Armadillo feels the crunch

South African based accessory manufacturer Armadillo Concepts has closed its' UK arm against a background of declining sales and increased competition. 

Best known for it's range of Aluminium Roll Top covers, Armadillo Industries was the European arm of the company manufacturing the roll-tops as well as an advanced spray-ling kit for pick-up trucks.

The company has faced increased competition since the introduction of the JackRabbit (shown left) range from Midlands based Auto Styling UK, owners of the Truckman and ASX brands. Having held the lion's share of the market for Roll Tops in the UK, the Armadillo product had become increasingly expensive when compared to the JackRabbit, Full Metal Jack Rabbit and the innovative, remote-controlled Bedlocker from Auto Styling Truckman. 

Armadillo customers are advised to contact Auto Styling UK who supply a huge range of accessories for 4x4s and pickup trucks such as the Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200, Isuzu Rodeo and Toyota Hilux. Their website can be found by clicking here

Subaru Riding High with Equestrian Team GBR

Subaru Riding High with Equestrian Team GBR

Subaru Sponsors Equestrian Team GBR Subaru (UK) Limited is set to become the official sponsor of Equestrian Team GBR. This exciting new partnership is another major step forward right in the heart of the rural community and offers support to the senior equestrian teams in the sports of dressage, eventing, show jumping and para-equestrian dressage. Subaru will supply two of their widely-acclaimed Forester Boxer Diesel models as well as a Boxer Diesel Legacy and Outback. The vehicles, which will be utilised as fleet cars for staff working across these equestrian sports in the Equestrian World Class Programme, will be used at every opportunity to promote the Subaru brand within the equestrian market. This sponsorship is in addition to the commitment Subaru has already established to the sport of eventing at the Burnham Market and Subaru Houghton International Events. John Fossey, Subaru (UK) Limited Brand Director, said: “We are delighted that we can support Team GBR as they build towards London 2012. Our commitment to supporting equestrian sport is now well established at individual, Team GBR, and event level. And of course it ties in perfectly with our principal brand sponsorship of Horse and Country, who are a Bronze sponsor of Team GBR.” Clive Hetherington, Marketing Director at the British Equestrian Federation said: “We are very much looking forward to working with Subaru over the coming months and are very grateful for their support. The benefit we will gain from the cars will allow us to redirect funds to other areas of supporting all our senior equestrian teams.” The new Forester Boxer Diesel offers drivers the longest range of any SUV at more than 1,000 km before refuelling. It catapults it to the top of the class for fuel economy and low emissions.