Car Rack & Truck Rack Industry Daily Noise News

Additional Information on Yakima Mighty Joe Trunk Bike Rack Recall

2005-11-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-11T16:29:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-03T17:03:00.000-08:00

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.

Ottawa City Bike Storage Racks to be Removed for Winter

2005-10-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

Ottawa, Canada city officials announced a new 2005 winter notice. City storage and parking bike racks in the city will be removed from city sidewalks beginning the second week of November. Officials have decided they will be taken in to make it easier for snow removal during the winter months. Some of the bicycle racks will be left out all winter however, if they are in locations where they won't impede snow removal. Bikes currently found at the parking racks will begin receiving warning stickers advising cyclists of the impending bicycle rack removal.

LeeTran Transit Authority Earns Award for Bicycle Rack Program

2005-10-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

LeeTran has recently been honored for its innovative approach in attracting customers who do not live within walking distance of a bus stop. The transit authority was awarded the inaugural Rack and Ride Transit Challenge, which is given to a transit system with the highest percentage of customers using bike racks. The national competition, which is sponsored by the Sportworks car rack company, included 21 other cities.

"It's a neat award, and it's something we can be happy about," exclaimed Steve Myers, director of LeeTran. "It shows that among other cities, we rank right up there. It also shows that our program is as useful as, if not more, than other cities." Of LeeTran's riders, 4.1% use the bicycle racks. Its nearest competition, Honolulu, averaged 3.8%."The biggest benefit of the bike racks is that people who are further out can access the route," Myers added. "We have fairly good coverage, but it can be miles for some people to use the bus system."

LeeTran supplies bike racks for all its 57 buses, including trolleys. The buses are limited to two bikes, but there are plans to expand to at least three.There are three divisions, and LeeTran won among entrants with the largest transit systems. It also won the overall competition. "We don't consider ourselves a large urban city, but this is testament that we're making our buses more accessible for more people," Myers stated. "There was some skepticism at first, and this speaks well of the foresight to do this."

Fork Up Allows Unconventional Bike Forks to Work on Most Bike Roof Racks

2005-10-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Components has released the after-market Fork Up for bike roof rack systems. The company states that it is compatible with bicycle thru-axle forks and the Cannondale Lefty fork, allowing users to transport their bikes on most roof rack systems including Saris, Inno, Thule, Yakima and Rocky Mounts bike racks. The Fork Up adapter connects to roof rack bike attachment standard quick release fork mounts.

According to Hurricane Components, the Fork Up approximates the bike wheel hub shell. The barrel is TIG-welded to two legs that slide into the bike rack fork mount, just like a set of non-thru axle fork legs do. Instructions for installation state the attaching of the ForkUp to the roof rack’s fork mount and clamping it. Place bike onto the rack then slide the thru-axle through one fork dropout, then through the Fork Up’s barrel, then through the other fork droupout. Finally, tighten the dropouts. The company states that it manufactures versions that fit Marzocchi QR20 forks, Cannondale Lefty Forks and Hannebrink forks.

All New Surfboard Rack Released by Monster Tower

2005-10-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Monster Tower watersport and surfboard rack systems has recently announced that it has released to dealers nationwide the company's new surfboard rack that fits any size tower. Monster Tower provides wakeboard towers as well wakeboard and surfboard rack attachments that fit any boat. Products are sold worldwide through dealers, distributors and direct.

Yakima Mighty Joe Bike Trunk Racks Recalled

2005-10-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

Yakima Racks has announced that it is recalling the Yakima Mighty Joe 2 and Mighty Joe 3 bike trunk racks due to a potential design flaw in these products. After subjecting the trunk bike racks to rigorous scrutiny, the company has concluded that there is a flaw in the design that could cause injury or product damage.

Yakima has requested that car rack dealers immediately halt all sales of the Mighty Joe 2 and Mighty Joe 3 and also remove them from their sales floors. Retailers are also instructed to notify their Mighty Joe 2 and Mighty Joe 3 customers to cease use of the bike trunk rack systems. Yakima is directly managing the recall process with owners of the Mighty Joe 2 and Mighty Joe 3 racks.

Thule Lauches Cargo-Luggage Box Interactive Visual Guide

2005-09-28T15:53:00.000-07:00

Thule Racks has launched an interactive cargo-luggage box visual guide. The interface is available at the Thule corporate website. Users are offered the opportunity to select their specific vehicle make, model and color. They can then choose any of the roof boxes compatible with their particular vehicle. The selected luggage box is then added to the vehicle, allowing the user to visualize what the cargo box will likely look like on the user's vehicle.

Delta Cycle Corp. Recalls Bike Storage Rack

2005-09-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

The Delta Cycle Corp. in cooporation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has begun a voluntary recall of the Delta Picasso Two-Bike Racks. Consumers are instructed to stop using this product immediately unless otherwise instructed. The company believes about 3,500 storage racks are affected.

Delta Cycle Corp., of Foxboro, Massachusetts, explained the bike racks do not have sufficient hardware to support its weight when hung on a wall, possibly causing the storage bike rack to unexpectedly fall. There has been one report of a bike rack falling. No injuries have been reported however. This recall involves Picasso bike racks with a collapsible shelf. The storage bike rack can be mounted on the wall and has slots to support two bicycles. The metal rack has the Delta logo and name printed on the front of the rack. The products were sold at LL Bean, Bike Nashbar and independent bike shops nationwide from January 2002 to the current date for about $40. Manufactured in China and Taiwan, consumers should contact Delta Cycle immediately to receive additional hardware and updated installation instructions.

Bill Proposed to allow Mopeds Use of Bicycle Parking Racks

2005-09-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou has introduced a bill that proposes to allow mopeds, but not motorcycles or motor scooters, to lock up to city bicycle parking racks on sidewalks. The bill prohibits riding mopeds on sidewalks however. Hawaii State Senator Suzanne Chun has drafted a bill that was distributed at the Downtown Neighborhood Board meeting. The bill would revise state law to allow mopeds to park on sidewalks where there are no designated on-street moped stalls to be found.

A moped is defined as a device with two or three wheels in contact with the ground that has a maximum power of 2 horsepower and a maximum speed of 30 mph. A driver's license is required to drive a moped, but they have the same registration requirement as bicycles.

Golf Club Hitch Cargo Box Available

2005-09-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

Feat First Inc. has released the Autolinx hard-shell travel case that carries a golf bag and is suitable for airline travel as well stated a company spokesman. The Autolinx can be attached to the back of a truck or car using a typical hitch receiver that is commonly used for rear mount bike, ski, kayak and canoe racks. "Everyone knows hard-shell cargo-luggage carriers and cases offer the best protection, but the downside has been their unyielding bulk," added the spokesman. The Autolinx cargo box protects but avoids the bulkiness and even look good on small cars such as a Porsche 911, Audi TT or Dodge Viper. The golf club cargo carriers are priced at $295 each, and work with all trucks, vans, sports cars and SUVs with hitch receivers.

Chrysler Group Issues Bulletin on Reducing Aerodynamic Drag

2005-09-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

The Chrysler Group has issued a bulletin to educate consumers on ways to decrease fuel costs when taking road trips. Among Chrysler's advice are instructions to reduce aerodynamic drag on a car or truck by removing empty luggage carriers, cargo box attachments, bike racks, ski racks, canoe carriers, kayak rack attachments and surfboard racks when not using a car roof rack system for transporting outdoor sports gear and equipment. The report states that at highway speed, 50% of the vehicle engine power is used to overcome aerodynamic drag.

Thule Hullavator Kayak Rack Earns Silver IDEA Award

2005-08-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

Johnson Outdoors and Thule Car & Truck Rack Systems have teamed up to overcome the dilemma of kayaking's popularity among women and older kayakers, and until recently there was a perceived barrier to getting involved with the sport - that being the physical strength required to transport a kayak or canoe. The Thule Hullavator car roof kayak rack, an innovative watercraft transport system born out of a partnership between Johnson Outdoors and Thule, has received a 2005 Silver Industrial Design Excellence Award (IDEA), one of the most prestigious, global awards for innovation in product design.

The Thule 897 Hullavator is a transport system that assists in the loading of a kayak to a car or truck’s roof. The innovative system uses a gas strut assembly that cuts in half the strength needed to lift a kayak to the top of a vehicle. The design also reduces the traditional loading height by 40 inches, allowing for strapping to be done easily and conveniently at waist level. The lowered load height also makes the Thule Hullavator ideal for shorter paddlers and SUV and larger vehicle owners.

"Consumer research identified car top kayak transport as a major problem area due to the physical effort lifting a boat to a roof requires," remarked Johnson Outdoors Watercraft Vice President Mark Leopold. "The Thule 897 Hullavator makes it easy for one person to load and unload watercraft and has generated an enthusiastic paddler response." The Thule Hullavator stood out as a Silver winner from a design submissions field of more than 1,380 from around the world. The 897 Hullavator’s ability to revolutionize the process of watercraft transport is what caught the IDEA jury’s attention.

"The Thule and Johnson Outdoors designers have done a wonderful job tackling paddlers’ long-standing problem of straining to load and offload their watercraft," exclaimed Budd Steinhilber, IDEA jury member. "They have devised a well-conceived, cleverly-engineered and handsomely-detailed, transport system that I believe will do wonders to help grow their sport."

Nationwide Envoy Program Launched by Thule Racks

2005-07-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

Thule Racks has announced it is hitting the road with its Thule Envoy program for 2005. Traveling all across the United States to several showcase events, the Envoy program is intended to be an opportunity for the public to visit with and meet the Thule Envoys and learn all about Thule car rack systems and gear transportation. Participants can also pick-up valuable Thule hitch, trunk and roof rack coupons redeemable at local and online retailers, as well as being entered to win kayak, ski, snowboard, surfboard, bike and canoe rack raffle prizes.

Upcoming destinations include Tri for the Cure - Denver, CO August 7; Outdoor Retailer - Salt Lake City, UT August 8-14; Sun Cup: Soccer Trnt. - Virginia Beach, VA August 20-21; San Francisco Grand Prix - San Fran, CA September 3-4; US 10K Classic/Family Festival - Atlanta, GA September 5; Oktoberfest - Denver, CO September 10-11; Cycle Oregon - Boardman, OR September 16-17; Gauley Festival - Sumersville, WV Sept. 24-26; Jamba Juice Tri - Mission Beach, CA October 2; 24 Hours of MOAB - Moab, UT Oct. 16-17; REI promotion/clinic - Phoenix, AZ Oct. 21.

