Automotive Aftermarket Enjoys Continued Growth, Strengthens Economy

SAN DIEGO, May 7 -- After the events of September 11 shook our nation's foundation and shocked our sensibilities, it rocked our country's financial structure. While the government did its best to restore our sense of security, it also raced to shore up our economy. Interest rates to their lowest point in 40 years and mortgage rates dipped accordingly, but the segment that caught America's attention was the automobile industry.

The automobile industry was able to do what other industries could not; they moved Americans to spend money. With the big three, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and GM, offering 0% financing, Americans reached into their pockets and spent their money on cars and trucks. Sales of vehicles and their related aftermarket accessories, though lower than previous record year totals, held ground and gave the U.S. economy a shot in the arm.

Light trucks are the nation's #1 seller with many consumers adding $1800-$2500 worth of aftermarket accessories within 90 days of purchase.

According to research by Frost & Sullivan, North American light truck accessories market generated $1.59 billion in 2000 and steady growth is projected to continue with revenues reaching $1.89 billion by 2007. As in recent years, the U.S. market for sprayed-on bed liners is particularly promising. Sprayed-on bed liner sales are expected to grow annually by an average of more than 10 percent for several years.

Rhino Linings USA, Inc. is the market leader and has seen a dramatic increase in the number of dealerships during the last quarter of 2001 and the first half of 2002.

"Businesspeople everywhere are seeing the advantages in becoming a sprayed-on lining dealer and the profit potential," said Founder and CEO Russell Lewis. "Either as a stand-alone or add-on business, the sprayed-on bed liner industry is a winner."

As the market leader, Rhino Linings has installed over one million of America's bed liners. Rhino Linings has over 800 retail dealerships and industrial/commercial accounts in the world, providing consumers with convenient access to the world's #1 sprayed-on lining.

"SEMA studies show that the same percentage of people leasing vehicles as those purchasing vehicles install bed liners, roughly 42 percent. It is a win-win situation any way you look at it," said Lewis.

Founded in 1988, Rhino Linings pioneered sprayed-on polyurethane linings in this country to protect trucks and numerous other surfaces from abrasion, impact, chemicals and corrosion. For more information, visit our website at www.rhinolinings.com or one may call (800) 422-2603.