YAKIMA REVAMPS CARGO LINE WITH NEW SOLAR TECHNOLOGY AND RECYCLED COMPONENTS

LoPro SkyBox Features First Self-Activated Solar Light and 80% Recycled Plastic

BEAVERTON, Ore. (July 15, 2008) – Expanding upon its company-wide sustainability initiatives and Planet Payback program, Yakima, an innovator in vehicle racks for boats, bikes, camping, winter sports gear, and cargo boxes, will introduce the Yakima LoPro, a premium low profile SkyBox made of 80% recycled plastic featuring integrated solar light technology that will include the cargo mat and net for easy organization of gear. The integrated, self-activated solar light is the first of its kind in the cargo box category. Yakima will also unveil a new rendition of the classic RocketBox series, also made of 80% recycled plastic. All products will be unveiled at Interbike, September 24-26 in Las Vegas, booth #3935, and will be available at retail beginning early 2009.

“As a leading manufacturer of bike mounts, we are working hard to help pave the way in sustainability for the vehicle rack and cargo categories and will continue to expand upon these initiatives by constantly exploring new technologies and materials,” said Mike Steck, senior director of customer marketing and sustainability for Yakima. “These products give our eco-conscious cycling consumers a more sustainable way to carry gear.”

LoPro SkyBox
The LoPro Skybox is intended for consumers with tall vehicles, low garages and/or those looking for a low profile, space-saving solution. At 15.5 cubic feet, this cargo box, in a new metallic charcoal gray color, embraces the current popular aerodynamic design of the original SkyBox series, but features the SkyLight a solar-powered light manufactured by SolLight of Hood River, Ore., that automatically illuminates the SkyBox when opened for better visibility.

Consumers have enhanced ease of use and security with the SuperLatch™, a new ergonomic handle making its debut in the new LoPro SkyBox. In alignment with its Skybox Series, the LoPro includes the stiffest lid in the cargo box category, improving performance, security and durability. The LoPro features quick-install hardware with a universal fit on all crossbars and a pad to protect the base of the cargo box and the gear inside. Both the LoPro and SkyBox Pro series will now come with an integrated cargo mat and net for better gear security.

RocketBox 11, 15s and 16
This series of cargo boxes now has new mounting hardware and updated branding. A new naming system includes: RocketBox 11, RocketBox 15s and RocketBox 16 that reflects their sizing: 11, 15 and 16 cubic feet, respectively.

source: Jaclyn, CGPR Public Relations