Yakima Racks Announces Free Car Rack Locks in 'Steal the Locks' Promotion

2005-06-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

A spokesman for Yakima Racks recently announced the company is offering a new promotional program, titled 'Steal the Locks', throughout the end of June and the beginning of July. The spokesman stated that, for a limited time through any participating Yakima Rack dealers, customers will receive free car rack locks to be used with a purchase of any Yakima roof rack multi-purpose system as well as any roof mount gear attachments that use the Yakima Same Key System (SKS) locks such as Yakima bike racks and ski racks.

The Yakima spokesman further explained that the SKS locks promotion does not apply towards Yakima bike hitch racks, trunk racks or vehicle roof mount gear attachments that are non-lockable such as kayak racks and canoe racks. For further information, Yakima is asking consumers to visit a participating car rack dealer.

BVG Back Road II Hitch Bike Rack Earns Outdoor Magazine Gear of the Year Award

2005-06-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Outdoor Magazine recently awarded the BVG Back Road II Pro Hitch Mount Bike Rack a "Gear of the Year" Award for the vehicle sport rack category. Features of the Bauer Vehicle Gear (BVG) manufactured bicycle carrier that were highlighted by Outdoor Magazine include the hitch mounted bike racks superb ease-of use, with simple load and go features; a gas assisted swing away bar that allows users to quickly access the rear of their car even with the bikes attached; two horizontal bike arms have soft rubber cradles and locking tabs on either side, conveniently accommodating all types of bicycles like womens' bike frames, bmx, kids and downhill mountain bikes; anti-wobble device that prevents bikes from swaying and making contact with each other and the car while in transport; integrated bike cable lock system.

DIY Bike Parking Rack Released By LEDA Security Products

2005-06-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

LEDA Security Products recently announced the company has reengineered the Compact Security bike rack, converting it into a do-it-yourself shippable kit form. The company reports significant distribution and freight savings will result. The storage bike rack has security rails which offer vertical support while allowing the bicycle’s frame and both wheels to be secured. Each heavy duty security rail incorporates an EPDM cushion that protects bicycles from accidental damage. The bicycle storage rack is manufactured from powder coated steel components.

LEDA Security Products also announced it has released The Bicycle Parking & Security Handbook, a technical guide for designers and builders when selecting a bike parking rack for various needs and applications.

Rocky Mounts Lariat SL Bike Rack Reviewed in Bike Magazine

2005-06-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

The Rocky Mounts Lariat SL bike rack was recently reviewed in the latest issue of Bike Magazine. Intoducing the Rocky Mounts Lariat Sl as an alternative to major car rack manufacturers, Yakima Racks and Thule Racks, the article focused on the small Boulder-based company's ability to specialize in roof mount bike trays instead of complete roof rack systems. The Rocky Mounts Lariat SL bike carriers are designed as fork mounts that can be bolted to existing Yakima and Thule cross bars.

Features include a sturdy, cast-metal head, optional locking, quick release skewer and lever, as well as a full-length tray that is compatible with tires as wide as 2.3-inches. The Rocky Mounts Lariat SLX is available for wider tires and longer bikes such as freeride and downhill mountain bikes.

Bike Magazine highlighted the RockyMount Lariat SL spectrum of available color choices, including the new Rocky Mount urban camouflage color. Other bike tray colors include red, black, yellow, silver, orange, baby blue, gold and green. According to reviewers, installation of the bike carrier requires only a crescent wrench and hex bolt wrench

Rocky Mounts also offers an optional disc brake adapter for bicycles that run front wheel disc brakes, avoiding complications when mounting a bicycle to the bike rack where the disc brake has the potential to interfere with fork mount attachment.

Yakima Racks Announces Sponsorship of 2005 Pro Cycling Tour

2005-06-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Yakima Racks, manufacturer of innovative car and truck racks for ski, snowboard, bike, canoe, kayak, surfboard and luggage gear and equipment, recently announced it has entered into a sponsorship arrangement for the 2005 Pro Cycling Tour, which includes many of the United State’s largest and most prestigious bike racing events.

Many of the world's top professional cyclists including Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and members of the U.S. Olympic Cycling Team compete at the events. Among the races featured are the Wachovia Cycling Series ( Lancaster, Pa., Trenton, N.J., and Wachovia USPRO Championships in Philadelphia, Pa.) and the San Francisco Grand Prix in San Francisco, California.

Mike Steck, director of marketing for Yakima Racks, stated “Supporting the cycling community continues to be a top priority for Yakima. Through the US Pro Cycling Tour, we will reaffirm Yakima’s commitment to the expansion of the road cycling community. Additionally, we plan to use this opportunity to conduct an open dialogue with cyclists about auto rack design and performance and will bring their comments back to our research and design team. We appreciate having the opportunity to be part of this respected event.”

Yakima Racks will be featured on top of over 20 official race vehicles, made up of team cars and vehicles driven by race officials throughout the Pro Cycling Tour series and will travel over 550 miles, delivering over $300,000 in winning prize money. Bike races will be televised on Outdoor Life Network and local network affiliates.

Joan Hanscom, marketing director at the Pro Cycling Tour, said “Yakima is an established name with extensive roots in the cycling community. We need a quality bike roof rack that can efficiently transport performance equipment without a worry. Yakima fits the bill and will be an excellent long-term partner. We are happy to have them on board.”

Yakima Car Racks is a world leader in the manufacture and engineering of vehicle racks for bikes, kayaks, canoes, snowboards, skis and surfboards as well as cargo boxes, and roof baskets and bags for various luggage, camping and cargo needs. Yakima is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.

Thule Racks Senior VP of Finance Speaks at International Buyer Symposium

2005-06-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

Ola Burmark, Senior VP of Finance for Thule Racks, one of the world's largest manufacturers of car racks, recently spoke at the fifth annual International Buyer Symposium in Stockholm, which was hosted by global investment bank RSM EquiCo. The symposium was attended by several senior executives representing many of the Scandanavian region's top private equity groups and corporations.

The event featured panel discussions on an array of issues associated with cross-border mergers and acquisitions. Prior events were held in London (two times), Frankfurt and Madrid. Specializing in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and capital raising for companies with annual revenue up to $500 million, RSM EquiCo actively markets North American companies to prospective buyers throughout Europe. With international headquarters in London, the firm is hosting the Symposium to give European business leaders a better understanding of the current acquisition climate in North America, simultaneously addressing several relevant strategic, legal, financial and tax issues.

Toronto Transit Commission Approves Bus Bicycle Rack Pilot Project

2005-05-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Toronto Transit Commission recently announced it has approved a proposal to add bike racks to the Toronto bus system this summer. The Toronto Transit Commission stated that beginning mid-June of 2005 the bike racks will be installed on 98 buses that service 6 bus routes for a one-year experimental project.

Bicyclists will have the option to load their bikes on the bus rack, which will be located on the front of the bus, before boarding the bus and riding to their destination. TTC Commissioner Adam Giambrone, TTC staff and members of Toronto's Cycling Committee will demonstrate how the new bike racks operate as part of Bike Week festivities on Monday, May 30th. The event is forecasted to be an opportunity for the media to illustrate to viewers and readers how the bus bicycle racks work.

The pilot project includes the following routes: 7 Bathurst, 29 Dufferin, 47 Lansdowne, 161 Rogers Road, 98 Willowdale-Senlac and 310 Bathurst Night Bus.

Sports Rack Name Changes to Rack N Road

2005-05-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

A company spokesman for Sports Rack announced recently the company plans to continue with a new name, Rack N Road. A further explanation of the name change reveals the organization expects to partner with new product lines, while maintaining a strong focus on outfitting all types of cars, trucks and SUV's.

Headquartered in Sacramento, California, Rack N Road currently operates ten Rack N Road stores in Utah, California and Washington in Costa Mesa, Roseville, Sacramento, San Carlos, San Jose, San Rafael, Walnut Creek, Salt Lake City, Bellevue and Seattle. The spokesman also explained the company has a new website featuring some of the latest e-commerce innovations and educational tips from its car rack outfitting staff.

Rack N Road was founded in 1991 and currently employs a staff of eighty.

Yakima Racks to Showcase Future Product Line at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

2005-05-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

Yakima Racks recently announced the company will preview its all new range of car and truck rack products, for release in the Spring of 2006, at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market outdoor industry trade show. The show is scheduled for August in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company also explained it plans to enhance its marketing efforts that will include revamping the Yakima Racks website and product catalog, both of which the company feels to be important touch points.

CEO Jim Clark said, “Retailers and consumers will quickly see the benefits of these recent changes to a brand that already commands strong consumer passion. We will take great care to protect its authentic heritage and legacy of innovation, while taking it to the next level. With great new products and a service model that directly supports the changing needs of our retailers and consumers, Yakima and its retailers are poised for an exciting and successful future.”

Yakima Racks Announces Sale of WaterMark Canoe & Kayak Division

2005-05-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Yakima Racks, manufacturer of vehicle car rack systems for cargo boxes, cargo gear, canoe, kayak, bike, ski, snowboard and surfboard equipment, recently announced it has sold off the WaterMark canoe and kayak division to Confluence Holdings Corp, located in Trinity North Carolina. Yakima Racks, now based in Beaverton, Oregon, explained that Arcapita, the holding company that owns Yakima Racks has sold the WaterMark boat division and has altered the corporate title to Yakima Products.

The company now intends to focus its energies solely on car rack systems. Effective immediately is the assumption of Jim Clark as CEO of Yakima Products, formerly CEO of WaterMark. Clark said, “Today marks the next phase of growth for Yakima Racks. With a new management team in place, a state-of-the-art facility, and a clear focus on advancing our products and customer service, we are well-equipped to take the company forward. We plan to utilize our enhanced sales, marketing and product design expertise to engineer superior products that provide an ever-expanding range of gear solutions that seamlessly connect people with their outdoor pursuits.”

The company has hired three executives in 2005, combining over 50 years of industry and design experience to the company. The executives are Steve Rodden, V.P. of product development, Chris Bogue, director of sales for the U.S. western territory and Amy Buckalter, senior V.P. of global sales and marketing. Also the company added that Doug Ragan, veteran sales director, will continue to manage sales in the eastern region of the U.S.

Buckalter stated, “We have a powerful stable of talented, creative thinkers who also understand the importance of strong execution. We are committed to providing continuous leadership to our retail partners through the development of distinctive product lines with a clear point of difference focused on providing not only effective, but imaginative, customer solutions.”

Yakima Racks is a world leader in the design and manufacture of car and truck rack systems for all types of vehicles. Yakima’s products include car racks for bike racks, kayak racks, canoe racks, bike racks, ski racks, snowboard racks, cargo roof boxes and roof baskets.

Line of Volvo Roof Rack Carriers Released for 2005-2006 Models

2005-05-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

Volvo Motors recently released the new 2005-2006 Volvo line of proprietary car rack systems and gear carrier attachments. Featured prominently are the Volvo cargo roof boxes, which are available in a selection of sizes and styles for all Volvo sedans, wagons and SUVs; Volvo ski racks and snowboard racks have been newly redesigned with a capacity to hold either 4 or 6 pairs of skis or up to 4 snowboards; Volvo roof rack systems with cross bars have been engineered for sedan models without factory car rack systems pre-installed.

