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Market for SUV and Truck Accessories Driving PickUps Plus' Growth

27 September 2000

PickUps Plus, Inc. - $30+ Billion Market for SUV and Truck Accessories Driving PickUps Plus' Growth

    MASON, Ohio--Sept. 26, 2000--PickUps Plus, Inc. (OTCBB:PUPS), a leading retailer of truck and SUV accessories, announced today that it is expanding its franchised operations into California.
    The company plans to open its 10th nationwide retail location in San Francisco in late October. California, as the most populous state, represents one of the most lucrative geographic market areas in the $30+ billion market for sports utility vehicle (SUV) and light truck accessories.
    PickUps Plus sells all major brands of popular pick-up and SUV accessories and features quality name brands such as Westin, DeeZee, Lund, GTS and Deflecta-Shield and hundreds of other manufacturers to match every make and model of vehicles from General Motors , Dodge/Jeep , Ford and all leading imports. PickUps Plus also installs almost everything it sells, onsite.
    "We are looking forward to the introducing countless truck and SUV owners in Northern California to the best products and accessories on the market today," says John Fitzgerald, president and CEO of PickUps Plus. "Like many buyers across the nation, purchasers of SUVs and pick-ups in and around San Francisco are anxious to personalize and customize their vehicles so that they don't look like every other assembly line truck on the road. Our competitive advantage is that there are very few retail outlets to turn to for higher-end customized truck accessories. And, we are the first to offer top of the line products in a clean and friendly atmosphere."
    PickUps Plus has been expanding under its aggressive franchise plan, seeking new locations with high potential nationwide. Currently, PickUps Plus owns and operates three corporate stores, while overseeing six franchise locations in seven states.
    PickUps Plus is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the tremendous growth in the sale of new light trucks and SUVs. The market for truck accessories continues to climb with the explosive growth in truck sales. Market research from Ford Motor Company reveals that 90% of truck and SUV owners purchase after market accessories for their vehicles, spending an average of $1,600 within the first three months of purchase.
    Year to date, trucks have represented 52.6% of total North American passenger automotive production. In addition, four out of the five top selling vehicles in the U.S. are trucks or SUVs as well. PickUps Plus knows that every one of these truck owners is another potential customer for their stores or e-commerce site (www.pickupsplus.com), where online shoppers can choose from tens of thousands of after market automotive parts and accessories.