Single-Side Release Roof Rack designed by JAC Products Reduces Cargo-Loading Time and Aggravation

PONTIAC, MI - If you’ve ever struggled to adjust a rooftop cargo rack … especially when you’re in a hurry to get on the road … you understand the benefit of a roof rack with crossbars that can be fully released and adjusted from either side of the vehicle.

The Single-Side Release Roof Rack, developed and patented by JAC Products (Pontiac, MI), a leading designer and manufacturer of original-equipment roof racks, is featured on the new 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. Crossbar repositioning is completed by simply pulling up on the latching lever on either side of the crossbar and moving the bar to the desired position, making adjustment smooth and hassle-free compared to conventional racks.

The new Santa Fe, now available at Hyundai dealerships, is built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC, a $1.1 billion, 2-million square-foot manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Alabama, that opened in 2005.

“The JAC Products team introduced a very clever mechanism that releases both ends of the crossbar with a single ‘one-finger’ operation. It’s a unique feature that will be demonstrated during most ‘walk-arounds’ in the dealership showroom,” said Mike Nino, Product Planning Manager, Hyundai Motor America. “The rack’s design blends very well with the sleek Santa Fe styling. It’s simple, elegant, functional and very imaginative.”

Brian Henderson, New Business Development Manager, JAC Products, added: “The Santa Fe design strongly emphasizes function and convenience. The crossbars move smoothly on bearings, eliminating the annoying ratcheting affect that makes some conventional rack designs sluggish and hard to adjust.”

The side rails and the crossbars are both extruded aluminum with a gloss black, polyester powder coat finish. Cargo-carrying capacity for the roof rack is 220 lbs, providing a strong platform to support a wide range of accessories, including bicycle and ski rack accessories from Mont Blanc® (a subsidiary of JAC Products).

JAC Products is manufacturing the Single-Side Release Racks for Hyundai’s North American market, with licensees building the rack product for Europe, Asia and other markets. The Santa Fe is the first Hyundai SUV to be built in North America, and only the second vehicle produced at the Alabama facility.

Other JAC Product innovations since 2000 include articulating roof racks, gas-assist injection-molded side rails, stowable cross bars, and the industry’s first hydroformed roof rails.

About JAC Products
Founded in 1967, JAC Products Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of original equipment roof racks, supplying vehicles worldwide. Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures products in the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and the U.K. Additionally, JAC owns and operates Mont Blanc® (Sweden) and Paddy Hopkirk (England), which manufacture bicycle and ski racks; plus component supplier Franklin Aluminum (Franklin, Georgia). For more information, visit the company’s website at www.jacproducts.com.

Photo Caption:
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe with the Single-Side Release Roof Rack designed and manufactured by JAC Products.

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