Hampton Roads Transit Authority Reports the Addition of 225 Bus Bike Racks

2005-05-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

Virginia Hampton Roads Transit officials have announced the approval of a new program that will allow the public to use bus-mounted bike racks. The Hampton Roads Transit anticipates the new offering will boost ridership among potential customers who may have wanted to use public transit but found the walk to a bus stop too far. Commuters can bicycle to a bus stop and place their bikes on a bus front-mounted bike rack.

HRT officials reported they spent $85,000 to equip 225 buses with the bicycle racks. A diagram explaining how to use the carriers is on the front of the buses, as bus drivers are not allowed to assist cyclists in placing a bike in a rack or removing it. HRT added that is currently running an advertising campaign to coincide with National Bike Month during May.

Van Bike Racks Added to Nevada Rural Transit Vehicles

2005-05-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

The Nevada Douglas Area Rural Transit (DART) recently announced that it has acquired van bike racks for all of its public transportation vans. A DART spokesman stated that it is looking forward to the contributions this development will make in expanding multimodal trips, increase ridership, enhance the quality of life, and help to contribute to cleaner air and a more livable community. Adding that the goal of multimodal planning is to provide travelers with a real choice of travel options, the new program is expected to create an ideal solution to the union of bicycles and public transit.

The spokesman cited studies showing that people are more likely to use public transit when it's within a quarter mile walking distance or when it's within a three mile biking distance. DART exceeds these parameters, making it even easier for bike riders to take their bicycles on public transit. The spokesman concluded with the assertion that bicycles and public transportation, when used in combination, provide significantly enhanced access to work, shopping, services, friends and family.

Bus Bicycle Racks Proposed by Toronto Transit Commission

2005-05-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

The Toronto Transit Commission recently announced that it is considering a pilot project that would combine two modes of transportation for cyclists, placing bike racks on the front of several buses on six city routes. The proposition is aimed at helping bicyclists to avoid hazardous routes, break up long commutes and take their bikes along for the ride.

The $155,000 proposal would effectively solve the current issue in which cyclists are banned from taking their bikes inside buses. The exterior bus bike racks would allow users to fasten them to the rack before boarding the bus. A TTC spokesman added that the program would also promote alternative modes of commuting that deliver health and environmental benefits, a strategy that is already a part of some other Canadian city transportation programs. Ottawa has successfully implemented a bus bike rack program for five years.

Car Roof Rack 'Ultimate SetUp' Announced by Skiing Magazine

2005-05-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

Skiing Magazine recently announced the 2005 results of their annual 'Ultimate Setup' for a car rack system. Testing was performed on most of the options on the roof rack market. Results were based on a ranking system that included ease of use, installation, and an overall score between one and five.

According to the publication the car roof rack 'Ultimate Setup' includes:

Yakima Multi-Mount. This simple crossbar attachment holds kayak paddles, several pairs of ski poles, multiple fly fishing rods, basically anything long and skinny with a combined diameter of less than 5 inches.

Rocky Mounts Lariat SL Bike Carrier. Zinc-and-steel hardware, an idiot-proof mounting system, and a price that’s $20 less than comparable fork-mount bike racks make the RockyMount Lariat the best bike rack around. Works with round or square crossbars, and the aluminum trays come in many colors including camouflage.

Yakima Pro Series Platinum 16s Cargo Box. Slides easily on and off the roof rack, requiring no additional hardware or tools. Innovative mounting clamps securely grip any bar. With 16 cubic feet of storage, it has room for poles, skis, snowboards, camping gear and more. Yakima also makes three other sizes.

Buckalter of Yakima Racks Speaks at Snow Industry Summit

2005-05-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

The ski rack and snowboard rack industry was represented at the second annual, two day Snow Industry Summit, which took place at Copper Mountain Colorado, by Amy Buckalter of Yakima Racks. She was a member of a three person panel which addressed the 'Many Faces of Eve' and how the snow sports industry can continue to reach the women’s market.

Buckalter provided statistics that both suppliers and retailers need to consider as snowsports firms continue to market to women, including understanding that women are currently the majority of decision makers; women now earn half or more of the household income; and by 2010, 70% of new entrants into the workforce will be women and people of color. She also identified several companies that have been successful in their approaches to the women’s market. However, companies must continue connecting with the female customer, building relationships and securing womens' loyalty.

Cora Bike Racks Announces New Industrial Grade Bicycle Parking Rack Series

2005-04-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

A company spokesman for Cora Bike Racks, manufacturers of industrial and commercial grade bicycle storage racks, recently announced that its latest bike rack series, the Cora Expo and Cora Vertigo, comply with and exceed AS2890.3 regulations and now include a 15 year guarantee. The spokesman added that an increasing number of local governments are adding mandatory requirements for the provisions of secure bicycle parking facilities at all new developments including shopping mall, school, hospital, library and public transit locations.

As a world leading designer and manufacturer of storage and parking bicycle racks, Cora Bike Rack stated that it has undertaken thorough research into the needs of cyclists and product specifiers, explaining that today's cyclists simply ignore poorly designed bike racks and choose to lock their bikes to signs, trees, posts and building fronts instead. The key to a safe and effective bicycle parking rack is to first and foremost provide a high quality product in the first place, the Cora Bike Rack spokesman concluded.

Bike Racks on Police Cars Proposed by City Councilman

2005-04-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

As gasoline prices continue to escalate, reports of alternative programs proposed by federal and local government officials are also rising. Of note is Athens, Alabama City Councilman Ronnie Marks' proposition that the city police department consider outfitting patrol cars with bicycle racks so officers can park and patrol on bikes.

Marks reported that the local police department currently has 50 vehicles, budgeted $75,000 and to date has spent $27,634 on gas and oil. He asserted that bike racks on police cars would keep fuel costs down by allowing patrolmen to park their cars and ride through complexes such as malls, business parks and downtown areas. Also night-shift patrol officers could bicycle in pairs for part of their shifts.

Car Rack Industry Releases Informative Consumer Report Detailing Current Options Available

2005-04-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

In an effort to inform and educate consumers, car rack industry experts recently released a consumer report regarding the various systems and options available, as well as the benefits and drawbacks. The report begins by explaining that car roof racks, which connect to a vehicle's roof, are currently the most commonly used systems. A roof rack set up typically consists of a set of two cross bars, which attach to the car roof using clips that connect to vehicles with and without rain gutters. Also, vehicles with factory-installed luggage racks can normally be fitted with cross bars and gear accessory attachments.

Roof rack systems currently include a variety of accessory attachments including cargo boxes, roof baskets and carriers for canoes, kayaks, skis, snowboards, fishing rods and surfboards. Major car roof rack manufacturers include Yakima Racks and Thule Racks. The report explains that some of the drawbacks to consider are accessibility on taller vehicles, need to remember that gear is on top before driving under low clearances, such as garage doors and fast-food drive-thrus. The benefits include versatility and very stable and secure gear transport.

The report explains that the popularity of SUVs and minivans is responsible for the current high demand for hitch bike racks and trunk racks, which connect either to a vehicle's 1 1/4 inch or 2 inch trailer hitch receiver or to the bumper and rear hatchback, trunk lid or rear access door on SUV's, minivans, station wagons etc using straps and hooks. Trunk racks are a good choice for people that don't often travel with their bicycles. Bike trunk racks and hitch racks can transport four bikes and sometimes five. They can also easily accommodate a mix of different bike styles and sizes. These sytems are relatively secure and stable, though not as secure as car roof racks. They also offer very easy access to loading and unloading bicycles. The report lists drawbacks that include the fact that bicycles usually must be removed first in order to gain access to trunks, hatchbacks and rear doors of vehicles. Also a vehicle must have a hitch receiver installed for bicycle hitch racks to be compatible.

The report next explains that permanent mount pickup truck bed bike racks are the least expensive type of rack available. The inexpensive permanent pickup truckbed bike mounts can be permanently installed in the bed of a pickup truck, inside a trailer or van, or can be attached to a removable cross brace, such as a 2x4 piece of lumber. Several new more expensive non-permanent options that don't require any hardware or drilling are also available and can include expandable bars that span the width of the bed, attach to the bed rails, hook under the tailgate etc.

The report concludes with an explanation of truck bed utility racks, which can be typically permanently bolted or non permanently fastened to the rails of a pickup truck's cargo bed. Because of a truck racks strength, they are an excellent option for carrying kayaks, canoes, small boats, ladders, piping, lumber, plywood etc. Manufacturers such as Yakima, Thule and TracRac Truck Racks also offer gear attachments that connect to the truck rack cross bars, similar to car roof rack load bars. The benefits of these systems include extra cargo space in the truck bed for other gear, super stong design for heavy loads and also relatively easy access to loading and unloading.

Thule Racks Officially Opens Newly Expanded Seymour Facility

2005-04-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

City officials from Seymour, Connecticut, the United States headquarters of Thule Racks, recently reported the company has more than doubled its facility since moving to the Silvermine Road location in 1992. Thule Racks, part of Swedish car rack maker Thule Group, officially opened its newly expanded space the beginning of April. The space now includes an extra 28,000 square feet and adds a new customer training area, truck staging location and additional warehouse and office space.

With this expansion, along with the 26,000 square feet the company added in 1998, Thule now occupies 105,000 square feet at 42 Silvermine Road. Thule Racks now employs more than 150 workers and began in the U.S. in 1981. Thule's products include roof racks to carry rooftop boxes, canoe, kayak, bicycle, ski, snowboard and surfboard equipment.

Car Roof Rack Manufacturers Increasingly More Affected by Higher Gasoline Prices

2005-04-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

Car rack industry analysts recently indicated that roof rack system manufacturers could hit rough roads ahead, as the sector has become increasingly more impacted by the media's attention to high gasoline prices and how consumers can increase their mileage efficiency. Media outlets are reporting with more frequency that car roof rack systems can significantly increase wind drag and reduce fuel effiency, cautioning consumers to refrain from installing car roof carrier systems and transporting luggage and cargo gear in open roof baskets and roof bags.

Car rack manufacturers have responded that they are working to engineer products that reduce drag. Spokesmen close to the matter stated that roof rack fairings and cargo boxes are good examples of products that have been heavily researched and designed to drastically reduce wind drag and increase aerodynamics.

