Thule's sales increase during the first nine months 2005 increased by 9.9% to SEK 2,384 million ($306.7 mm) versus SEK 2,170 million ($289.9 mm). Organic, currency neutral growth was 6.3%. Operating profit before one time charges increased by 5.3 % to SEK 313 million ($40.9 mm)compared to SEK 297 million ($39.7 mm)last year.

During the third quarter Thule acquired Swedish horse trailer manufacturer Star Industrier. The acquisition of Omnistor Accessories NV, Belgium, during June received clearance from the German anti-trust authorities during October.

Thule's European Trailer division increased sales from SEK 438 million ($58.5 mm) to SEK 559 million ($73.0 mm), an increase of 28%, adjusted for the acquired growth of Star an increase 21%

Thule experienced continuous positive development in key European car accessories markets driven by good sales in the rooftop box and rear mount carrier segments. Sales rose by 18.5% from SEK 729 million ($97.4 mm) to SEK 864 million ($112.8 mm).

North American sales are “back on growth” based on good performance in the Sports channel and successful implementation of profit improvement program. The company formed a new division Automotive Accessories combining the Group's car rails business and the OES operations within Division Europe/Asia. Omnistor sales consolidated from July into Group sales

Thule's CEO, Anders Pettersson said “The past summer season has proven the competitiveness of Thule's business model. Based on strong innovation capacity and broad distribution patterns we have seen substantial organic growth in all business segments”, comments CEO Anders Pettersson. “Especially the sales increase in our Trailer division year to date with close to 30% is far beyond the annual plan. My compliments to the divisional management team that has been successful with its initiatives along the entire supply chain”, Anders Pettersson continues. “Our North American operations have seen strong growth in their main sports channel while the automotive segment is still a disappointment”, adds Anders Pettersson. “Our European Car Accessories business continues to deliver in line with expectations”, Anders Pettersson concludes.