Cadillac Escalade Showcases Innovative Triathlon, an Accessories Package from Advanced Accessory Systems
8 August 2000
Cadillac Escalade Showcases Innovative Triathlon, an Accessories Package from Advanced Accessory Systems
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - A 2000 Cadillac Escalade, equipped with the
innovative SportRack Triathlon, a lifestyle vehicle accessories package
especially concepted by Advanced Accessory Systems, should satisfy even the most
avid outdoor adventurers and sportsmen. The novel roof-rack and hitch-mounted
systems and accessories from the SportRack Automotive division of Advanced
Accessory Systems (AAS) is being shown to attendees of the 2000 University of
Michigan Briefing Seminars taking place here, Aug. 7-12.
The Escalade, which also is equipped with the latest iteration of General
Motors' OnStar in-vehicle communications system, features a roof-mounted cargo
box, a white-water kayak carrier, and a specially designed hitch-mounted
platform that incorporates a two-unit bicycle rack.
Triathlon's cargo box features a new and unique mounting system that makes
it simple to attach and remove, taking only a few minutes compared with 30
minutes or more for conventional units, according to Robert Boulard, general
manager of the Accessory Group of SportRack. The cargo box is an AAS-European
design using clamps at each corner to make the operation "literally, a snap."
A conventional system uses a U-bolt, a steel plate, two washers and two knobs
at all four corners. Because the quick clamp boxes are so easy to attach and
remove, they need not become a permanent fixture during winter when they are
most frequently used, Boulard said.
The kayak carrier accommodates a single river kayak on its side. Like the
sport box, it is easy to install and remove. High-durability tightening
straps with metal buckles and protective rubber pads add stability.
To accommodate the cargo box and kayak, the OEM-installed AAS roof rack is
fitted with a third, detachable cross rail.
Triathlon's specially designed, hitch-mounted bed extender provides
additional cargo capacity and includes a two-unit bicycle carrier. The bike
carrier employs adjustable, independent clamps to secure the bikes, as well as
a lock knob. The system accommodates bikes with oversize upper bar and/or
angled-frame bikes. The adjustable, independent clamps also can hold skis,
making the carriers a good candidate for year-round use. Protective rubber
extrusions help protect bicycles and skis. High-quality, long-durability
round tubing avoids the arching characteristic of square tubing.
"While accessories are an important part of our business, our primary
customer is the OEM (original equipment manufacturer)," said Richard E.
Borghi, president and chief operating officer of the OEM business unit of AAS.
"The accessories complement the mounting systems, but what we end up with is a
full-service product array. Triathlon is an example of our continuous design
improvements to both the racks we supply to OEMs and to the accessories that
fit on those racks. In addition to making installation and removal of our
accessories easier, we have effectively reduced wind noise and eliminated
rusting found on other roof rack systems."
Recently, AAS' SportRack Automotive Division was presented with the
prestigious 1999 Supplier of the Year Award from General Motors. In making
the award, Harold R. Kutner, group vice president, Worldwide Purchasing and
North American Production Control & Logistics, said, "It is an honor to have
them (AAS) working with us. Their contributions to General Motors' overall
success are immeasurable. AAS is one of our best and brightest suppliers."
SportRack Automotive also received the coveted 1999 DaimlerChrysler Gold
Award which was presented to its Shelby Township facility, its fifth in row,
and to its Port Huron location for the fourth time in the past five years.
SportRack Automotive (SRA) is a world leader in the supply of roof rack
systems and lifestyle accessory products to the global OEM and aftermarket.
SRA has corporate offices in Sterling Heights, Mich., with North American
manufacturing operations in Port Huron and Shelby Township, Mich.; Hamar Bay,
Ont.; and Granby, Que. SRA's European operations are headquartered in
Sandhausen, Germany, and include manufacturing facilities in Bakov, Czech
Republic and Barcelona, Spain.
Formed in 1995, parent company Advanced Accessory Systems has become a
leading global supplier in roof rack systems, towing systems and related
accessories. Headquartered in Sterling Heights, Mich., the company has 2,200
employees in 23 facilities in 15 countries, and has annual sales revenue in
excess of $300 million.