Thule Racks Purchases Scandanavian Horse Trailer Manufacturer

2005-04-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

Thule Racks recently announced the acquisition of Star Industrier AB, a Swedish horse trailer manufacturer. Star Trailers is reported to have annual net sales of around $5.8 million and assembles approximately 1,500 trailers yearly. Anders Pettersson, Thule Group's president and CEO, said "The acquisition of Star Trailers strengthens our position within the horse trailer segment in Scandinavia and gives us access to more effective production and distribution."

The Thule trailer division reports $80.3 million in annual net sales, making up approximately 20% of Thule total sales. The Thule Group makes bike, kayak, canoe, ski and surfboard roof racks for cars, rooftop cargo boxes, hitch mount bike carriers as well as trailers and snow chains. Thule employs 2,000 workers worldwide and owns over twenty separate manufacturing, production and sales facilities in Europe, North America and Asia. British private equity company Candover Partners currently owns Thule.

Innovative Roof Rack TV Antenna Receives US Patent

2005-04-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Publicly traded KVH Industries recently announced they have received a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a key component in the hybrid phased-array antenna used in KVH’s in-motion TracVision A5 satellite TV system for vehicles. The TracVision A5 is an extremely low-profile satellite TV antenna that is engineered and designed to specifically fit passenger cars and is compatible with virtually all factory roof racks and aftermarket car racks that include Yakima Racks and Thule Racks. A KVH spokesman explained the company also offers a roof-mount system for vehicles without car roof racks.

KVH VP of engineering, Kal Ganesan, said that while phased-array antennas have been available to the military for a number of years, the cost has been prohibitive in entering the mainstream market. The company added that it intends to use its newly patented technology to develop a hybrid phased-array antenna that is economically priced for consumers. Industy analysts, Frost & Sullivan, recently projected that by year 2011 more than 36 million cars in the U.S. will have video systems and of these, more than 3 million will receive TV programming via mobile satellite.

Car Roof Rack Manufacturer Advanced Accessory Systems' Parent Company Sells Restaurant Chain

2005-04-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Castle Harlan, Inc., a New York private-equity investment firm and parent company of car roof rack manufacturer Advanced Accessory Systems, recently announced that it completed the sale of Charlie Brown's, a New Jersey-based family steakhouse chain. The chain was sold to Trimaran Capital Partners, a private-equity firm that is also based in New York. The transaction is reported to be valued at $140 million.

Industry experts forecast that the move will transfer more emphasis to Castle Harlan's roof rack unit, Advanced Accessory Systems, which is the largest manufacturer of automotive roof racks, and markets the line of car rack systems and aftermarket products under several brands that include SportRack Automotive, Sportrack Accessory Group, Valley Automotive, ValTek Technologies and ValTek Automotive. Current factory roof rack customers include BMW, Daimler Chrysler, Ford, Honda, GM, Hyundai, KIA, Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Opel, Daewoo, Subaru, Skoda, Seat, Toyota and Volkswagen.

2005 Audi A6 Bike Rack Developed

2005-04-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

Spokesmen from Audi Motors recently announced that an innovative internal Audi bike rack is now included with the all-new 2005 Audi A6 Avant wagon. The company spokesmen explained the new A6 Avant has significantly improved its cargo box area with expanded cargo carrying capacity, along with the innovative internal bicycle carrier system. The company further explained that the system features two securing rails that are fitted with four sliding, adjustable, and lockable lashing eyes. The unique Audi bike rack system mounts on the rails and around the protective tray. The internal system allows consumers to transport two mountain bikes securely inside their 2005 Audi A6 wagon.

news tags: audi a6 avant : internal audi bike rack

Thule Racks Signs Letter of Intent to Purchase Sportworks Quick-Load Bicycle Racks

2005-04-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

Sources close to the matter recently announced that Thule Racks has reportedly signed a letter of intent to purchase the Quick-load Bike Racks division of Sportworks Northwest, Inc. Sources close to the matter stated that Thule intends to buy the Sportworks Quick-load Bike Racks assets and will make the line available to all Thule dealers nationwide on the scheduled date of May 9, 2005.

Fred Clark, Thule, Inc. President, stated "We continue to be on the lookout for companies that fit in well with Thule's product and growth strategies. This acquisition fits all our criteria and the addition of the Quick-load products to the Thule line gives us the most comprehensive and innovative offering of bicycle racks in the industry." As outlined in the LOI, Thule Racks will distribute the Quick-load division of Sportworks Bike Racks with Sportworks branding included. However, Sportworks will continue to manufacture and distribute their Bike-Rack-for-Buses line under their current Sportworks brand. Thule Racks intends, over the next year, to fully integrate the Sportworks Quick-load Bike Racks into the Thule line with Thule branding.

President of Sportworks, Mike Reeves, stated "We are proud of our accomplishments of taking the Sportworks brand of consumer rack systems as far as we did. This opportunity with Thule will expand the distribution of our consumer products, while allowing us to concentrate on our original business of serving the transit market." Chris Dannewitz, Thule, Inc. VP of Business Development, added "Sportworks has always had very innovative products and they are the true originator of the platform bike hitch rack system. Their new T2 platform hitch bike rack and the Insta-Gater truck bed bike rack are fine examples of Sportworks products that will be worthy of the Thule brand name."

Sources close to the matter report that Thule and Sportworks intend to formally announce the agreement during the Sea Otter Classic bike racing weekend in Monterey, CA on April 14-17.

Bike Rack Rentals Now Available with VW Vans

2005-04-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Western Road Trips, an outfitter of VW Westfalia camper van rentals, recently announced that they are offering optional bike racks to rent along with the Volkswagen bus rentals. Established a year ago, Western Road Trips was founded by Pete Van Slooten and Nathan Williams, whom met at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah near Zion National Park.

The two began renting the VW vans to fill the market between renting a large RV motor home and renting regular car or SUV models when visiting the numerous national and state parks and other recreation areas in Utah and the surrounding western states. Many of the bike riding enthusiasts have expressed a desire to rent bicycle racks for the VW vans. The company stated that the majority of cyclists visit Moab, Utah a major destination for mountain biking.

Silver Star Resort Announces Addition of Chairlift Bicycle Racks

2005-04-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

Silver Star Mountain Resort recently announced that beginning July 1 and continuing through September 5, 2005 bicyclists will be able to access the mountain using the Comet Express six-passenger chairlift. Resort spokesmen stated that the high-speed detachable chair lift will be outfitted with innovative chairlift bike racks that will allow riders to roll their bicycles into the carriers. Cyclists can then access the heavily expanded bike park and network of mountain bike trails. Spokesmen from the Canadian resort added that Silver Star is making an additional $300,000 commitment to the project, which, via the chair lift bike carriers, will provide mountain bikers access to over 1,800 vertical feet of mountain biking terrain.

Allen Bike Racks Launches Newly Redesigned Website

2005-03-30T12:16:00.000-08:00

Allen Racks, manufacturer of car bicycle carriers and bike storage racks, announced the launch of their newly redesigned website on February, 28 2005. The new Allen Racks website provides the full line of 2005 product offerings, including detailed descriptions, images, installation and instruction manuals and a fit guide for visitors to verify compatibility of each bicycle carrier with vehicle models.

Yakima Car Racks Announces the Hiring of Amy Buckalter

2005-03-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

Yakima Racks and its parent company, Watermark, have announced the hiring of Amy Buckalter as senior vice president of global sales and marketing. Prior to this position she was an executive at Nike, Inc. and Burton Snowboards. Buckalter brings to the company more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the sporting goods and outdoor gear sectors.

She has worked with WaterMark and Yakima Racks as a consultant since August 2004. Her new position involves the oversight of all sales and customer service functions, as well as all trade and consumer marketing. Buckalter's most recent post was with Burton Snowboards as vice president of global sales.

WaterMark CEO, Jim Clark, stated "Amy is one of the best sales minds in the outdoor industry - period. With the addition of Amy and Steve Rodden, our new product development vice president, we are well on the way to rounding out the powerful leadership team that will move our products, sales and company to ever higher levels of performance." Steve Rodden, a product designer with over fifteen years of experience, joined Yakima Car Racks and Watermark earlier this year. He was previously with Fiori Research and Design located in Portland, Oregon, a design firm that he co-founded with partner Steve Brown in 1998.

Thule Racks Hires New VP of Sales and Western Region Sales Manager

2005-03-25T10:02:00.000-08:00

The world leading manufacturer of sport racks and car carrying solutions, Thule Racks, recently announced the appointment of Tripp Wyckoff as its VP of sales and service and Larry Hewett as the new U.S. western region sales manager. Mr. Wyckoff will have the responsibility of overseeing all sales and customer service activities for Thule Inc. All sales and customer marketing managers, including Mr. Hewett, will be reporting to him.

"Tripp and Larry will be great additions to our team," President of Thule, Inc. Fred Clark stated. "Tripp is a long time Thule user and his understanding of our dealers and our business will be integral to our support and continued growth of the rack category in the United States." Most recently Wyckoff was the Managing Director/General Manager of Pedro's USA, a division of Swix Sports, where he led the Sales, Marketing, Public Relations, Product Development, and Purchasing. Prior to joining Pedro's, Wyckoff worked for 9 years with Kryptonite, where he departed as the Director of Global Action Sports Channels, which included Snow, Powersport, Bike and OEM channels.

"While at Kryptonite, I had the pleasure of working with Fred Clark and his team, and have always felt that Thule would be a great place for me one day," stated Wyckoff. "Thule is an incredible brand, and I'm excited about Thule's prospects for the coming years." Wyckoff will be based out of Thule Inc.'s corporate headquarters in Seymour, Connecticut, where he and his family will be relocating.

Proclaimed a "sales wizard" by SNEWS, Hewett spent over eighteen years with Yakima Racks and WaterMark where he most recently held the position of western director of sales. Hewett is the second former WaterMark employee to join Thule Racks this year, as Chris Dannewitz joined Thule as the vice president of business development in January of 2005. "There are few who know the rack category and western territory better than Larry," explained Clark. "We are excited to have him on our side after so many years competing with him. For so long my mission in life has been to throw flies into the Thule Racks ointment," Hewett joked. "Now that I am on the A-Team, I can direct that energy with laser focus on maximizing command drivers for Thule - stay tuned." Hewett will be working from his home in the Arcata, California region.

Thule Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary within the Thule Group. It is the leading U.S. manufacturer of car rack products, with production sites in Chicago, IL and Seymour, CT. The Thule Rack product line includes multi-purpose roof racks, roof top cargo boxes, rear hitch and trunk mount bike racks, and accessories for outdoor gear including ski, snowboard, bike, kayak, surfboard and canoe equipment.

