| Many truck buyers don't just think about what they | | | | anywhere on the tracks. |
| can do with their vehicles, they think about what they | | | | The rails enable the use of an overhead utility rack; a |
| can do to them as well. | | | | sliding diamond-pattern toolbox; a sliding bed divider; or |
| That's the word from automotive experts who say | | | | two diamond-pattern side storage boxes. What |
| that accessorizing vehicles has become a top priority | | | | makes this system unique is that these accessories |
| for many truck owners-whether that means adding | | | | can use either the upper or lower rails, allowing |
| alloy wheels, a souped-up engine or something as | | | | numerous combinations that can easily bypass one |
| simple as backseat DVD players for the kids. | | | | another as they slide along the rails. And if that's not |
| In fact, the Specialty Equipment Market Association | | | | enough flexibility and security, the system was also |
| reports that vehicle personalization has become a $34 | | | | designed to work with both hard and soft tonneau |
| billion annual business, with light trucks representing | | | | covers-also accessories. |
| more than $10.6 billion. | | | | For those who need the added protection of secured |
| Now truck buyers can even find vehicles designed | | | | storage, all tool boxes feature a "codeable lock," |
| specifically with customization in mind. For instance, the | | | | enabling only the vehicle key to lock and unlock the |
| new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup | | | | accessories. |
| trucks had accessories designed specifically for them | | | | Wheels |
| by the automaker's dedicated accessories design | | | | Truck owners can choose from a selection of six |
| staff. The automotive company says it moved | | | | stylish 20-inch wheel designs available in a chrome |
| forward with this design approach because it | | | | finish. Each wheel is offered with a matching tire that |
| recognized that giving customers more choice at the | | | | has been designed specifically for full-size pickup |
| time of vehicle purchase was key to their satisfaction. | | | | trucks using the company's Tire Performance Criteria |
| "It's all about individual choice-from the MP3s we listen | | | | system. A wheel-theft protection system is offered as |
| to and the cell phones we customize to the streaming | | | | well to help protect your investment. |
| video we watch," says Nancy Philippart, executive | | | | Personal Appearance |
| director, GM Accessories. "People expect to have | | | | For many, appearance is everything. When it comes to |
| what they want, the way they want it. Why should | | | | trucks, owners have a seemingly endless array of |
| vehicle buyers expect anything less?" | | | | choices available from Chevrolet and GMC to match |
| So what are the hot accessories for truck buyers? | | | | the look of their vehicle to their personal style. Truck |
| Here's a closer look: | | | | buyers can load up on chrome-wheels, grilles, door |
| Innovative Cargo Management | | | | handles, mirror caps, tow hooks and more. Chrome |
| Truck owners who need cargocarrying capabilities | | | | tubular assist steps add style and functionality. And |
| always have to choose between "flexibility" and | | | | drivers looking for a sporty look and sound can opt for |
| "security." For example, storage boxes that are | | | | single and dual "cat-back" exhaust systems that look |
| securely bolted in place aren't very flexible. So | | | | and sound cool. |
| Philippart's firm took a unique approach to designing a | | | | Range of Accessories |
| cargo management system for their full-size pickups. | | | | Additional accessory products include bed extenders, |
| The new system is comprised of three rails that run | | | | bed protectors, hood protectors, electrical features and |
| the length of the box sides and the forward box wall. It | | | | more. In all, there are over 100 unique accessories |
| incorporates upper and lower tracks, and includes four | | | | available to personalize Silverado and Sierra full-size |
| adjustable tie-down brackets that can be located | | | | pickups at the dealers. |