Yakima Streamlines Dealer and Retailer Experience with New Options

Reinforcing its commitment to provide “sweet and easy” vehicle fit solutions for consumers and retailers, Yakima, an innovator in vehicle racks for boats, bikes, camping, winter sports gear, and cargo boxes has refined its multi-sport base system solutions, providing consumers new options for carrying bike, boat, snow and cargo products simultaneously. The RailGrab Tower replaces six SKUs, giving dealers a streamlined offering at retail, while providing consumers with a simple product that fits both flush and raised factory side rails. Integrating with Yakima’s Control Tower, the Landing Pad 11 provides a sleek fit by attaching to factory hard-points which exist on many high-end vehicles currently on the market and are the future trend for many auto manufacturers. Both products will be unveiled at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, August 8-11 in Salt Lake City, Utah, booth #32084, and will be available at retail beginning early 2009.

“These products facilitate easier selling and purchasing decisions,” said Mike Steck, senior director of customer marketing and sustainability for Yakima. “By reducing the SKU count and increasing the product functionality, we are giving retailers better choices, while enabling consumers to get outdoors quicker to the activities they love.”

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RailGrab Tower
The RailGrab Tower replaces six current SKUs including the LowRider, Locking EZ Rider, LowRider Max and three claws. Consumers with both raised and flush side rails will now be able to fit their vehicles with a single tower. Currently, no other rack provider offers this option without using multiple SKUs. A configurable claw with an integrated tool adjustment raises and lowers the height of the tower to fit the side rail and anchor to the bar to preserve the setting.

Landing Pad 11
The Landing Pad 11 is a multi-fit base enhancing Yakima’s ability to fit the numerous current and future vehicles with factory hard points. In addition, the Landing Pad 11 will also fit premium vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes, Range Rover and Saab not previously on Yakima’s fit list. The Landing Pad 11 is easily installed, fitting directly to the factory hard points and integrating with the Control Tower for enhanced stability, durability and effortless removal when not in use.

About Yakima
Yakima is a world leader in the design and manufacture of destination hardware and gear management solutions. Committed to providing rack solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, Yakima’s products include vehicle racks for bikes, boats and ski and snowboard gear and a line of cargo boxes and bags for a variety of needs. Yakima Products is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. For more information, visit www.yakima.com.


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