SEMA 2002: SportRack Automotive Showcases Innovative Accessory Designs

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Oct. 23, 2002; SportRack Automotive (SRA) will be introducing the inclusion of several new versatile accessory items into its already diverse line of multi-sport lifestyle accessory products at the SEMA 2002 Show in Las Vegas November 5-8. These products, which will be manufactured at the SportRack Accessories facility in Granby, Quebec, include some that have been developed internally at SportRack and several which have been acquired through an agreement process with two highly- respected suppliers.

Two of these innovative developments were acquired in an agreement with Let's Go Aero -- the Twin-Tube(TM) and Smart-Pack(TM) (formerly identified as Triple-Play(TM)). "SportRack is in a continual search to add products to our line that enhance consumer satisfaction. Both of these products will add significantly to the ease of transporting cargo (from bikes to camping gear) to new destinations," said Richard Borghi, president and COO of SportRack Automotive.

The Twin-Tube provides a receiver-mounted carrier frame and spine system which easily accommodates the mounting of a variety of accessory attachments -- thus eliminating the need for installing separate mounting hardware each time the need for a different type of carrier arises. One such carrier is the Smart-Pack, which can be used as a platform base, a bicycle carrier, or an enclosed cargo-carrying space. The Smart-Pack attaches to the hitch system to offer an option for carrying bicycles or bulky items that do not fit into the vehicle's available interior space or into a more traditional cargo box carrier. SportRack Automotive now holds exclusive OEM and aftermarket rights to the Twin-Tube and has exclusive OEM rights to the Smart-Pack technology.

Another exciting product being displayed in the SportRack booth at SEMA this year is the Flip-Step(TM), an invention of Nu-Tec Designs, LLC. SportRack Automotive has secured exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute this product in a recent agreement with Nu-Tec Designs. "Mounted to the vehicle's hitch system, the Flip-Step provides a practical solution to the issue of reaching items mounted on a vehicle's roof rack or within its truck bed or rear storage area," Borghi states.

The Flip-Step is available in three sizes depending upon vehicle, and in addition to the actual step, each Flip-Step is equipped with a third LED brake light and running light. Installation is designed to be consumer friendly, with the step sliding onto the hitch receiver and a plug which fits into the existing trailer wiring to connect the lighting features.

Other products being featured at SEMA 2002 include the 2EZ and 4EZ Bike Rack(TM), a new Upright Mount Bicycle Carrier, a Fork Mount Bicycle Carrier, the 2600 Series Roof Box which comes four models for varying cargo needs, and the A25300 Roof Box which is UPS-able and utilizes accessory wheels to enhance its ease of transport.

Visit SportRack Automotive at Booth #20311 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Knowledgeable staff will be on hand to assist you in exploring these innovative accessories as well as other existing items in the SportRack product line.

SportRack Automotive is a world leader in the supply of roof rack systems and lifestyle accessory products to the automotive OEM and aftermarket. SRA has corporate offices in Sterling Heights, MI, with North American manufacturing operations in Port Huron, Shelby Township, and Sterling Heights, MI; Williston, VT; Hamer Bay, Ontario; and Granby, Quebec. SRA's European operations are headquartered in Sandhausen, Germany, and include manufacturing facilities in Bakov, Czech Republic and Barcelona, Spain.