Archives: Press Releases

STOCKHOLM (September 18, 2023) – Houdini, the Swedish circular sportswear company committed to sustainable innovation since 1993, is expanding its circularity platform, opening the first retail concept of its kind on September 28 in Stockholm’s premier shopping district. Customers may choose how they access their garments, including renting apparel, subscribing to garments, as well as purchasing new, second hand or exclusive remade pieces and trading in garments for other Houdini pieces – all at one venue. In addition, ahead of Climate Week NYC and fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris, Houdini CEO Eva Karlsson is again asking attendees of these events to join her in “Live Large with Less” minimizing one’s wardrobe in an attempt to fight overconsumption.

First launched in 2022, the “Live Large with Less” program challenges people to downsize their wardrobe, focusing on finding joy in owning less. Houdini Circle facilitates this vision by putting the user and their needs at the center of the retail experience. With support from the Boston Consulting Group, Houdini is establishing a new business model with a pricing structure reflecting these in-store options. In order to highlight the user benefits rather than just the sustainability elements of this initiative, this store concept is reflected in a creative campaign asking people to, “Get rid of your ex; Find the love of your life; or Date someone new every week” referencing the Houdini apparel.

“With the world gathering in New York City to discuss the urgent climate crisis and the fashion world descending on iconic cities, we must bring circularity front and center and set an example,” said Karlsson. “If we truly want to change our industry, we have to provide alternatives to the current state, and make sure these alternatives are accessible to everyone. We have provided rental and repair services and second-hand sales for more than a decade. With Houdini Circle, we bring this concept to consumers at one venue, giving them the autonomy on how they want to access, shape and curate their wardrobes. This is a critical and reimagined business model that we hope to expand globally.”

As part of its offering, Houdini Circle is debuting the first outdoor apparel subscription service, enabling users to sign up for seasonal groupings and swap items in store. Timed to coincide with the fall, winter, spring and summer seasons, the cost for a monthly subscription is between 450-700 Swedish SEK ($40 to $65) per month. The starter subscription includes a base package of a jacket, a midlayer and bottoms. Subscribers may add more pieces to increase their subscription. Houdini hopes to launch the subscription service in the U.S. in 2024.

The launch of Houdini Circle coincides with Karlsson’s attendance of Climate Week NY, where she will participate in a number of events in panels including the Action Speaks Summit, the Mastercard Roundtable Global Optimism on Sustainable Consumption and the Stage of Impact Mastercard Talk.

“The point of Houdini Circle isn’t to make maximum profits, but to create value for all of our stakeholders,” continued Karlsson. “That is what our business is about. Sustainability and good business go hand in hand. This initiative is no exception. We hope to expand this concept to other global markets after an additional testing period.”

About Houdini

Houdini is an odd band of friends from Sweden on a quest to reimagine the future of circular sportswear. Ever since the start in 1993, Houdini has challenged the norms of the outdoor industry, as a company led by women, as innovators of sustainable design and as pioneers of circular business models. Ultimately, Houdini wants to enable and inspire people to reconnect to nature.

 

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(Sep. 18, 2023) — In partnership with Outdoor Industry Association and Outdoor Alliance, The Conservation Alliance (TCA), a coalition of businesses invested in protecting wild places and outdoor spaces, is organizing a six-figure ad buy targeting lawmakers in the nation’s capital, as well as key states such as Colorado and Nevada, to mobilize support for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Public Lands Rule.

The goal of the campaign is to elevate the voices of the outdoor and adjacent industries to ensure that the Biden Administration and BLM finalize the Public Lands Rule. The BLM developed the Public Lands Rule to bring much-needed balance to how it manages 245 million acres of public lands — more than any other land management agency. These public lands are home to world-class outdoor recreation opportunities, invaluable cultural resources, critical habitat, and are crucial to combating climate change.  Despite their incredible value, the majority of these treasured lands have been left unprotected. The proposed BLM Public Lands Rule is an opportunity to ensure that the BLM prioritizes a management framework that promotes conservation and human-powered recreation amongst its other core uses.

