Hagerstown, MD - Garden State Tanning, Inc. today announced that the company has been selected to develop and supply interior leather for four different model year programs. The programs, for HUMMER, Jeep, Chrysler and Mazda, each include sourcing of highly targeted Garden State leathers that are appropriate for the brand identities and unique customer expectations.
"Our ability to satisfy the unique and highly specialized needs of these four different makes and models emphasizes the creativity and customer focus upon which Garden State has built its business and its reputation," stated Mark D. Lecher, president and chief operating officer for Garden State Tanning, Inc. "Whether a new customer such as HUMMER or a new program for a valued current customer, like Chrysler, the brand development teams, at each of these manufacturers, knows they can trust Garden State to meet their needs and exceed their expectations."
H1 HUMMER
For the 2004 model year, the H1 HUMMER, an elite off-road performer, will begin carrying an upgraded interior leather package from Garden State Tanning.
For the first time at AM General, a semi-aniline (lightly finished), soft Toffee colored leather will be used as the seat inserts, surrounded by a luxurious full grained black leather for accent. AM General has taken a strong design position to upgrade the interior of this 4x4 off-road icon. No other vehicle on the road offers such a unique combination of exclusive pricing, raw strength and unequaled visual recognition. The leather from GST will support all three of those attributes. This new business opportunity provides GST with its first opportunity to showcase its luxurious semi-aniline leather in a production vehicle.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Daimler Chrysler has selected GST for leather interior for the redesigned for model year 2005 WK Jeep Grand Cherokee. Leather installation on the Grand Cherokee continues to grow in popularity and both Daimler Chrysler and Garden State expect this desire for comfort and quality to strengthen with the new 2005 vehicle. The new model will carry Garden State's custom developed Chrysler top grain leather with a Royale Grain embossment, providing drivers and passengers with a supple and luxurious seating.
RS Series Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan
Daimler Chrysler has selected Garden State to develop and supply interior packages for the new RS Series of Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan, which will debut in early 2004. Chrysler recently announced major refinements and enhancements to this highly successful vehicle series. Both models have, since they created the minivan category, continued to lead the segment in popularity and sales. The selection of Garden State's new Sutton Grained leather will ensure that the interior quality of the vehicle meets the high expectations and consumer enthusiasm that Chrysler expects of the new RS Minivans.
Mazda 6 Hatchback
Mazda America recently announced they were expanding the high performance Mazda 6 vehicle range, with the addition of a 5-door hatchback model, which will enter the market in early 2004. Public reception for the newly designed Mazda 6 has been exceptional and the leather-optioned model in the 4-door sedan continues to bolster record sales. Garden State's Newport Crunch leather design, which is fitted to the Mazda 6 sedan, will also be carried in the new Hatchback model. Mazda sales executives see increased sales volume with its introduction.
About Garden State Tanning (www.gstautoleather.com)
For nearly seventy years, Garden State Tanning, Inc. has been the proud supplier of the world's finest automotive leather. One luxury nameplate after another has turned to Garden State seeking the ultimate in leather quality, aesthetics and durability. A leader in innovation and development, Garden State engineers and other technical experts work hand-in-hand with customers to conceive, design and develop new generations of leather. Among the automobile name plates currently carrying Garden State leather are Toyota, Lexus, Acura, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Lincoln and Mazda.