LAS VEGAS, NV (SIA SHOW) Jan 29 - Feb 2, 2002 — Thule US understands that to be the best it is essential to continually stay on top of innovation and improvement. For 2002, Thule's Mountaineer, Frontier and Excursion boxes all received significant upgrades for enhanced performance and cross bar compatibility.

"We are always looking at ways to improve and develop our products," says TJ Hanson, Director of Marketing at Thule. "Thule's Mountaineer, Frontier and Excursion boxes are three of our best selling boxes and we have come up with some innovative ways to make them even better."

All three boxes receive the new and improved Quick Mount Hardware (QM-3), a super-strong, stamped steel clamping system that delivers an even more secure fit to the vehicle. The QM-3 is easier to install and fits a wider variety of bar sizes. New vibration damping material has been added for even better shock absorption and noise reduction.

An all-new dual force strut has been added that allows for easier box loading and unloading, providing 2" of additional lid opening clearance. By improving the strut, all three boxes have improved stability and are easier to use.

The Mountaineer and Frontier have also been upgraded for optimal box positioning. Both boxes receive an additional mounting hole that enables the user to move the box further forward to avoid rear gate contact with the back of the box. The more flexible box positioning that is possible with the additional mounting hole provides for a more balanced appearance of the box on the vehicle.

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.

Thule, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Thule Holding AB, which is owned by the Swedish industrial investment company EQT. Thule develops, manufactures and markets load carrier systems for car owners worldwide and is the only US manufacturer of all major car rack products. Its product line features load carriers, roof boxes and accessories for outdoor equipment including, bikes, skis, snowboards, kayaks, canoes, and surfboards. Thule production facilities are located in Sweden, England, Germany, Poland, and the United States. Today 90 percent of product for Thule US is produced in the company's Seymour, Connecticut and Chicago, Illinois facilities. In the US, Thule's multi-purpose roof racks, roof top boxes and rear mount racks are sold to over 4,000 sporting goods retailers country-wide. Since the company's founding in 1942, the Thule brand has developed into an international market leader, with approx. 95 percent of sales going to over 40 countries outside Sweden. For more information on Thule, visit www.thule.com.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff