Toyota to Offer First OEM Application of DPS System

    LAS VEGAS, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Demonstrating the company's commitment
to take vehicle cargo management to a new level, Cequent (a TriMas company)
introduced at the SEMA Show here today the next generation of its Dual Port
System(TM) (DPS(TM)), which was specifically designed to meet the active
lifestyles and cargo-carrying needs of today's consumers.
    Reese Products, one of the brands within the Cequent family, has been
selected by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. as the DPS hitch supplier for a
future vehicle.  This hitch is a unique design that will include a traditional
hitch and two additional patented ports that will support the new cutting-edge
DPS system.  The two additional ports provide an extremely stable platform
that will be complemented by the new DPS modular accessories.  These unique
accessories have been designed and patented based on a modular concept.  The
initial modular system will include a heavy-duty tray, a weatherproof 17 cubic
foot Bumper Pack(TM) and a four-bike carrier.  The DPS hitch can be pre-
installed or installed by the dealer.  The DPS modular accessories will be
sold and installed through Toyota dealers in North America.
    "There's simply no other system quite like it.  The second-generation Dual
Port System offers superior strength, stability, versatility and flexibility
in a rear-mounted cargo management system," said John Smart, president of
Cequent Towing Products.  "It's easy to install and use, offers easy access,
accommodates almost any kind of cargo and adds truck-like capacity to almost
any sport utility vehicle, minivan or passenger car.  Active consumers we've
shown it to love the DPS system."
    As part of its continuous improvement efforts and commitment to offer
best-in-class products, the company conducted research with automakers and
consumers to drive the product design process for the next-generation system.
According to Smart, customer clinics and focus groups indicated consumers
value the DPS system's lower loading height and easy access to cargo, as
opposed to the loading/unloading hassles and potential safety issues
associated with traditional roof-mounted systems.
    To meet customer demands for strength and security, the DPS cargo harness
features unique wide-stance, flat dual-attachment ports, which provide
enhanced cargo stability.
    Being offered through OEM channels, as well as the retail market in the
second quarter of 2003, the DPS system is engineered and manufactured to meet
rigid OEM automotive standards.
    The standard retail DPS system features a sturdy steel cargo harness,
one-piece steel supports and a rugged removable plastic cargo tray offering an
8.4-square-foot (50.5" x 24") load area and a 250-pound load rating.  A range
of adapters and cargo harnesses -- including models with a towing hitch --
enable the DPS system to add cargo capacity and versatility to most popular
North American sport utility, minivan and passenger car models.
    Available accessories for the DPS system include:
    * a tail lamp kit;
    * an audible back-up sensor kit;
    * optional locking aluminum support brackets that enable the cargo tray to
      be stowed in a fold-up position on the vehicle when not being used; and
    * a wall-mounting bracket for storing the system when not in use.
    Cequent also offers the DPS Bumper Pack cargo carrier, which is a weather-
resistant, lockable, high-density plastic unit offering a load rating of 180
pounds and providing protection from the elements for up to 17 cubic feet of
cargo.  This secure footlocker-type unit can be removed and carried by
consumers to take needed items indoors or to the beach, campsite or other
locations.  It can be used to haul a wide range of items, including holiday
gifts, inline skates, power tools, food supplies, golf clubs, scuba gear and
even dirty clothes.
    To provide quick and easy access to the vehicle's rear hatch or trunk
while the Bumper Pack carrier is mounted, an optional feature enables the
carrier to swing away from the vehicle.
    Research showed that, in addition to convenience, consumers value
functionality and flexibility in a cargo management system.  To enable
consumers to easily reconfigure the DPS system for different uses, Smart said
the company is exploring a wide range of specialized lifestyle-oriented
accessories to carry almost any kind of cargo, such as:
    * a ski/snowboard carrier;
    * a tailgate package;
    * a marine package; and
    * an electric lift/wheelchair package.
    In 2003, Cequent is introducing a rear-tray bike carrier accessory.
    Plymouth, Mich.-based Cequent, a TriMas company, is a newly formed
operating group that comprises market-leading towing, trailer and cargo
management products and accessories.  The group replaces the Transportation
Accessories Group of companies and consolidates into two business units --
Cequent Towing Products and Cequent Trailer Products.
    Drawing upon a 75-year-old heritage of superior towing and trailer brands
-- Draw-Tite, Reese, Fulton and Wesbar -- Cequent's vision is to become a
global, world-class manufacturer, marketer and distributor by broadening and
strengthening its product portfolio through one face to the customer; a common
set of principles, values and focused resources; and a platform for growth.
    Through strong organic growth and focused global acquisitions, Cequent
plans to increase its base business fourfold by 2004.  The company currently
employs approximately 1,100 associates.

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