Honda Now Offering Aftermarket Accessories As Dealer-Installed Options
The concept of car dealers offering accessories and aftermarket upgrades isn't exactly new. For decades, buyers have had access to things like roof racks, cargo boxes, and more all via their brand's parts department. Though Honda has largely kept this to house-made products, that's about to change.
Overlanding and living the outdoorsy life really has had an impact on the automakers. From factory packages to massively over-the-top dealer-installed upfit packages, buyers have more choices than ever when it comes to the ability to make a vehicle their own by rolling accessories into the financing of a new vehicle purchase or via standalone sale (it's worth adding).
Kicking off Honda's "trusted third-party" ordeal is Thule, a company famous for its high-quality luggage and outdoor sports-related hauling equipment. The new Honda Partnered Accessories partnership means buyers can purchase Thule products that have been ensured for fitment right at the dealer, and professional installation is available for products needing such.
Again, while an OEM bringing in an aftermarket or accessory company to benefit the end user isn't new, it's good to see Honda jumping on board. Plenty of Honda owners are out there looking for ways to hold extra gear on road trips, carry skis, or outfit their vehicle with other outdoorsy-related pieces of kit.
This is a good place to start for Honda, and we look forward to seeing with whom the company will work next.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Based in Connecticut, Ross hosts The Hooniverse Podcast. He has been in the off-road world since he was a kid riding in the back of his dad’s YJ Wrangler. He works in marketing by day and in his free time contributes to Hooniverse, AutoGuide, and ATV.com, and in the past has contributed to UTV Driver, ATV Rider, and Everyday Driver. Ross drives a 2018 Lexus GX460 that is an ongoing build project featured on multiple websites and the podcast.
More by Ross Ballot
Comments
Join the conversation