When two of the leading names in their respective fields join forces, then it can only mean benefits for the customer. When the two brands are Thule and Toyota, then expect big things.
Thule, the Swedish manufacturer of vehicle accessories, is well known for its range of vehicle-related products that are specially designed for the transportation of precious leisure equipment. In a new partnership, buyers and owners of Toyota’s extensive range of vehicles can have their vehicles kitted out with Thule’s wide range of high-quality vehicle accessories at their local Toyota dealer.
Toyota South Africa Motors recently launched a new Associated Accessory Products Programme and Thule’s range of cargo-carrying solutions forms part of this programme. This means that Toyota owners can have selected Thule accessories fitted to their vehicle at their local Toyota dealership before taking delivery of their new vehicle. These accessories can be financed along with the purchase price of the vehicle. Alternatively, these accessories can be fitted by Toyota’s highly trained technicians in the Toyota workshop at any point in the vehicle’s life.
“Partnering with SA’s top-selling vehicle brand allows Toyota customers to easily customise their vehicles to their exact needs with Thule’s range of vehicle accessories,” says Stuart Downey, General Manager, of SA Sport & Cargo, the official importer of Thule products.
“Furthermore, this partnership allows Thule to expand their local footprint in conjunction with Toyota’s extensive dealer network, ensuring that Thule products are now available for Toyota owners in every town and city in South Africa,” adds Downey.
To kick off this partnership and show consumers what can be done, Thule have kitted out two brand new Toyota Prados ahead of their first public showing at Nampo Harvest Day, taking place in Bothaville, on the 14 – 17 May.
“Nampo Harvest Day is one of the biggest agricultural shows in the southern hemisphere and gives us the opportunity to showcase our products to a different sector of the market on a vehicle that is highly anticipated by the South African public,” says Downey.
Thule’s extensive offering includes a wide variety, roof bars, rooftop cargo carriers, bicycle carrying solutions as well as options for aquatic gear such as kayaks and surfboards.
The two Toyota Prados on display at Nampo Harvest Day will be fitted with an assortment of Thule products, including the new Thule CapRock, Thule Epos and Thule Approach rooftop tent. The second vehicle will showcase Thule Evo Roof Racks, a Thule ProRide 598 Black and Thule Force XT Large roof box.
Thule has roof bars and foot packs available for all the vehicles in the Toyota range. These roof bars can accommodate a variety of accessories, ensuring safe transportation of leisure equipment.
Rooftop cargo carriers are ideal for bulkier items such as golf clubs strollers, cooler boxes and beach equipment, which are not necessarily heavy, but take up a lot of space.
Rooftop cargo carriers offer a number of advantages including the fact that they require no licensing or tow bar. In addition, a rooftop cargo carrier frees up the tow bar for other duties such as the fitment of a Thule bicycle rack or even a camping trailer or caravan.
Thule’s entire vehicle accessory range is completely secure, with well-developed latches locking the carrier as well as securing the accessories to the vehicle with a single key system.
Toyota’s Associated Accessory Products programme was born out of the need to offer Toyota Customers a one-stop shop for a range of accessories that allow them to customise their vehicles while also enhancing their lifestyles. The products that form part of this offering were stringently evaluated to ensure that they conform to Toyota’s high standards in terms of quality and durability. Thule products available through Toyota’s AAP programme include roof bars, roof boxes, and bicycle carriers.
