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Fred brokberg18, 2000IT? Stay?
No, American dogs are on the highway, and there are a few dogs.
Conscious automakers are giving their own travel gear.
According to trade magazine BrandWeek, Americans spend $23 billion a year on pets.
That number is expected to double in five years, but automakers have not lost that number, hoping to attract dog lovers with a range of products that seem to be far from the automotive industry.
In 1999, Saab found that 60% of its customers often traveled with their dogs.
As a result, it has introduced a range of accessories called Saab Pet Gear.
Items include belts and belts ($19. 95 to $49)
Designed to protect dogs in accidents and damage the company's reputation in safety engineering.
Other items include cargo guard and separation ($145 to $155)
, Corrective pad ($69. 95 for the 9-5 wagon)
Dog or Cat firstaid kits ($27. 95)
And dishes ($21. 50). For $19.
95, Saab offers a book listing hotels and motels that accept pets.
Saab will donate 10% of the cost of special equipment to the American humanitarian association.
Advertising other automakers have also targeted what BrandWeek calls "petopiles": * Ford offers a "in-stock travel" kit for Focus buyers for $189, which includes
There are also plates, seat belts, electronic air purifiers, and lint and hair remover suitable for cup holders.
* Mercedes sells dogs-
Rear seat cover for most models (about $50)
And cargo guards and dividers ($250 to $590)for its M-
Sports utility vehicle.
Advertising * Subaru station wagon can be equipped with specially installed cargo guards ($160).
With all these tools, is there any dog worthy of his visit that doesn't want to drive his people for a ride?
Fred Brockway is constantly improving the quality of our text files.
Please send feedback, error reports, and suggestions to archid_feedback @ nytimes. com.
A version of this article appears on the national F00001 page on August 18, 2000, with the title: This is dog day.
Why walk when you can go for a ride? .