The buy is the largest in TCA history. The ad, We Are Rec Nation, highlights the 170 million Americans that visit public lands annually, and the $862 billion dollar economic impact the outdoor industry has on our economy each year. It calls on President Biden and the BLM to conserve more of our public lands.

“The time has come to put conservation and recreation on an equal playing field with other uses on our Public Lands,” says Shoren Brown, Vice President of Public Affairs at The Conservation Alliance. “This rule is good for folks who like to get outdoors, it’s good for our environment, and it’s good for business. That is why we are taking our message to DC this week, with more than 30 business leaders from across the county, to send a clear message to President Biden that it’s time to finalize the BLM Public Lands Rule.”

To learn more about TCA and the BLM Public Lands Rule, visit conservationalliance.com.

About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries from outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – take bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $30,000,000 in grants and helped protect over 81 million acres and 3,580 river miles, remove or halt 37 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves.

conservationalliance.com

 

 

 

Wake Forest, N.C. (September 18, 2023) – New running sock brand Jogology is available now exclusively at Run specialty retailers throughout the U.S. Jogology founders Tanya and Bert Pictor and Luke Rowe created the brand to provide a high quality product as well as grow the running community in meaningful ways.

Over the coming weeks, Jogology will debut in more than 60 retail doors across the U.S., with an initial focus on the South East. “ With the utmost commitment to run specialty, the team has an approach of under-promising and over-delivering when it comes to inventory availability.  We will be rolling out our presence as we are comfortable with our inventory levels and the ability to supply our customers,” says Rowe.

Jogology socks are engineered for supreme running comfort, resembling the construction of running shoes by securing the heel and midfoot while allowing flexible toe movement. These socks boast a second-skin fit, featuring arch support massage bands to reduce excess fabric and create moisture management between the foot and shoe.  A soft knit ankle rib band minimizes pressure marks, and a protective area covers the large toe for added comfort. Crafted using 200 needle machines and sustainable, recycled re-driTM yarn, these socks offer durability and softness. Mesh panels enhance aeration, and anatomical shaping ensures a proper fit for each foot. With three cushion levels (low, medium, and high) catering to runner preferences, Jogology socks retail for $16 MSRP.

Low Cushion – These socks fit like a second skin and feature a flat knit coverage on the big toes for added protection.

Medium Cushion – With a lush cushioned heel and toe, these socks have no cushioning around the midfoot area, plus a unique cushion coverage on big toes for added protection.

High Cushion – Feature a luxurious cushioned sole and these socks have a cushioned arch support band for additional comfort and a unique cushion coverage on the big toes for added protection.

Jogology places great importance on embracing the chance to run and discover the world. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Jogology aims to function as an environmentally responsible enterprise, making eco-conscious decisions across all facets of its operations. Key sustainability initiatives encompass the utilization of advanced yarn crafted from reclaimed materials and sustainably sourced wood pulp, the integration of recycled polyamides for weaving and design, the adoption of packaging crafted from recycled paper sourced from post-consumer waste, and a deliberate avoidance of plastic in packaging, except for white products to maintain the pristine appearance of white socks.

Jogology is dedicated to prioritizing the interests and growth of their valued retail partners. This unwavering commitment underscores the company’s ethos, where fostering strong and enduring partnerships is at the core of their business strategy. It reflects a shared vision for prosperity, where both Jogology and its partner retailers thrive in unison, creating a symbiotic relationship that drives the brand’s continuous growth and success.

To find a store and to learn more about Jogology, please visit https://jogology.com/.

About Jogology

Jogology™ is a performance running sock brand made by runners, for runners. One unique design, one sustainable moisture-management yarn, all the bells and whistles you need to perform at your best. Our socks provide comfort, performance and value all in equal measures. They’re designed to help you go the distance, whatever that may be for you. Partnering with and supporting organizations that reach out and connect with the running community is a key pillar of this new brand. Our aim is that Jogology™ becomes a vehicle for all runners, each with their own unique social interests, to be able to reach out and connect where it matters to them most. To learn more about the brand, please visit: jogology.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Park City, Utah, Sept 18, 2023 – The Rossignol Group, a world leader in mountain sports equipment, is pleased to announce the following promotions and new additions to the Rossignol Nordic division: 

Jeff Courter, previous Nordic category manager for North America, has been promoted to Global Technical Product Manager for the Nordic division. In this new role, Courter will be based from the Group’s global headquarters in St-Jean-de-Moirans, France and participate in the global development of Rossignol’s Nordic collections as well as emerging and adjacent new categories for the Group. With over two decades of experience across Nordic, Running, and Outdoor categories, Courter brings vast experience in terms of product development and commercial viability across global markets.

Replacing Courter as the Nordic category manager for North America will be Evan Pengelly. Pengelly began his journey with the Rossignol brand in 2006, serving as both a tech rep and a competitive Nordic athlete. Evan went on to become US Nordic Race Manager from 2015-2019, and again from 2021 until August 1^st of this year when he officially assumed his new role as the commercial and category lead for the North American market.

A new addition to the Group, Foss Kerker has been hired in the joint role of Nordic Race/Product Coordinator for the US market and will be based in Park City, Utah. Kerker grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he raced with the Loppet Nordic Racing Team. He then went to race collegiately at Colby College and trained with the BSF program in Bozeman, Montana.

In Canada, Etienne Letondeur will continue in his role as Nordic Race Manager after beginning with the Group in June of last year. Born and raised in France, Letonduer has been immersed in Nordic skiing for as long as he’s been able to walk. After relocating to Whistler, British Columbia in 2012, Etienne began coaching biathlon, and currently still serves as the head coach for the Canadian Biathlon Training Center at the Whistler Olympic Park.

Also continuing in his support for the brand and Nordic category in Canada is Jacques Vincent. An almost 30-year veteran of the Group, Vincent has been instrumental in growing the Nordic business throughout his tenure with his involvement in Nordic competition, regional and global product development, and finally driving strategic commercial growth as Nordic sales manager in Canada. As Vincent continues his transition into “retirement” he will consult and support both commercial and category leads, Denis Leclaire, WSE Sales Director, Canada, and Pengelly, on a seasonal basis.

GROUP ROSSIGNOL: The Rossignol Group, headed by Vincent Wauters, manufactures and markets a broad range of mountain sports and outdoor equipment and apparel. The Group and its brands provide a continuous, year-round experience accompanying consumers in every moment of sporting effort and leisure, from elite-level athletes to amateurs, from the mountains to the city. The Group’s global headquarters is located in the French Alps near Grenoble with five different industrial sites across western Europe (Sallanches, Nevers, Saint Etienne de Saint Geoirs, Artès, Montebelluna) and a U.S. headquarters in Park City, Utah. The Group houses a strong portfolio of complementary brands: Rossignol – the iconic mountain sports and lifestyle brand including Alpine, Nordic, and Snowboard, Bike, Apparel and Footwear categories; Dynastar – the specialist ski brand; Lange – the iconic specialist ski boot brand; Look – the long-standing premium manufacturer of ski bindings; Risport – the reference for ice-skating; Kerma – specialized in ski poles and technical equipment; and Dale of Norway, an iconic Norwegian brand known for its high-quality wool-based knitwear. Each has built their own unique identity and draws their inspiration from the mountains. Rossignol is majority owned by Nordic Private Equity fund Altor since 2013.

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 14, 2023) — PHANTOM Glide, the permanent, single-application base treatment for skis and snowboards, has expanded its sales team to include national sales and tech rep, Justin Greenbaum. Greenbaum, who brings both sales and tuning experience to the team, will focus on expanding PHANTOM Glide into new markets and growing partnerships across the ski and snowboard industry.

PHANTOM Glide is a patent-pending polymer technology that uses microscopic short-chain compounds to penetrate and diffuse into the unstructured sections of ski and snowboard bases. After just one application, PHANTOM Glide provides increased glide for the lifetime of the ski and possesses no environmental harm.

“Ski resorts everywhere have been waking up to the fact that traditional fluorinated wax has been adding untold amounts of forever chemicals to precious watersheds for decades and there is a huge appetite for a better way to do things,” says Shaun Spacht, product and sales manager at PHANTOM Glide. “PHANTOM Glide provides that way forward with regards to sustainability and ease-of-use and we’re seeing consumers embrace the change.”

Currently, PHANTOM Glide base treatment is sold at over 150 locations worldwide, including dealers in Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand in addition to North America. PHANTOM Glide has also strengthened its distributor relationships in Europe by working with ET-Marketing, Ellis Brigham, Roxee, Ultimate Nordic, and Outback97 to ensure top tier service and product availability throughout the region. PHANTOM Glide’s popularity has grown with both individual consumers and ski areas that are using the treatment more widely on large fleets of rental skis. For instance, Aspen Skiing Company has partnered with PHANTOM Glide since 2018 to use the treatment on its high-end rental fleet of skis as part of the company’s commitment to removing forever chemicals from the local Roaring Fork River watershed.

“We’ve seen a groundswell of momentum for the PHANTOM Glide brand, which we always knew was possible given the unique and revolutionary product that it is,” says Spacht. “To capitalize on that momentum, we’ve invested in the PHANTOM Glide sales team by bringing on Justin so that we can expand distribution and bring even more consumers along with us on our journey towards better performing and more sustainable ski and snowboard bases.”

To find an authorized PHANTOM Glide dealer, please visit www.dpsskis.com/pages/dealer-locator. For sales inquiries, please contact Shaun Spacht at shaun.spacht@phantomglide.com.

For more on PHANTOM Glide, visit www.dpsskis.com/collections/phantom-glide. For media inquiries, please contact account manager Ryan Silven at ryan.silven@rygr.us.

About PHANTOM Glide: 

Developed by a team of expert chemists and material science engineers, PHANTOM Glide’s patent-pending formula creates a hydrophobic environment that offers three undeniable benefits. First, unlike topical wax, PHANTOM Glide is only applied once and permanently alters the chemistry of ski and board bases to improve baseline glide for the life of the product. Second, PHANTOM Glide offers consistently fast on-snow gliding performance across a broad range of conditions and temperatures. Third, and most importantly, PHANTOM Glide is made up of non-reactive chemical functional groups that are both inert to the environment and safe to those applying it. For more on PHANTOM Glide visit dpsskis.com/phantom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEATTLE, Wash. (Sept. 14, 2023) – Cascade Designs, the parent company of MSR, Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, SealLine, PackTowl and VARILITE, announced today the hire of Minor Harris as its new Vice President of Human Resources. Harris will be joining the brands’ Reno, NV. office and will be responsible for leading the people and culture strategy across the organization.

Harris brings more than twenty years of experience to this critical role at Cascade Designs and was most recently the Head of People and Culture at the Washington-based aerospace manufacturer, Korry Electronics. Harris is a seasoned HR leader who is passionate about creating a work environment that maximizes employee’s strengths, inspires hard work and celebrates success.

Harris will oversee all facets of human resources, helping to assure that the right people are in place to develop, design and manufacture Cascade Designs’ wide range of award-winning outdoor recreational products.

“We are excited to welcome Minor to the Cascade Designs team,” said Paul Connolly, President of Cascade Designs . “Minor’s long history in developing a winning culture in a number of manufacturing companies will be a great asset as we look ahead to the future of the brands.”

“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to work for Cascade Designs,” said Harris. “My passion for developing a positive company culture while making market-leading outdoor recreation brands is an incredible opportunity. I am looking forward to helping Cascade Designs attract, retain and reward the diverse and talented workforce we need to live out our mission and achieve our goals.”

Harris will be responsible for the strategic development and promotion of the Cascade Designs people-centric culture and will help attract and retain a diverse and talented team across the company. In addition, he will assure that the company has the right level of training and development for their team members as well as the appropriate level of compensation, benefits and support.

