rod carrier and Escape, Nomad & Quest roof bags, to their made to order Leer cap. Leer retailers will also be able to offer their retail customers popular Thule ski, bike, canoe and kayak rack accessories at their retail locations.

Thule will be promoting truck caps on its website as an ideal way to increase a truck’s cargo capacity while enabling the user to take full advantage of Thule’s multi-sport roof rack systems. Thule also plans to outfit some of their Envoys who travel the country conducting retail training and supporting consumer and retail sales events with new vehicles outfitted with Leer caps.

Both companies offer industry leading warranties. Thule Inc. announced earlier in 2005 that they will be offering an industry leading Lifetime Warranty program on all its products beginning in January, 2006. The addition of a Thule truck roof rack system to a Leer cap, gives Leer cap buyers a wide range of options for carrying luggage, cargo, sports gear and other loads on top of the cap, while reserving the space inside the cap for items that require shelter from the elements or need to be stored out of sight.