Yakima Racks Begins Moving into Beaverton, Oregon Headquarters

2005-03-23T17:56:00.000-08:00

Yakima Car Racks stated that it has begun moving into a Beaverton, Oregon 59,000-square-foot facility in Woodside Business Park. The company was previously based in Arcata, California. Company CEO, Jim Clark, said it required easier U.S. and overseas travel links to accommodate its growing business. Mr. Clark added that Beaverton and the surrounding area should make a nice proving ground for the company's trunk, hitch and roof racks for bicycles, skis, snowboards, kayaks and canoes, roof baskets and cargo boxes. Approximately 65% of all Yakima Racks are manufactured in a Tijuana, Mexico plant that employs 250 workers, with the remainder produced in other countries.

The company is a division of Watermark, which is solely owned by Atlanta-based Crescent Capital Investments, described by its Web site as a private equity arm of First Islamic Investment Bank of Bahrain. The Crescent Capital Investments website states "Crescent acquires controlling interests in companies with transaction values between $30 million and $300 million." Besides WaterMark, the website lists controlling interests in Cirrus Design, a Duluth, Minnesota manufacturer of single-engine airplanes; American Pad & Paper of Plano, Texas; Lee Industries, a North Carolina maker of road-paving equipment; DVT, a Georgia maker of assembly-line sensors used in manufacturing controls; Caribou Coffee of Minneapolis; and Transportation Safety Technologies, which has developed exterior obstacle-detectors for truck and bus drivers.

Besides Yakima Car Racks, the Watermark line includes Dagger and Perception Kayaks. Also located in Beaverton, Oregon are Nike, Columbia Sportswear and other outdoor gear and apparel makers.

Thule Car Racks Sponsors National River Cleanup Week

2005-03-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

Thule Car Racks announced it will be partnering up with America Outdoors as a sponsor of National River Cleanup Week, May 14-22. National River Cleanup Week is a non-profit organization that works to raise public awareness of the magnitude of trash and waste that accumulates in U.S. waterways. Founded by America Outdoors in 1992, National River Cleanup Week now includes over 430,000 volunteers that have participated in 4,180 cleanups covering over 88,000 miles of waterways. In 2004, 47,706 volunteers that represented 340 registered groups collected an estimated 1,200 tons of trash and debris.

Chairman of National River Cleanup Week, David Brown, stated "Educating people about the sources of litter and pollution in our rivers is the first step in cleaning up our waterways. In just a couple of hours a dozen volunteers can collect a mountain of litter from one mile of shoreline. It's a great lesson in the role of individual responsibility in keeping our rivers free of trash and debris."

Thule will be providing kayak rack and canoe rack systems to enable volunteers to transport boats that will assist them in clean up efforts. Besides Thule Racks, the 2005 sponsor list includes Old Town Canoe & Kayaks, Extrasport, Wilderness Systems, Lotus kayak gear, Watermark, Hooked on the Outdoors, Canoe & Kayak magazine, Paddler magazine, the Shimoda Group, America Outdoors, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation, W.L. Gore & Associates, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and the Trull Foundation.

Sportworks Bike Racks Opens New Warehouse

2005-03-17T17:26:00.000-08:00

Sportworks Bike Racks announced that it has opened a warehouse facility in Louisville, Kentucky. The company's other warehouse is located in Woodinville, Washington. Company spokesmen stated that the new facility would provide retailers east of the Rocky mountains the same quick shipping times and rates as Sportworks' western dealers, adding that shipments to the Southeast, Midwest and New England corridors will be reduced from 5-6 days to 1-3 days. The company expects freight costs will improve between 35% - 62% as well.

Sportworks VP of TranSport Products, Julie Gregg, stated "Through direct dealer feedback we know just-in-time ordering is very important. With the opening of our second warehouse in Louisville, Kentucky, we can now supply all our dealers Sportworks product with quick delivery times and competitive rates.”

Dartz Luggage & Cargo Boxes to be Launched by Plastic Products During Spring 2005

2005-03-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

Plastic Products of Coventry, England announced that it plans to introduce during the spring of 2005 a line of car roof cargo and luggage boxes. Plastic Products explained that it will be marketed under the Dartz label.

Chris Collyer, managing director, stated "We see it as a growth market, and one which fits in nicely with our need to have products of our own to help counter fluctuations in our traditional markets. Most luggage & cargo roof boxes open along one edge so that you can only load from one side. The gull-wing will open along its centre and allow loading from either side."

Sportworks Racks Releases New TranSport T2 Bicycle Rack

2005-03-11T16:29:00.000-08:00

Bike rack maker, Sportworks, of Woodinville, Washington recently announced the release of the new TranSport T2 bicycle carrier. The company stated the Sportworks TranSport T2 accomodates a wide range of bicycle designs and sizes, eliminating bike interference with tray-to-tray adjustability, adding that the carrier includes Sportworks' Quick Load concept for the quickest loading time in the industry.

The new 4-bar linkage design transports bikes that weigh up to 60 pounds per tray and can safely be used on heavy duty pickup trucks as well. Sportworks announced at Interbike 2004, which took place in Las Vegas the first week of October, they planned to release and ship to dealers the new TranSport T2 on March 1, 2005. The company stated that they were proud to have meet the delivery deadline.

Sportworks VP of TranSport Products, Julie Gregg, stated "We are a company that thrives on dealer and customer feedback. We listen to customer comments and read customer e-mails to ensure that we create products people want. The TranSport T2 is a prime example of how dealers and consumers directly influence the design and manufacturing of a Sportworks bike rack. We are really excited with the outcome of the T2.”

Ski Roof Rack Saves Cat During Highway Ride

2005-03-09T16:11:00.000-08:00

When recently driving along Interstate 15 in Idaho, Torri Hutchison noticed a fellow motorist trying to get her attention and pointing to her car roof rack. She stated that she thought possibly her ski rack was coming loose. She then pulled over to the side of the highway. The motorist pulled up behind her car and Hutchinson rolled down her window and heard the man shouting, "Your cat! Your cat!" He reached for the roof of her car and handed the shocked Hutchinson her cat Cuddle Bug, an orange tabby, who had been holding onto the ski rack as the vehicle travelled at speeds reaching 75 mph.

She had driven approximately 10 miles with the cat on top of the car. Additionally, Hutchinson had previously stopped for fuel, not noticing the cat at the time either. Hutchinson stated the cat had climbed into the back of her car as she was preparing to leave her house, and she took him out of the car but he then must've leaped onto the car roof rack when she wasn't looking.

Thule Racks Hires Ben 'Benny' Cruickshank as Western Envoy

2005-03-07T15:14:00.000-08:00

Thule Racks, the world's leading manufacturer of sports rack and car rack carrying solutions, announced the hiring of Ben 'Benny' Cruickshank as the new Western Technical Representative and a member of the Thule Envoy program. Cruickshank will be responsible for attending and assisting Thule dealer in-store training sessions, retailer sales events, and outdoor related consumer events. Cruickshank will be based from his home in Boulder, Colorado.

Steve Doviak, Thule Inc. Marketing Manager, stated "We are excited to have Benny behind the wheel of the Thule Envoy van. His experience at retail and in the car rack industry with Rocky Mounts Bike Racks will be a great asset to us and a great resource for our dealers and consumers." Cruickshank comes to Thule with years of experience in the cycling and outdoor industries, previously holding customer service positions at Rocky Mounts, MontBell, and Inside Communications, the publisher of Ski Racing, VeloNews, and Inside Triathlon magazines.

Cruickshank stated "While at RockyMounts I had the opportunity to wear many hats, from manufacturing, distribution, and retail, and this experience will help me to best understand and serve Thule's retailers. I'm very excited about this opportunity and look forward to a great season."

A native of Michigan, Cruickshank grew up racing mountain bikes, afterwards taking up road bike racing while attending Michigan State University, where he studied merchandising management. Cruickshank is also an avid cross country and alpine skier and has a great appreciation for the arts and culture. A complete schedule of the events and locations that the Western and Southeastern Thule Envoy will be attending is available at Thule.com.

Thule Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary within the Thule Group. The company is the leading U.S. manufacturer of car rack products, with production sites in Seymour, Connecticut and Chicago, Illinois. Thule's product line features multi-purpose roof racks, roof baskets and cargo boxes, rear mount trunk and hitch racks and accessories for outdoor equipment including surfboards, snowboards, skis, canoes, kayaks and bikes.

Allen Bike Racks Develops Folding Bike Storage Rack

2005-03-04T16:22:00.000-08:00

Allen Bike Racks, maker of bike car racks, has engineered and released a transportable folding bike storage rack. The Allen Racks folding bike rack has telescoping uprights, allowing it to pack and store into a fraction of its size. The folding bike rack is available in multiple versions for storing two, four or six bikes at a time. Size ranges of the Allen storage bike racks range from 12 inches to 36 inches long and are fully assembled. Allen Racks states that they are finished in a black powder coat for protection from the elements and include a lifetime guarantee.

Roof Racks in Jamaica Charged Additional Fees at Tolls

2005-03-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

Drivers of regular sized cars are currently being charged higher rates at the Jamaican Vineyards toll plaza due to roof racks, which authorities say push their vehicles into a higher toll category. Toll operators stated that roof racks are not an extension but instead a core part of the vehicle. Jamaican toll plaza charge rates according to a car's size, but some vehicles such as the 2004 Suzuki Vitara cross over into two categories and if the Suzuki Vitara has a roof rack then that vehicle pays a higher toll than a Vitara without the roof rack.

Transportation authorities explained the matter in a release, outlining how toll collectors should be allowed to exercise discretion with regards to such issues, and that the public is not educated on the effect that the roof rack or other exterior accessories on the cars can have on the rates charged by the toll collectors. "This is in the context of no discretionary powers being granted to the collectors at the toll booths," authorities stated. Adding that "It is important that the public be educated about such technicalities, so users of the highway could better understand how the system works and how best to protect their interests in traversing the toll road."

A $200 fee is applied to class two cars that are more than 1.7 meters high but less than 5.5 meters long. There is a $400 fee charged for class three vehicles, which are more than 1.7 meters high and more than 5.5 meters long.

Trac Rac Truck Racks Announces 2005 Featured Product Line-Up

2005-02-28T16:20:00.000-08:00

Truck rack manufacturer, TracRac, Inc., recently announced its 2005 featured product line-up. The company's flagship product, the Trac Rac Slides, is the only truck rack system that slides and adjusts forward and backward in pickup beds. Other products in the line-up include the T-Rac, TracVan and Workstation.

Trac Rac is headquartered in Fall River, Massachusetts and distributes its line of pickup truck rack and van rack products nationally through truck accessory & equipment dealers, building & contractor supply houses, and retailers including Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Centers. Track Rac also manufactures private label racks for customers such as Ford, General Motors, Chevrolet and Dodge.

