MONTEBELLO, Calif. and FENTON, Mich., May 1, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aftermarket industry leaders Katzkin Leather, Inc. (Katzkin) and Webasto Product North America (WPNA) have announced the combination of their sales organizations. Katzkin is the largest provider of aftermarket interiors in the world, while Webasto is the global leader in factory-fitted (OE) and aftermarket sunroofs. Effective May 1st, the newly expanded Katzkin sales team is the single point of contact for both companies' product lines.
This combined sales force will provide the automotive aftermarket with an unprecedented level of sales and marketing support from a unified source. Restylers, as well as new car dealers, will also benefit from increased access to a larger range of complementary products and improved packaging options.
"While others in the automotive aftermarket are reacting to an economic challenge and reducing their levels of service, our two great companies have come together in a way that positions both companies for significant growth," said Michael Lee, General Manager, Car & Light Truck Division, WPNA.
"Katzkin and Webasto have been natural allies in the industry for years," said Brooks Mayberry, CEO of Katzkin. "The combined sales team will provide unparalleled service to the restyling industry."
The expanded twelve-member sales team, led by National Sales Manager Ron Leslie, creates the strongest, most experienced sales organization in the restyling industry. "Restylers will be able to grow their businesses as never before with the support of this world-class sales and marketing team," said Ron.
Collectively, WPNA and Katzkin have over 2000 authorized dealers servicing new and used car dealerships in the U.S. and Canada.
About Katzkin:
Founded in 1983, Katzkin is the industry's leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of custom leather interiors for automobiles and light trucks, offering more than 2500 interior patterns available through a network of over 2000 restylers throughout North America. Katzkin offers more than 100 colors, materials, and customization options, including perforation, embroidery, contrast stitching, piping, and two-tone color combinations.
The Katzkin Leather, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3037
About Webasto:
Webasto AG headquartered in Stockdorf near Munich has been a family-run business ever since the company was founded in 1901. It has about 6,400 employees at 50 international locations and is specialized in the Convertible, Roof & Body (CRB) and Global Comfort Solutions (GCS) business segments. With sales of around 1.6 billion euros (2008 business year) Webasto is one of the top 100 automotive suppliers worldwide. The company's core competencies include development and production of convertible, roof and body systems as well as heating, cooling and ventilation systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. You will find further information at: www.webasto.com