All-New 2008 Thule 867 Tahoe Roof Bag and Thule 835PRO Kayak Rack Released to Nationwide Retailer

Montpelier, VT March 14, 2008 -- ORS Racks Direct, a leading provider of truck and car rack systems for commercial and recreational applications, announced today the 2008 Thule 835PRO Hull-a-Port kayak carrier and 2008 Thule 867 Tahoe cartop cargo bag are now available for immediate shipment to consumers nationwide.

Replacing the discontinued Thule 866 Escape II roof bag, the Thule 867 Tahoe bag ( image viewable at http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-867-tahoe-roof-bag.html ) is the first cartop roof bag to offer dual capacity options with a 15 cu. ft. capacity and an expandable 17 cu. ft. capacity, providing cargo volumes similar to plastic hard-shell cargo roof boxes. The Thule 867 Tahoe luggage roof bag also offers the most durable construction of any roof bag with water-resistant protection for any conditions encountered during car travel. Additionally, the Thule 857 Caravan roof bag ( image viewable at http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-857-caravan-roof-bag.html ) is also now shipping to consumers nationwide and is the first roof bag available to the public that is made with environmentally friendly PVC-free materials. The Thule 857 Caravan luggage gear bag offers a 13 cu. ft. cargo volume and is durably constructed for years of protective use in nearly any foul weather conditions encountered. The Thule 857 Caravan replaces the discontinued Thule 856 Nomad bag.

In the kayak carrier category Thule Racks has made significant new improvements to it’s j-cradle style kayak racks. The Thule 835PRO Hull-a-Port ( image viewable at http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-835pro-hull-a-port-kayak-rack.html ) features an innovative new mechanism that allows the cradles to fold flat when not in use, eliminating any overhead clearance issues that occasionally occur with j-cradle style kayak racks. Additionally, a more aerodynamic and steamlined appearance is achieved through the fold down capability of the Thule 835PRO Hull-Port kayak rack. Additionally, the all-new Thule 835XTR Hull-a-Port ( image viewable at http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-835xtr-hullaport-kayak-rack.html ) is now available to consumers nationwide. Athough no fold-down capability is built into this model, the 835XTR is designed to be compatible with even more kayak shapes and styles than the discontinued Thule 835XT Hull-a-Port kayak carrier it replaces.

“We are very excited to see such fantastic innovations in many of Thule Racks new products offered for 2008. And the very popular kayak rack and cartop soft-sided luggage roof bag categories include products with some of the most dramatic improvements,” remarks Catherine Case, Consumer Relations and Sales Coordinator, ORS Racks Direct. “The dual cargo volume capacity and even more water-resistant and rugged construction of the Thule 867 Tahoe bag most certainly means an even larger segment of consumers will choose the roof bag as their luggage gear transport method of choice. And of course we are thrilled to see the fold-down capability of the new Thule 835PRO Hull-a-Port. The only real negative aspect of j-cradle style carriers has traditionally been the fact that the cradles awkwardly stick up when not in use. Thankfully, the Thule 835PRO kayak rack eliminates this drawback.”

About Thule, Inc.
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. The Thule Racks product line features multi-purpose roof racks, hitch and roof top cargo baskets, bags & boxes, rear mount racks, and accessories for transporting outdoor equipment including bikes, skis, snowboards, fishing rods, 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 Yakima Racks and Thule Racks, the company offers high quality truck rack, bicycle rack, snowboard-ski 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 cartop soft-sided roof bags is available for review at http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-boxes-luggage-racks-cargo-baskets.html. And the complete line of Thule kayak racks is available for review at http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-canoe-kayak-racks.html.

Contact Information: General Inquiries, ORS Racks Direct, +1-802-229-2893.

Contact Information

Catherine Case

Consumer Relations Dept.

ORS Racks Direct

Contact via E-mail