CORRECTING and REPLACING Focus on Revenue Growth: Frost & Sullivan's Updated Light Truck Accessory Aftermarket Research Service

PALO ALTO, Calif.--Sept. 16, 2004--Please replace the release due to multiple revisions dated Sept. 15, 2004 with the following corrected release.

The corrected release reads:

FOCUS ON REVENUE GROWTH: FROST & SULLIVAN'S UPDATED LIGHT TRUCK ACCESSORY AFTERMARKET RESEARCH SERVICE

The number of light trucks in the North American vehicle parc is expanding, providing aftermarket manufacturers with a larger base of vehicles to accessorize.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.transportation.frost.com), strategic analysis of North American Light Truck Accessories Aftermarket Update, reveals that the generated estimate manufacturer-level revenues in this industry totaled $1.26 billion in 2003 and projects to reach $1.55 billion by 2010.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end-users and other industry participants an overview of the latest analysis of the North American Light Truck Accessories Aftermarket Update, send an e-mail to Melina Gonzalez - Corporate Communications at melina.gonzalez@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, fax number and e-mail. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you via e-mail.

"As long as the number of light trucks being added to the total vehicles in operation remains consistent or rises, it is expected to continue to ensure aftermarket growth," says Jasmine Sachdeva, Industry Manager for Frost & Sullivan's Automotive Aftermarket Group. "Initial end-user trends indicate that the best time to capture end users is within 30 to 90 days of a light truck purchase."

The intensely competitive light truck accessory aftermarket in North America has about 35 key and over 150 minor participants. Of these, three to four companies control over 70 percent of revenue share by individual market segment. To stand out in such a market, manufacturers have to focus on differentiation in marketing, sales, quality, and manufacturing efficiencies. By becoming distinct, manufacturers will be able to take advantage of available opportunities.

As long as participants -- especially the traditional ones -- can counter the impact of the aftermarket styling adoption by vehicle manufacturers, the market is likely to remain strong. Traditional participants have to exhibit innovation in technology, design, production, and marketing to stay ahead of the revenue curve. "They are also trying to diversify revenue by offering units at original equipment service locations," observes Sachdeva.

Enhanced marketing and growth capabilities coupled with strategic leadership have become critical tools for companies striving to increase growth and profitability against a backdrop of shifting marketplace conditions. As an added value Frost & Sullivan encourages one-on-one interaction between client and consultant via this service.

North American Light Truck Accessories Aftermarket Update is part of the North American Automotive Aftermarket (9801) subscriptions, which also includes market insights on the North American Wheel, and the North American Tire Aftermarket. Frost & Sullivan's strategic analysis service provides an update of the key metrics of the North American light truck accessories aftermarket. The study is segmented into drop-in and spray-on bedliners, running boards and steps, hard and soft tonneaus, hood shields, grille and brush guards, side wind deflectors, toolboxes, and side rails and bed rail caps. The research focuses on the unit shipment, revenue forecasts, and distribution structure and market share analyses for all these segments. Executive summaries and interviews are available to the press.

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been supporting clients' expansion for more than four decades. Our market expertise covers a broad spectrum of industries, while our portfolio of advisory competencies includes custom strategic consulting, market intelligence and management training. Our mission is to forge partnerships with our clients' management teams, to deliver market insights, and to create value and drive growth through innovative approaches. Frost & Sullivan's network of consultants, industry experts, corporate trainers and support staff, spans the globe with offices in every major country.

North American Light Truck Accessories Aftermarket Update

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