February 24, 2004

By: Stanley Bartley
Website: http://www.1st-in-cars.com

Category Leader Introduces Pick-up Truck Kayak Carrier and Rooftop Bag

Thule US is introducing the GoalPost and the Escape at the 2002 SIA show, two products driven to production by consumer request. As a category leader, Thule has always strived to please the consumer. Now two of the most requested products will be available this spring. Creating solutions for carrying customers gear is always the focus, so selling it as new might be taken the wrong way let, hey, we have customers! I'd sell it more as our ongoing commitment to product development.

Our customers challenge us every year to push the envelope on innovation, says TJ Hanson, Director of Marketing at Thule. This was the year for Thule to expand their line of pick-up truck carriers and to offer a rooftop storage option beyond the box.

Thule has created a solution to a long time problem. Until now, kayak and canoe carrying has been a hassle for short SUVs and pickup trucks. This May, Thule will introduce the GoalPost, the only canoe and kayak carrier that can extend the carrying platform for pick-up trucks and SUV's. This hitch-mounted carrier provides a rear mounted load bar for easier transportation of canoes, kayaks and long loads on vehicles equipped with 2 receivers.

The GoalPost is easily adjusted with a telescopic design for different size trucksproviding a level platform for all items. The GoalPost also includes a 58” Thule load bar for attachment of Watersport carriers. Two load stops provide extra load stability and the GoalPost works seamlessly with Thule's new Half-Packs for setting up the front load bar. An anti-wobble design keeps the GoalPost snug in the receiver.

A growing trend in roof top carriers is the rooftop bag. This May, Thule will introduce the Escape, Thule's first freestanding bag designed to attach directly to aftermarket or factory installed racks. The Escape provides the capacity and quality of a Thule roof box, but can be folded in its own stuff sack for easy storage.

Its design includes an exclusive foam-insert construction that helps maintain the bag's shape for easier packing and a cleaner look. The Escape's weather-resistant construction includes double-walled PVC coated nylon, storm flaps with Velcro fasteners, exclusive weather resistant sewing and PVC taped seams. Large internal mesh pockets conveniently store smaller items while heavy-duty rubber molded handles allow for easy bag handling. We need to mention target market for this product -Condo owners, city dwellers- their benefit is easier storage of the carrier and easy removal of the carrier.

Thule US is the only U.S. manufacturer of all major car rack products roof, hitch and strap racks, and boxes. Thule recently increased its product warranty to five years, making Thule the only leading manufacturer with a warranty over three years.

About The Author:

Stanley Bartley is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com.  Great car accessories and parts plus financing, insurance and leasing tips.