Thule and LEER, a brand of pickup truck caps and tonneaus, have formed a strategic partnership where Thule will be the exclusive supplier of roof rack products for LEERs line of fiberglass truck caps. The companies will also cross-promote each other through their websites, collateral materials, and other marketing efforts. Thule and LEER will launch their partnership at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
“LEER is the undeniable leader when it comes to truck caps, and together we will provide truck owners with the best solutions for transporting their gear safely, easily, and in style,” said Fred Clark, President, Thule Inc. “Active families need the capabilities of todays pickup trucks for work and play and a Thule-equipped LEER truck cap gives them the ability to take all their cargo, sports equipment and other gear along with them no matter where they go.”
“Thule is more than just a car rack company, they are an innovative leader who understands our customers and our business,” said Bruce Freeman, President, Truck Accessories Group. “Thule racks fit perfectly with our ongoing campaign to encourage truck cap purchasers to gear up their LEER. We look forward to the retail appeal and brand strength Thule brings to our product line.”
Effective November 1, 2005, Thule will be the only factory installed rack systems offered for the LEER line of fiberglass truck caps. In addition to a basic rack system of Top-Tracks, foot packs, load bars and locks, Thule Accessories will be included in popular LEER Special Edition packages. Early in 2006, consumers will also be able to add Thules new Rapid Aero load bars, Castaway fishing rod carrier and Quest rooftop bag, to their made to order LEER cap. LEER Distributors will also be able to offer their retail customers popular Thule accessories at their retail locations.
Thule will be promoting truck caps on its website as an ideal way to increase a trucks cargo capacity while enabling the user to take full advantage of Thules multi-sport roof rack systems. Thule also plans to outfit some of their Envoys who travel the country conducting retail training and supporting consumer and retail sales events with new vehicles outfitted with LEER caps.
Both companies offer industry leading warrantees. Thule Inc. announced earlier this year that they will be offering an industry leading Lifetime Warranty program on all its products beginning in January, 2006.
The addition of a Thule roof rack system to a LEER cap, gives LEER cap buyers a wide range of options for carrying cargo, luggage, sports gear and other loads on top of the cap, while reserving the space inside the cap for items that require shelter from the elements or need to be stored out of sight.