For more information about Cascade Designs, please visit: https://www.cascadedesigns.com.

About Cascade Designs^®

For 50 years, Seattle-based Cascade Designs, Inc. and its brands, Therm-a-Rest®, Mountain Safety Research® (MSR), Platypus®, SealLine®, PackTowl® and VARILITE, has led the outdoor industry in designing innovative, useful and long-lasting equipment, manufacturing the majority of products in their Seattle, WA, and Reno, NV, U.S.A. and Cork, Ireland facilities. From the original self-inflating Therm-a-Rest® camping mattress to the first multi-fuel stove from MSR®, Cascade Designs has developed leading products that explorers, travelers, adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts and weekend campers can rely on to deliver optimum performance in the outdoors through exceptional engineering and quality. For more information, please visit: www.cascadedesigns.com.

 

COSTA MESA, Calif. (September 14, 2023) – 5.11 Tactical, the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, has announced the release of its new Mission Ready™ Dog and AROS K9 Collections. Designed for active and working dogs, and their handlers, these all-new collections feature harnesses, leashes and collars that prioritize functionality, durability and comfort.

“We have a goal to offer dependable gear that our customers can trust for all aspects and missions in their lives and that lives up to our Purpose-Built Gear™ motto,” said 5.11’s CEO, Francisco J. Morales. “That goal, in addition to customer requests and feedback, led to the design of these new products that customers can depend on when they’re joined by their K9s, whether that’s for a weekend adventure or an active patrol.”

The Mission Ready™ Dog Collection was created with active dogs in mind and is highlighted by the Mission Ready™ Dog Harness ($45). Built with lightweight 330D nylon, a padded chest panel and adjustable straps, it was designed to offer comfort for any dog. Meanwhile, a low profile quick-release buckle, dual V-ring attachment points, a grab handle and a MOLLE loop panel offer added convenience for users.

Dog owners seeking a dependable collar can look to the Mission Ready™ Dog Collar ($20). It’s constructed with nylon webbing, a low-profile Duraflex® side release buckle and an aluminum V-ring for leash attachment that combines to offer long-lasting reliability.

The Mission Ready™ Dog Collection is rounded out by two great leashes. The Mission Ready™ Modular Dog Leash ($35) is built with 1” Nylon webbing and a tubular webbing bungee system with a metal swivel hook for added flexibility and up to 7 feet of length. It can be used in handheld or waistband configurations with a padded handle and side release buckle that attaches to an accessory loop.

The Mission Ready™ Dog Leash ($30) offers 5 feet of 1” Nylon webbing with a metal swivel hook for attachment. A padded neoprene handle, accessory loop and secondary handle are incorporated to create added comfort and capabilities.

The AROS K9 Collection was built with input from professional K9 handlers to ensure functionality and reliability in even the most demanding situations. The AROS K9 Harness ($150) features a low-profile and minimalistic design that allows a free range of motion for K9s while the padded chest panel and adjustable straps distribute weight evenly to reduce strain and provide a comfortable, secure fit. Durability is ensured by nylon webbing with reinforced construction, a metal V-ring and an AustriAlpin COBRA® buckle. Additional features include a lay-flat grab handle for maximum control and a removable loop ID panel.

In addition to a harness, the AROS K9 Collection offers the AROS K9 Collar 1.0” ($70) and the AROS K9 Collar 1.5” ($80). Both options feature rugged construction with durable nylon webbing and reinforced stitching and AustriAlpin COBRA® buckles. The AROS K9 Collar 1.0 offers a D-ring attachment point while the AROS K9 Collar 1.5 includes a metal V-ring for attachment. Additionally, the AROS K9 Collar 1.5 is designed with a lay-flat grab handle for maximum control from a minimal profile.

To learn more about the Mission Ready™ Dog and AROS K9 Collections or to shop its offering, visit www.511tactical.com.

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About 5.11, Inc.

