Solent Rib Charter has again turned to Auto Styling Truckman to acquire a set of hardtop units for its new fleet of pick-up trucks.

This latest order of Truckman Grand Hardtops follows on from a similar purchase made by Solent Rib Charter in 2010, when it last updated its vehicle fleet.

Established in 2001, Solent has become Europe's largest Rib Charter Operator, with a total of 32 boats, and operates throughout Southern England in locations including Weymouth, Southampton and Portsmouth.

The company has recently replaced three existing vehicles with brand new Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks, which are used for their towing capacity, enabling easy transportation of the Ribs.  

Adding the hardtops has allowed Solent to take full advantage of the vehicles. The hardtops create a safe and secure storage space, enabling the company to transport and have easy access to equipment at multiple launch sites.

West Midlands-based Auto Styling Truckman is a specialist UK manufacturer of hardtops for pick-up trucks. Its product range is utilised across a variety of industries including construction, agriculture and the utilities sector.

Solent Rib Charter is one of the many satisfied customers that return to Auto Styling Truckman because of its quality products.

The Truckman Grand Hardtop for the Toyota Hilux is one of the most fully-featured hardtops on the market.

Among these features are remote central locking and tinted windows for improved security, as well as a heated rear screen for improved visibility.

Stuart Hedges, director at Solent Rib Charter, said: “We had worked with Auto Styling Truckman to add hardtops to our fleet in the past, and knew that they would not disappoint. I am delighted with the high quality and effectiveness of the hard tops.

“Pick-up trucks are ideal for towing Ribs and the truck bed space offers valuable storage space. However, exposed truck beds aren’t secure and are unprotected from the elements, which make the hardtops the ideal solution.”

Mike Wheeler, managing director of Auto Styling Truckman, added: “We are delighted to be able to work with Solent Rib Charter again.

“Securing repeat orders is an excellent endorsement for the quality of our product and the service we offer to our customers.

“Pick-up trucks are becoming increasingly popular vehicles for growing businesses.

“The addition of a hardtop provides a more complete vehicle for companies that require a flexible and secure storage option. I am sure Solent Rib will get maximum benefit from the new hardtops.”