NorthWest Ski Rack Retailers Feel Burden of Snowfall Shortage

2005-02-25T16:06:00.000-08:00

Ski rack retailers in the Northwest are reporting that they are feeling the burden of the region's snowfall shortage. Tacoma, Washington retailer, Narrows Rack Shop and Auto Sports, reports that due to this season's continuing snow drought in the Northwest, the retailer is heavily bearing the effects of the snow shortage. Store manager Tim Ampe stated that the company typically spends as much as $45,000 per month during the winter season to restock its inventory of snowboard racks and ski racks, but so far the company has spent less than $3,000. “If it doesn’t snow, we don’t sell,” said Mr. Ampe.

New Consumer Thule Racks Web Site Unveiled

2005-02-23T15:48:00.000-08:00

Thule Racks of North America recently launched a new consumer web site. The company has completely overhauled the website with a new design and navigational scheme. The Thule automated car rack fit guide takes center stage. Visitors can immediately find gear carrier system options that are specifically engineered for their particular vehicles. Consumers can also choose to browse by the sports they are interested in.

Thule Racks hopes the new architecture will greatly improve user satisfaction levels in finding the canoe racks, kayak racks, surfboard racks, ski-snowboard racks, bike racks, roof baskets and cargo boxes that fit their individual needs and budgets. Customer service, Thule dealer locator and technical information is also available on the new website.

Thule Terrapin Cargo Box Released As Alternative to Car Roof Boxes

2005-02-21T15:10:00.000-08:00

The Thule Terrapin Cargo Box by Thule Racks has recently launched after much feedback from consumers. The result of extensive design and engineering, the Terrapin connects to two inch rear hitch receivers, instead of to a car roof rack like conventional cargo boxes.

Thule states that another major feature includes a swing-away design that allows users to accesss the rear of their vehicles. Thule explained that many consumers have recently expressed grief over their inability to easily access roof mounted cargo systems on taller vehicles such as SUV's. The Thule 684 Terrapin is a major effort in alleviating this problem for certain consumers. The Terrapin cargo box dimensions are 50.25 inches x 24.25 inches x 23.5 inches and has a recommended minimum suggested retail price of $529.

Yakima Racks EZ Loader Roof Rack Delays Debut Date

2005-02-18T11:05:00.000-08:00

Yakima Racks announced that it has decided to delay and revise the public launch date of the Yakima E Z Loader Roof Rack to the fall of 2005. Keeping in line with the company's long-standing commitment to providing the highest standards in car rack engineering, Yakima Racks is revising the delivery date of the E-Z Load side-loading roof rack system from this spring to the fall.

Company spokesmen explained that the decision was based on the need to have Steve Rodden, vice president of product development, to have ample time for design input and ensure top performance of the end product that consumers will see and purchase. Mr. Rodden will be reviewing all products in the WaterMark family, which includes Perception Kayaks, Dagger Kayaks and Yakima Car Racks, as part of the reorganization of the product design and development process.

“The E-Z Load is a great new addition to our Yakima family of car racks, but we have a chance to make significant enhancements to its design and performance,” president of WaterMark, Jim Clark stated. “Steve Rodden and our product development team are going to put a few extra months of work into optimizing the E-Z Load to ensure that the product we ship in Fall 2005 exceeds their high standards and those of our valued retailers and their customers.”

In September 2004, Yakima Racks purchased all trademarks, patents and intellectual property relating to the E-Z Load in September of 2004. The new product design team and the recent development of operational improvements, Yakima has decided to postpone shipment of the slightly modified product and instead offer a fully redesigned, next generation E-Z Load this fall. Retailers that have already placed orders for E-Z load will receive first delivery when the product is delivered this fall.

The EZ Loader is designed to aid users who have trouble reaching the car roof rack of current taller cars and SUV's. It allows the user to lower the roof rack along the side of the car, continuing to keep the load in a horizontal position. The E-Z Load will allow the attachment of a cargo box, two kayak racks or two bike racks, as well as combinations of boats, bikes and cargo boxes.

The company has offices in Easley, South Carolina and is headquartered in Portand, Oregon. Yakima's complete line of carriers includes bike racks, canoe racks, kayak racks, ski & snowboard racks, roof baskets and cargo boxes. Its parent company, Watermark, also manufactures and distributes a complete line of whitewater, touring and recreation kayaks under the kayak brand names Dagger, Perception, Mainstream, Harmony paddlesports accessories & AT Canoe-Kayak Paddles. Rhode Gear also designs a line of trunk mount bicycle carriers.

Rocky Mounts Racks Sponsors Womens T Mobile Professional Cycling Team for 2005

2005-02-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

Rocky Mounts Bike Racks announced that it provided contributing support to the 2005 Women's T-Mobile Professional Cycling Team winter training camp in California. RockyMounts Racks will also be seen on the team cars throughout the 2005 bike racing season.

Besides Rocky Mounts bike racks, other team sponsors include Giant Bicycles, Shimano, SRM, Trial-tir, Pearl Izumi, Deda, Smith, Uvex, Clif Bar and First Endurance. The team will operate under the management of High Road Sports, a San Luis Obispo, California sports management agency. The team is directed by Andrzej Bek and the team roster includes Mari Holden, Kimberly Baldwin, Kristin Armstrong, Lara Kroepsch, Ina Teutenberg, Kori Seehafer, Brooke Ourada and Rebecca Much. The Valley of the Sun Stage Race in Phoenix Arizona, February 18-20 will be the team's first race of the season.

Kentucky Bicycle Rack Manufacturer Sold to Investment Group

2005-02-11T10:11:00.000-08:00

Bicycle Rack maker, Stewart Iron Works, has been bought by a group of Northern Kentucky investors. The investment group formed a company named Covington Iron Works but will still operate as Stewart. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Former owner, Mark Rottinghaus, is expected to continue to work for the company on a contractual basis. He owned the company since 2002, when he completed a buyout of brothers John and Tony Milburn. "I had an opportunity and I took advantage of it," said Rottinghaus, deciding to "pursue the sales and marketing end (of the business) which I really love."

Car Roof Rack Maker SportRack Names New CEO

2005-02-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

Automotive parts supplier Advanced Accessory Systems, best known for its car luggage rack division Sportrack, has recently named a new CEO. Succeeding Terence C. Seikel will be Alan Johnson. Mr. Seikel will be resigning to pursue other interests. AAS has grown from about $60 million in sales 10 years ago to $360 million in 2003. The privately-held company has yet to comment on 2004 sales.

"I enthusiastically welcome the opportunity and the challenge that AAS offers," stated Mr. Johnson. "This is an industry that I know well, and I am confident that the company will continue to expand its operations and markets here and overseas." Mr. Johnson was formerly president and chief operating officer of Dearborn Michigan based Plastech Engineered Products. Plastech is a major supplier of injection-molded plastic components, assemblies and systems to the automotive original equipment manufacturer market.

AAS manufactures a variety of parts for the auto industry. The well known division, SportsRack, supplies factory roof racks and luggage racks to several automakers including General Motors, DaimlerChrysler (including Mercedes), Ford, BMW, KIA, Volkswagen, Honda and Toyota. In addition to the Sterling Heights AAS headquarters, SportsRack has two manufacturing facilities in Macomb County Michigan. The New York private-equity investment firm, Castle Harlan, has owned the controlling interest in AAS & Sportrack since April 2003.

Bus Racks Racks Added to Texas City Transit Routes

2005-02-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

Tyler, Texas Transit general manager, Norman Schenk, announced recently the addition of bus bicycle racks to two of the city's buses - the Red Line and the Green Line. The move was made as a response to several citizen requests and public input. The bicycle carriers will service routes that comprise a large portion of the Tyler, Texas transit system's daily trips near and around hospitals, colleges and other public institutions.

"Bike racks on the buses give customers just one more option," Mr. Schenck stated. "It may have been too far for a customer to walk to and from the bus stop, but riding the bike makes the trip distance more acceptable." Mr. Schenck added that several large Texas cities, including San Antonio, Dallas and Houston already offer bus bicycle carriers for commuters.

According to city officials, each bike rack, which is mounted on the front of the bus, can transport up to two bikes, further explaining that users must pull the handle to lower the bike rack, lift the bike onto the rack and replace the spring tension arm over the front tire and conduct a safety check. The entire process is expected to take just 20 seconds. Additional bicycle carriers could be added to buses on the Blue and Yellow lines if demand for the service increases in the future.

Canoe Racks, Kayak Racks & Bike Racks Included in River Expansion Plans

2005-02-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

The McKeesport Redevelopment Authority announced recently that it acquired the necessary funding to extend Water Street to McKees Point in Pennsylvania, adding another dimension to its development of the marina area. The expansion plans call for the steet to be extended several hundred feet in 2005 in order to connect it with McKees Point, where the Youghiogheny River and Monongahela River meet.

The extension will measure about 300 ft and will include adding bicycle racks, canoe racks and kayak racks along the water way, officials explained. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has provided $300,000 in federal transportation funds to the project. An additional $75,000 will be provided by the McKeesport Redevelopment Authority.

New Software Fits Weather Guard Truck Racks & Van Racks

2005-02-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

Manufacturer of Weather Guard truck racks, van racks and equipment, Knaack Manufacturing Co., recently launched its Weather Guard Vehicle Solutions software, a program assisting distributors and vehicle outfitters by interactively designing truck and van storage solutions for their customers. The new software allows Weather Guard retailers and distributors to design custom truck and van storage solutions, turning quotes quickly and accurately.

Currently a time-intensive process that requires extensive product knowledge, hours of time to design, and additional time to quote, the new Weather Guard software shortens the process dramatically and can make design changes and revisions with the click of a button. Weather Guard Vehicle Solutions concludes by creating a corresponding bill of material and an immediate and customized quote. The company states that a web-based version of the software is available. Knaak Manufacturing claims it is the first tool of its type in the contractor-vehicle outfitting industry. The software tool allows users to custom design work vans and trucks with shelving, cabinets, ladder racks and accessories.

CheapTickets.com Announces Free Ski Rack Offer

2005-02-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

CheapTickets.com announced that it is offering a promotional ski package program that offers skiers $50 off a weekly SUV rental along with a free ski rack and unlimited mileage through Avis car rentals. Another option is $20 off a weekend rental car along with a free upgrade, free ski rack and free unlimited mileage at Budget car rentals.

Yakima Racks & Watermark Hire Steve Rodden As VP Product Development

2005-01-31T12:40:00.000-08:00

WaterMark, parent company of Yakima Racks, recently announced it has hired Steve Rodden to be the company's vice president of product development. He will be based at the company's headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, located just outside of Portland and home to other outdoor gear manufacturers including Nike, Adidas, Salomon Sports and Columbia Clothing & Apparel. Mr. Rodden co-founded Fiori Research & Design in Portland, Oregon in 1998 with Steve Brown.

