Bauer Industries: Maybe You Don't Need an SUV

Cargo Boxes and Sport Racks Grow in Popularity

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 27 -- Amidst growing safety concerns, escalating gas prices and a litany of environmental issues, consumers and auto-makers alike are witnessing a reversal in the auto industry. As evidenced by the increasing number of smaller SUVs, wagons and hybrids, consumer attitudes are shifting from bigger to smaller. Full-size SUVs were even trumped at this year's North American International Auto Show, where the unofficial theme was "the year of the car." The number of fuel-efficient hybrid models available in the United States will more than double in the next year, from three to seven, with new entries coming from Toyota, Honda and Ford Motor.

One beneficiary of consumers' affinity toward smaller SUVs and wagons has been Sacramento based vehicle outfitter Bauer Industries. Bauer operates 15 Sports Rack stores in the Western U.S.; including eight in Los Angeles and San Francisco; three in Seattle; three in Denver; and one in Salt Lake City. Sports Rack carries name brands such as BVG (Bauer Vehicle Gear), Yakima and Thule, and they are the specialists in recreational sports racks and cargo boxes.

"We see a lot of customers in our Sports Rack stores who want the cargo space of an SUV, but don't want the price tag and gas mileage issues that come with it," commented Greg Bauer, CEO of Bauer Industries. "The storage capabilities of a cargo box allow the wagons and smaller SUVs to compete with the full-size SUVs."

Americans' obsession with all things big, including full size SUVs, coincided with the advent of the outdoors craze that emerged in the 90s. The two went hand in hand -- drivers needed charter bus sized vehicle to tow skiing, camping, fishing and paddling gear. But as 99% of SUV buyers are realizing that their off-road adventures will likely reside on-road, and that they can transport their gear with a cargo box, they're beginning to explore smaller, more economical transportation options.

Cargo boxes add anywhere from 11 - 21 cubic feet of storage space and attach to any vehicle roof in a matter of minutes. The perfect storage space for any sport, cargo boxes come in a variety of colors, sizes and models to fit any car or truck. Cargo boxes typically run between $180 and $500. For expert advice on price, selection and installation call your local Sports Rack Vehicle Oufitter at 1-800-RACK-USA or log onto www.sportsrack.com.