Thule Racks Terrapin Hitch Mount Cargo Box Released and Available Through Retailers Nationwide

Montpelier, VT (PRLEAP) March 27, 2005 — ORS Racks Direct, a leading provider of truck and car rack systems for commercial and recreational applications, announced today that the company is featuring the all-new Thule Racks 684 Terrapin Cargo Box ( image available at http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-684-terrapin-hitch-mount-cargo-box.html ) as part of its 2005 line-up of cargo boxes it markets to consumers for their specific luggage and cargo gear transport needs. The company describes the Terrapin as a major break-through in cargo and luggage carrier transport because it attaches to a vehicle's rear hitch instead of the roof rack, which until now, was the only option consumers had available to them in installing and mounting cargo boxes to their trucks, vans and cars.

"The Thule Terrapin Hitch Cargo Box is Thule Racks response to much feedback from consumers and retailers who voiced growing frustrations with accessibility issues to roof mounted cargo box systems on taller vehicles such as trucks, SUV's, 4WD wagons and minivans," stated Catherine Case, Consumer Relations and Sales Coordinator, ORS Racks Direct. "We have learned from Thule Racks that the 684 Terrapin is the result of extensive design and engineering innovations on behalf of Thule's award winning staff of product engineers. Finally, they have devised an innovative and easily accessible cargo storage carrier that attaches to a vehicle's rear 2 inch hitch instead of to a car roof rack like conventional roof boxes. So many of our customers have expressed grief at having a hard time reaching the gear they carry in a box on their roof."

Several additional features that Thule Racks has included in the 684 Terrapin are the ability of the cargo carrier to swing-away from the rear of the vehicle, allowing users to quickly gain access to the rear of their vehicles; an internal cargo management system that allows users to easily organize their gear; Pre-wired tail lights for safety and highway standards compatibility; Full system security with an advanced lock cylinder and key included. Box dimensions are 50.25" x 24.25" x 23.5" with a carrying capacity of 13 cu ft, 165 lbs maximum cargo weight. The Thule Racks minimum suggested retail price is $529.00.

About Thule, Inc.
Thule, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Thule Holding AB, which is owned by the Swedish investment company EQT. Founded in 1942, Thule develops, manufactures, and markets car rack systems for vehicle owners worldwide. Thule Racks is the only major United States manufacturer of car and truck rack products, with 90% of Thule U.S. products produced in the company’s Chicago, Illinois and Seymour, Connecticut facilities. Thule’s product line features multi-purpose roof racks, hitch and roof top cargo boxes, rear mount racks, and accessories for transporting outdoor equipment including bikes, skis, snowboards, kayaks, canoes, and surfboards.

About ORS Racks Direct
ORS Racks Direct is a privately held company specializing in comprehensive sales and service of car and truck rack systems. Representing the industry's most respected manufacturers, including Thule Racks and Yakima Racks, the company offers high quality truck rack, bike rack, ski-snowboard rack, canoe-kayak rack and sailboard-surfboard rack solutions for vehicle rear hitch and trunk mount, roof rack mount and pickup truck mount applications. The company has been providing consumer sales for over three decades to the U.S. market through multi-channel outlets that include store front, internet and phone sales.

Their full line of Thule Cargo Boxes is available for review at http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-boxes-luggage-racks-cargo-baskets.html. For more information on the complete line of Thule Racks offered visit http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-racks.html

Contact Information: General Inquiries, ORS Racks Direct, +1-802-229-0893. http://www.orsracksdirect.com