With about 800 employees nationwide, the company is currently migrating 65 employees in its sales and marketing, product development and management and other services from Arcata, California to Beaverton Oregon. Besides Yakima car racks, Mr. Rodden will oversee product development for Dagger Kayaks, Perception Kayaks and other outdoor recreational equipment. The move is scheduled to be complete by September 2005.

Mr. Rodden has been consulting with WaterMark since November 2004, assisting and leading the product development department through the transition. He is already involved with the company's 2005 product launches. With Fiori, Mr. Rodden has overseen the launch of over 50 consumer products for companies including Samsung, Hewlett-Packard, Vulcan and Intel.

Yakima Powderhound SE Ski Rack Launched to Commemorate Company's 25th Anniversary

2005-01-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yakima Racks is celebrating its twenty fifth anniversary with a commemorative special edition ski & snowboard rack. Called the Yakima PowderHound SE ski rack, it is available in two configurations. The first for transporting up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards (called the Yakima Big Powderhound SE) and the second being the Powderhound SE for carrying up to 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards.

The advanced design includes flip open arms and ample rubber padding for secure transport. The opening lever has an advanced design as well, allowing the user to either push up or push in the oversized button, an excellent feature to consider on cold occasions when removing gloves would be undesirable. Yakima Racks also explains that the oversized rubber padding is made of materials that remain soft and resist stiffening in cold temperatures. Yakima's suggested minimum retail price of the Big Powderhound SE is $100 and the smaller Powderhound SE ski & snowboard rack has a suggested minimum retail price of $90.

Other features that Yakima has included with this special edition ski carrier are riser lift kits that eliminate binding contact with a vehicle's car roof due to oversized bindings on both skis and snowboards. Also the carrier ships with adapters that will allow it to connect to the load bars of competing car rack manufacturer, Thule Racks. Yakima also states that it manufactures a universal adapter, called the Mighty Mount, that will allow the carrier to connect to virtually all factory roof racks, even difficult sizes such as those found on the Saturn Vue, Nissan XTerra, Ford Escape, Honda Element and others.

Bus Bike Racks Installed for Oregon Commuting Program

2005-01-21T10:34:00.000-08:00

City Officials of Bend, Oregon recently announced new commuting options for downtown, including the introduction of bike racks on all shuttle buses. For a small fee any user is entitled to use the bus bike racks from the downtown shuttle stops located at the Bend City Hall and at North Mirror Pond Road.

The new program, dubbed the “Heart Beat of Downtown Bend” is scheduled to begin service Monday, February 14th, Valentine's Day. City Officials hope the new bus bicycle racks will encourage more commuters to ride bikes, reducing the congestion and lack of parking spaces currently available in the Oregon downtown area.

Car Rack Assembly Plant for Thule Racks Expands

2005-01-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

Thule Racks North America headquarters, located at the Silvermine Industrial complex in Seymour Connecticut, is currently constructing a 30,000 square-foot addition to the Thule facility. Additional space will be allocated for manufacturing and warehousing of it's North American assembled car racks.

Thule Racks Hires Former Yakima Racks Senior Director As V. P. of Business Development

2005-01-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

Thule Racks, the world's leading car rack manufacturer of sport transport systems for transporting outdoor gear on trunk, hitch and roof racks, announced that it has hired Chris Dannewitz as Vice President of Business Development, effective immediately. Dannewitz's responsibilities will include researching and identifying strategic acquisitions, as well as assisting in the development and implementation of product, brand, and business channel growth strategies.

"Chris brings a wealth of car rack industry knowledge and will be a great asset as we continue to grow and expand our business," stated Fred Clark, Thule Inc. CEO. Mr. Dannewitz previously worked at rival car rack manufacturer Yakima Racks for more than fifteen years, where he held various positions including Category Business Manager, Director of Product Management, and most recently Senior Director of Land Sports Business.

"I always had the utmost respect for Thule while at Yakima," Mr. Dannewitz said. "Thule Racks has been on a roll for the last few years and I am excited to be a part of their team and their prospects for the future." He will be working and remaining in Mckinleyville, California, nearby the headquarters of Yakima Racks in Arcata, CA. Yakima is currently in the process of relocating its headquarters within close proximity of Portland, Oregon.

Thule Inc. is currently a wholly owned subsidiary within the Thule Group and is the leading U.S. manufacturer of car rack products. Production facilities are located in Seymour, Connecticut and Chicago, Illinois, where it assembles car roof racks, truck racks, car roof top cargo boxes, bike hitch racks, trunk bike racks and accessories for transporting bikes, snowboards, skis, canoes, kayaks, and surfboards.

Car Factory Roof Rack Maker SportRack Reports 20% Increase in Sales for 2004

2005-01-12T09:31:00.000-08:00

SportRack, a division of Advanced Accessory Systems (AAS) and maker of vehicle factory roof rack and lugguge rack systems for DaimlerChrysler (including Mercedes), General Motors, Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, KIA, Honda, and Toyota, has announced 2004 sales increased 20% over the previous year. Richard Borghi, president and COO of SportRack, said similar sales increases are expected for 2005.

Mr. Borghi stated that "because automakers are coming out with more vehicles equipped with luggage racks, sales are increasing rapidly at SportRack. The number of different models expands the market for us. The arrival of the crossover vehicles on the market in a major way - those vehicles lend themselves to luggage racks."" He also added that, "If you can seat eight people in a vehicle, there's no room for all that luggage inside the vehicle."

A SportRack spokesman also indicated that because car makers' are offering different looks of factory car roof racks and luggage racks on vehicles, based on different trim package choices offered to buyers, SportRack's potential sales will increase even further. New contracts are reported for Nissan roof racks and several versions of Hummer roof rack systems.

SportRack reported that in 2004 it sold between 4 million and 4.5 million auto roof racks, which is about 50% of the market. SportRacks also opened a new factory in Greenwood, Mississippi in May 2004. Overall revenue in 2003 was reported to be $358 million. Industry analysts have previously published that SportRacks had annual sales of $329.8 million in 2002 and $314 million in 2001.

In addition to SportRack, AAS is comprised of SportRacks Accessory Group, a smaller division that manufactures bike racks, ski racks, snowboard racks, kayak racks and canoe racks for retail sale by auto dealerships, Valley Industries and Valley Automotive, which provide trailer hitches and related items to the automotive aftermarket in the U.S. and Canada and Brink, which sells trailer hitches and related items in Europe.

Lack of New York Bike Racks Makes Case for Legal Gathering of Critical Mass Participants

2005-01-10T14:56:00.000-08:00

The NYPD has lost another round in attempting to outlaw the ever popular Critical Mass organized bike rides, designed to raise awareness regarding transportation alternatives. U.S. District judge William H. Pauley denied NYC's request for an injunction preventing Critical Mass cyclists from gathering and riding without city permits.

Justification for the outlawing of the gathering rested heavily on the police department's claims that the group of riders broke city laws by illegally locking their bicycles to signs, lampposts and street fixtures. Transportation Alternatives' amicus curiae brief, however, effectively negated the police department's justification for seizing hundreds of bicycles that were locked this way. In its argument, Transportation Alternatives illustrated that there are 6375 miles of street in New York City and just 3400 bike racks, essentially making for one legal bike rack every two miles, or one legal bike rack for every 33 cyclists. In New York, TA argued, if a cyclist can't lock his bike to a lamppost, then he can't lock his bike at all. The argument led to the compelling argument that the NYPD is essentially arguing for the criminalization of cycling, and the case was summarily dismissed.

Yakima Universal MightyMounts Now Available for Most 2005 Carriers

2005-01-07T13:35:00.000-08:00

Yakima Racks has released its anticipated Universal MightyMounts, clamps that adapt factory roof racks, making them compatible with Yakima Racks gear carriers. Previously, Yakima Mighty Mounts were available in several different models and styles, each designed specifically for the many different types of car manufacturer factory roof racks. Additionally, in the past, Yakima divided them into Vertical Mighty Mount clamps for Yakima ski and snowboard racks and Horizontal Mighty Mounts for Yakima kayak racks, bike carriers and cargo baskets.

A Yakima company spokesman stated that the Universal MightyMounts work on most factory roof rack cross bars and are compatible with the following current gear carrier models for 2005: BasketCase, roof mount bike racks including the Cobra & King Cobra, Raptor, kayak racks including the HullRaiser, Mako Saddles, Land Shark, ski-snowboard racks including the LiftTicket 4, Lift Ticket 6, Powderhound and Big Powderhound. Older model Lockjaw, GT and Anklebiter bike carriers will also work. However, as with previous MightyMounts, the new Universal Clamp-Ons do not work with Yakima fork mount bike racks.

Yakima has established the manufactured suggested retail price (MSRP) at U.S.$40.00 and are available at all authorized Yakima Racks dealers nationwide.

Luggage & Bike Rack Equipped Buses Added to Ocean City, MD Fleet

2005-01-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Ocean City, Maryland Public Works Department announced it has new shuttle buses with bicycle racks attached to the front of each bus. A total of eight shuttles was added to the Ocean City fleet and will be used primarily on the route carrying passengers between the West Ocean City Park & Ride and the South Division Street transit center in downtown Ocean City.

Service is scheduled to begin at the West Ocean City Park and Ride in early May of this year. Passengers will now have the conveniences of a bus luggage rack inside each shuttle that offers a place to store beach chairs, coolers, boogie boards and other beach gear. The new bus bike racks on the front of each bus can also hold two bikes.

“We are pleased to offer these new features and we think passengers will find the service very user friendly,” stated Hal Adkins, director of the Ocean City, MD Public Works Department. The 35-feet long 2005 El Dorado National buses came with the luggage and bike rack accessories and were purchased through Chesapeake Bus & Equipment Co. in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Maker of Hummer Roof Racks to Add 60 Jobs

2005-01-03T13:18:00.000-08:00

Vehicle accessory maker, Amstar LLC, which is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, announced it will be adding 60 positions as it works to fulfill its GM contract. General Motors Corp. awarded Amstar with a deal to fabricate special accessory packages for the Hummer H2.

The accessory packages will include Hummer roof racks and enhanced audio and video systems and will be available through authorized General Motors Hummer dealers. Amstar, which began operations in December 2004, currently has 15 employees. Full production is expected to be reached in July of this year.

Trunk Bike Rack Used in VFGadgets' Camera Mount System

2004-12-31T11:46:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-29T17:54:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-27T17:04:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-24T16:11:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-20T13:27:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

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).

JAC Products Awarded Toyota Tacoma Roof Rack Business

2004-11-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

JAC PRODUCTS PRESS RELEASE
Leading designer, engineer and manufacturer of OEM roof racks for cars and trucks worldwide, JAC announced it has been chosen to design and manufacture an innovative new truck roof rack for the Toyota Tacoma 4-Door pickup truck. The multi-year contract takes effect in model year 2005.

