'Getting Your Gear on the Road' - TriMas Launches New Line of Bike Carriers, Other Cargo Management Accessories

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Nov. 4, 2003 -- TriMas Corporation's Cequent operating group is taking cargo management to the next level ... again. In keeping with its commitment to provide "Products for the Life Enthusiast," Cequent Towing Products has launched a new line of vehicle bike carriers that not only transports bikes but also enables towing of a trailer, boat or personal watercraft.

Cequent is showcasing its products at the SEMA Show this week in Las Vegas at booth 32415.

The bike carriers will be sold under the towing industry's market-leading brands of Draw-Tite(R), Reese(R) and Hidden Hitch(R). All of the bike carriers feature a rugged steel construction with a contemporary round-tube design to accommodate today's wide range of bike frames and enable easy loading. Each rack includes Kraton cushion pads with additional grooves to provide cable relief and prevent scratches to the bike finish.

To complement the standard two and three bike models, the Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch brands will feature additional models and options, including the "XP" line of bike racks. The XP represents the ultimate in bike transportation -- featuring individually adjustable cradles, a locking knob for extra security and a reversible shank to accommodate 1 1/4-inch or 2-inch receivers.

Additional models will be featured to provide a bike carrying solution for virtually any condition. These include a bike rack with a towing mount, a tire mount rack for vehicles with a standard rear spare tire carrier and a carrier designed specifically for use on bumpers of recreational vehicles.

Additionally, Cequent Towing Products is proud to announce a new line of custom bed rail caps to further enhance the truck owning experience. These custom-molded and durable plastic caps -- featuring vacuum-formed contouring and easy, no-drill installation -- are designed to protect the top-rail of pickup trucks when hauling cargo. With a textured finish for scratch resistance, the black bed caps are an attractive addition to almost any truck. In addition to the two-piece side rail kit, the front bed and tailgate protector can also be added for a complete protection and appearance package.

These new product line additions follow Cequent Towing Products' recent release of its next generation Dual Port System(TM) (DPS(TM)). This unique and patented two-port cargo management system is designed to provide superior versatility and cargo space to a vehicle. An alternative to the traditional single hitch, this system favors the consumer who demands versatility and space without a need to tow.

The DPS modular system features a variety of accessories including a heavy-duty cargo tray, a bike carrier and the Bumper Pack(TM). The Bumper Pack represents the ultimate in enclosed cargo management -- featuring the highest level of protection from inclement weather, high winds and theft.

These new cargo management products are the latest in the line of product innovations from Cequent Towing Products, which is comprised of the industry's premium brands of Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch. These brands continue to set the benchmark in quality, innovation and performance, while focusing on a single vision of being the world's top supplier of "Products for the Life Enthusiast."

Plymouth, Mich.-based Cequent, a TriMas company, is an operating group that is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of accessories for light trucks, sport utility vehicles, recreational vehicles, passenger cars and trailers of all types. Products include towing and hitch systems, trailer components and accessories, and electrical, brake, cargo- carrying and rack systems. The group consists of five operating units: Cequent Towing Products, Cequent Trailer Products, Cequent Consumer Products, Cequent Electrical Products and Cequent Australia.

Cequent draws upon a 75-year-old heritage of superior towing and trailer brands -- Draw-Tite(R), Reese(R), Fulton(R), Wesbar(R), Bull Dog(R), Hidden Hitch(R) and Tekonsha(R). Cequent employs approximately 2,070 associates. For more information, visit www.cequentgroup.com .

Headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., TriMas is a diversified growth company of high-end, specialty niche businesses manufacturing a variety of products for commercial, industrial and consumer markets worldwide. TriMas is organized into four strategic business groups: Cequent Transportation Accessories, Rieke Packaging Systems, Fastening Systems and Industrial Specialties. TriMas has nearly 5,000 employees at 80 different facilities in 10 countries. For more information, visit www.trimascorp.com .