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ASTRA Measuring Session with SEMA

Since some of you have inquired about aftermarket accessories for the Astra, I wanted to give you a quick update on what’s been going on. Although many accessories already exist in Europe, we’ve been faced with some U.S. regulatory challenges related to testing and vehicle modifications (i.e. new front & rear fascias, exhaust systems, etc.). Understanding these challenges of not being able to bring over many of these accessories from Europe, we met up with some interested aftermarket vendors in California two weeks ago through SEMA.

We had everything from Cover King to suspension gurus show up for the one day event. Everyone loved the vehicles and are excited to get end products out. The only companies that didn't show up were those for exhaust and turbo kits, but we did manage to get the names and contacts for some recommended sources and are contacting them to see what can be done. Also, this year's SEMA vehicle partners are working with some sources in this area as well.

The company products through this measuring session will not be GM licensed, but hopefully will provide a source for Astra owners to be able to customize and personalize their vehicles.

Here is who showed up:

Rear Seat Entertainment: http://www.myronanddavis.com/
Fuel Door Covers: http://amp-research.com/
Electrical: http://www.magden.us/index-1.html
Wheels: http://www.panther-wheels.com/contact/index.htm
Seat & Dash Covers: http://www.wetokole.com/
Brakes: http://www.goodridge.net/usa/automotive.htm
Car, Seat & Dash Covers:http://www.coverking.com/
Audio: http://www.scosche.com/
Sunroofs: http://www.webasto.us/home/en/homepage.html
Seat & Dash Covers: Cal Trend Automotive Products
Suspension: http://www.vogtland-na.com/
Appearance Parts: http://www.carmate-usa.com/

Check out the pictures from the measuring session by clicking here.

Tags: accessories, astra, modifications, vehicle

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4 Comments

Comment by RedLineVUE on May 15, 2008 at 10:30am: Yeah, i would love to see the "FlexFix" bike rack for the Vue in the US, but i'm certain it wouldn't meet crash test standards with that installed. The idea of having a hidden pop out two bike vehicle mounted rack is a really neat idea. I love how it was hidden when not in use, and feature a secondary license plate holder and lights when in use. I so wish that was available here.

Comment by Nicole Longhini on May 15, 2008 at 10:51am: We actually investigated bringing it here, (because it is cool) but we really have to get that type of option up front in the vehicle development phase to make sure that it meets US vehicle specifications (crash/impact, vehicle height from ground requirements..) Our next generation of vehicles being developed will have the global vehicle specifications so we can consider shared options. Feedback like yours helps us monitor what type of options our owners would purchase. Thank you for asking and keep the suggestions flowing.

Comment by RedLineVUE on May 15, 2008 at 1:30pm: hey, I have a picture of the flex-fix bike rack for those that have no clue what we're talking about, if you would like to share it. And yes, I know several Saturnistas that would love to own this or something similar. As the rethink ad points out, we, as a human race, have started to realize the reality of our time. Hybrids are in, gas guzzlers are out (kinda), and we've got to embrace a more active, outdoor, environment concerned lifestyle. I've just started seriously bike riding. Right now I'm trying to save up for two bike mounts for my roof rack, and some Saturn Cycling accessories I've managed to find. I found the Flex-fix looking for bike racks for the vue, and let me just say, I started drooling. I hope, at some point, this or something very similar, can become an available option.

Comment by marlin on May 18, 2008 at 5:59pm: no companies for exhaust or turbo's? Hmm that sounds fishy ... did they say they were going to show up and just didn't or did they say something else? I don't know why they wouldn't show up unless GM already has something else planned like comming out with i duno a RL version of the Astra with a turbo? Who know's .... =)