The unique Tacoma swing-in-place roof rack is designed to store its cross bars within the side rails, so they're always ready for use. When cross bars are needed, each bar swings out at a 90-degree angle from its respective siderail, then locks into the opposite side rail. Cargo gear such as bike, ski, snowboard, canoe and kayak carriers, can then be secured to the truck rack. When not in use, the cross bars swing back into the siderails, for a significant potential reduction in wind noise.

According to JAC Racks Vice President of Marketing & Sales Don Munoz, "The swing- in-place roof rack for the Toyota Tacoma 4-Door pick-up truck is a unique life-style feature that adds real functionality and buyer appeal. It reflects the level of value-adding innovation that JAC provides for its customers."

About JAC Products
Founded in 1967, JAC Products, Inc. supplies the majority of original equipment truck and car roof racks on North American vehicles, including Audi, BMW, VW, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Land Rover, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota, and accounts for over half of category market share worldwide. Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures products in Germany, the U.S., Portugal, Argentina, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, JAC owns and operates Mont Blanc® (Sweden) and Paddy Hopkirk (England), which manufacture bicycle carriers and ski racks, plus component supplier Franklin Aluminum (Franklin, Georgia).

Saris Bike Racks Raises $20,000 for Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin

2004-11-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

More than $20,000 for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin was raised at a fundraiser organized by Saris Bike Racks and held at the Saris Madison, Wisconsin plant.

More than 300 people attended the event. Attendees were able to take self-guided tours of the Saris facility, where the bicycle carriers are assembled,while simultaneously browsing a silent auction of items from the bike industry and local companies including Planet Bike, Pacific Cycles and Trek Bicycles.

Highlighting the evening was professional cyclist Floyd Landis who answered questions and signed autographs. Landis also drew the name of the evening's raffle grand prize winner who scored a Trek Travel trip for two. "Our goal was to raise $10,000 for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin to help them lobby for the voice of the cyclist in Wisconsin," said Chris Fortune, Saris' president. "It truly speaks to the support of cycling in Wisconsin that we were able to double our expectations."

JH Partners LLC, Acquires Sport Racks Maker Bell Automotive

2004-11-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

JH Partners LLC, a San Francisco-based private equity firm, announced it partnered with management to acquire Bell Automotive Products, Inc. from Brentwood Associates, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, for approximately $60 million. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bell Automotive is a leading supplier of automotive accessories, including after-market sport racks for cars and other auto accessories.

"As a branded consumer products company with superior growth in a highly fragmented industry, Bell Automotive is a natural fit for JH Partners," said Hansen. "We're very pleased to partner with Terry Lee and Mary George, under whose leadership the Company's growth continues to outpace that of the industry."

The company will continue to be headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona with a distribution center in Des Moines, Iowa. The senior debt financing was underwritten by Harris Trust and Savings Bank and Harris' mezzanine fund, Harris Nesbitt Capital, led the subordinated debt financing for the transaction.

JH Partners has been instrumental in aiding the growth of powerful consumer brands, including Peet's Coffee & Tea, Bare Escentuals, Performance Bicycle Stores, Bell Helmets and Design Within Reach, among others.

UK Roof Boxes Retailer Halfords Reports Jump in Profits

2004-11-26T08:38:00.000-08:00

United Kingdom car roof box retailer Halfords has reported an 18 percent jump in first-half underlying profit and set an interim dividend of 3.7 pence per share in its first set of results since it floated in June.

Operating profits before goodwill and exceptional items at the group which sells, in addition to roof cargo boxes, alloy wheels, and child car seats jumped 18.3 percent to 46 million pounds.

After interest payments, pretax profit nearly trebled to 26.5 million pounds. Last year the firm was paying more interest as it was carrying much higher levels of debt before its flotation.

"This represents good growth," said Nick Bubb, analyst at Evolution Securities, who rates the stock an "add".

Analysts have said Halfords has a strong position in a growing market within the luggage-cargo roof box retail sector where competition is not as fierce.

Budget Rent A Car Launches Free Ski Rack Program

2004-11-25T07:17:00.000-08:00

BUDGET RENT A CAR PRESS RELEASE
Budget Rent A Car System, Inc. announced the launch of the Budget Ski Rack promotion, in response to a recent survey that indicates sixty two percent of people are planning a ski trip this winter. Now through April 30, 2005, in addition to normal unlimited mileage, customers can choose from one of the following offers:

* $50 off the weekly rental of a sport utility vehicle, plus a free ski rack.
* $25 off a compact through full-size weekly rental, with a free ski rack and a free upgrade.
* Up to $20 off a weekend rental of a sport utility vehicle, plus a free ski rack.
* Up to $20 off a compact through full-size weekend rental, with a free ski rack and a free upgrade.

This promotion is valid at participating Budget Ski locations in California, Colorado, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon and Washington and participating locations in Canada.

Don Banducci Speaks on the State of Yakima Racks

2004-11-23T13:34:00.000-08:00

The Times-Standard
http://www.times-standard.com/Stories/0,1413,127~2896~2551221,00.html

BAYSIDE -- In a palatial cabin-style, custom-built home nestled among pine trees, Don Banducci seems to be doing well.

With long and graying hair, a healthy family and a pack of hound dogs running around on hardwood floors, he is the perfect example of where capitalism, and sound business sense, can get a man.
And he got it in Humboldt County through Yakima, a company he and partners built around Humboldt County and its creative and isolated way of life. When Yakima Racks parent company Watermark cited the area's infrastructural limitations as a reason for its decision to relocate to Portland, Ore., Banducci wasn't buying it. The airport's limitations and an inability to attract talent to this area were high on the list of the company's reasons to move.

In 1979, Banducci and his business partner at the time, Steve Cole, bought a small manufacturing company out of Yakima, Wash. Over the course of the next 25 years, they fashioned a business that took Humboldt County's quirky quality of life, Arcata's artistic character and their own love of the outdoors and made it into a $25 million dollar a year business.

Yakima Racks featured a culture that was unique and relaxed in the business world. Upon entering their headquarters in Arcata, one was immediately knew this was no ordinary atmosphere. According to Banducci, their decisions weren't entirely based on the bottom line, but on making a good product and making a go of it in Arcata.

Yakima, by Humboldt County standards, was enormously successful, and they did it despite the infrastructural limitations of the area. They created good-paying jobs and brought a measure of wealth to a number of community causes they supported, all while staying true to their original vision.

"We wanted to give the product personality, give the company personality, create a culture," Banducci said. "It was live in Arcata, make a quality product, take what you do very seriously and try to take yourself less so."

Ultimately, though, in 1994, he and his partners sold the business to another company, Kransco.
"This house was in the middle of being built," Banducci said. "I thought I was going to be president for life, and entertaining people from all over the world as Mr. Yakima. Then all of a sudden, here we are garnering the company to sell. It was kind of a shock."

A shock because Kransco met an asking price that at the time seemed too good to pass up. That decision to sell, however, was followed by a measure of guilt. "I was seduced by the very thing I always believed wasn't important," he said. "So there's remorse there." Kransco has a penchant for making big money, and they turned Yakima from a decent-sized local company into a well-oiled roof rack-making machine that had doubled its profits and was ripe for purchase.

Kransco shopped Yakima around to many premier companies who made offers that approached and sometimes surpassed $70 million. Finally, Watermark came in late in the bidding process and paid what many close to the situation felt was way too much -- $91 million.

In seven years, Kransco had almost quadrupled its money by lowering costs and moving the company's manufacturing to Mexico, then selling it to Watermark. Since then, Watermark has struggled and not because of infrastructural issues, Banducci said.

Those can be a hurdle to business in Humboldt County, but they are not prohibitive, he said.
Recruitment issues for Watermark, Banducci said, stem from knowledge in the industry that the company isn't doing well, and from the way the company treats the people it means to hire.

"There's a stink on the company," he said.

There's large gaps in the leadership structure, and what remains essentially a strong brand in Yakima has been buried under the numerous other brands that have since been attached. There are dozens of examples of big businesses doing well in rural areas, like Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream in Vermont, Yakima until the late 1990s, Sun Valley Floral Farms and others. These companies made a commitment to stay in a place that was conducive to their culture and did so, Banducci said. "The major reason why Yakima as a brand was so successful was because of its culture," Banducci said. It appears now that Watermark is throwing that culture in the trash, he said.

"Yakima was this amazing confluence of people and energy and market timing, and I don't think anyone realized just how good we had it," Banducci said. "In our day it was a spiritual quest to make roof racks. We were going to make the world a better place through the manufacture and marketing and use of multi-sport bike racks, ski racks, canoe racks and kayak racks and everybody kind of believed in that. ... As soon as the guys at the top say that doesn't count for anything, you're cutting the legs out from under people and the only reason they're there is to collect a paycheck."

Thule Racks Turns to IBM for On Demand Services

2004-11-17T17:44:00.000-08:00

Thule Car Racks and IBM today announced that IBM has been selected to provide on demand services for The Thule Racks Group, the world's leading manufacturer of car rack carriers for cars.

As part of the agreement, to help ensure system availability and the safety of data, IBM will provide Thule Racks with a security-enhanced hosting solution, which includes collocation of Thule's hardware plus backup and restore services to help prevent loss of data and system outages. IBM will host IT infrastructure that runs Thule's Web site, a valuable asset to the company's business which features detailed product information, allows customers to purchase replacement parts and is an important marketing tool for the company.

"Thule Rack's Web site is a key sales channel for us and is the face of our company to much of the world," said Steve Doviak, marketing manager, The Thule Rack Group. "We are pleased to be working with IBM -- being with a reliable and stable hosting provider is critical to our company."

A growing number of customers are taking care of business without hiring IT staff or purchasing IT infrastructure, instead fulfilling their IT needs via on demand services. IBM on demand services help customers obtain IT management expertise and computing resources on a flexible and cost-efficient basis. IBM on demand services include security capabilities, computing capacity on demand, software as a service and desktop management. Most services are sold on a usage basis, reducing the upfront capital investment and freeing up financial resources for strategic growth initiatives.

"By selecting IBM's on demand services, Thule Car Racks is taking advantage of a reliable infrastructure so the company can focus on its core business," said Mark Morin, general manager, IBM Global Services. "IBM's experience in providing hosting services -- be it traditional collocation or computing capacity on demand -- provides customers with efficient and security-enhanced solutions to help them compete in the marketplace."

The Thule Rack Group is the world's leading manufacturer of load carriers for cars: rooftop boxes, roof racks, bike racks, kayak racks, canoe racks, ski racks and snowboard racks as well as snow chains and trailers. The Group's best-known brands are Thule Car Racks, Brenderup, König and Thule Rental. Thule has 1,600 employees at approx 20 production and sales units on all major automotive markets in North America, Europe and Asia.