With offices around the globe, 5.11 works directly with end users to create Purpose-Built Gear™ to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who live the Always Be Ready® lifestyle. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

5.11, Inc. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).

5.11, 5.11 Tactical, Always Be Ready, and Purpose-Built Gear™ are trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

Marblehead, Mass. (September 14, 2023) – Trerè Innovation, a global leader in sustainable technical Italian apparel, footwear design and manufacturing from Asola, Italy, today introduced TITICI handmade bikes in the U.S. Since its inception in 1961, the TITICI factory has stood as a pinnacle of Italian cycling excellence, bringing together time-honored craftsmanship, materials, and state-of-the-art innovation. TITICI provides a diverse range of bike models, including road, gravel, mountain, e-mountain, and e-gravel bikes designed for the evolving needs of today’s cyclists.

TITICI’s proprietary Plate Absorber Technology (PAT) has an 8 MM crossbar that has a specially shaped horizontal tube that tapers off to become a single sheet of carbon. As a result, vibration is reduced by up to 18%, for greater comfort and safety, without altering the rigidity required to ensure reactivity and racing performance.

“TITICI bikes are engineered with precision and a strong attention by the most talented craftsmen and women in the world,” said Marco Redini, Trerè Innovation CEO. “The success of TITICI throughout Europe prompted us to bring the brand to the U.S. so that others can enjoy the style, technology and benefits of the engineering of TITICI bikes.”

TITICI provides cyclists with a custom-made experience, tailoring each bike to its owner. Its frames are tailored to body measurements, ensuring a cycling journey that aligns to each individual. Cyclists can customize their bike choosing their paintwork for a personal experience.

U.S. Team

Steve Thomas, has 30 years of experience in the bike and boating industries, has joined TITICI as U.S. sales manager. Prior to TITICI, Thomas worked with Jamis Bicycles, Jamestown Distributors, Parlee Cycles, and Laserperformance.

“As cycling grows in the U.S., I have no doubt that consumers will welcome TITICI with open arms,” continued Redini. “TITICI handcrafted bikes have a blend of new technologies and functional artistry, uncommon in the U.S. marketplace. We look forward to introducing TITICI to U.S. cyclists.”

TITICI is actively looking to establish dealerships across the United States. Please reach out to Steve Thomas for more information.

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About TITICI

TITICI handmade bikes, founded in 1961, is a testament to the timeless fusion of Italian craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation in the world of cycling. With an unwavering commitment to personalized excellence, TITICI offers bespoke frames that redefine both aesthetics and performance, providing cyclists with an unmatched journey on or off-road.

About UYN, a Trerè Innovation Company

Trerè Innovation was founded in 1950 in Asola, Italy producing only technical stockings by Luigi Redini, father of today’s CEO, Marco Redini. Today, it is respected for its next generation sustainable technologies in design and manufacturing. The company’s Academy for Research and Engineering in Apparel and Sports (AREAS), its 38,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art testing facility, enables Trerè Innovation to engineer best-in-class fabrics, subjecting them to the toughest tests in a climate wind tunnel, a rain room and a cold chamber.

In 2018, Trerè Innovation introduced UYN (pronounced “win”), “Unleash Your Nature” apparel, footwear and technical socks for running, winter sports, outdoor and cycling. Today, national ski teams use the brand’s base layers including Austria, China, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.

In addition to UYN, Trerè Innovation manufactures private label products for iconic global brands including Christian Dior, Harley-Davidson, PUMA and Rossignol, among others, and owns TITICI, a premier bike brand that has carbon fiber models for road, gravel, mountain and electric biking. Today, UYN has 10 stores in Italy, one store in Germany, and has plans to open a store in Boston, Massachusetts, two stores in the U.K. as well as 20 more locations throughout Europe. Trerè Innovation and UYN have won over 570 international awards and competitions for innovation, quality and functionality since Trerè Innovation’s founding in 1950. Trerè Innovation is also a licensed manufacturer and distributor of Citroen, Jeep, and Replay brands.