A unique product invented by an Oxford man recently garnered lots of interest in Europe.
‘If somebody over there wants it and needs it, I’m more than happy to send it that way,? said Tom Toteff, owner of Tom’s Hardware, referring to his invention FASTRAC for which he received a United States Patent last year.
FASTRAC ? an adjustable tie-down system designed for securing dirt bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles during transport ? was a featured exhibit at the 5th International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair held in Cologne, Germany Oct. 11-15.
Called ‘INTERMOT Cologne 2006,? the event is Europe’s premier trade fair for the continent’s motorcycle culture attracting some 1,000 exhibitors featuring new products and new models.
Toteff was asked to exhibit FASTRAC at the European fair by Eve Lerman, an international trade specialist with the U.S. Commercial Service, which has an office in Pontiac.
The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the International Trade Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. It helps small and medium-sized U.S. businesses grow international sales of their goods and services.
‘It’s going further than I thought it would,? said Toteff of his product. ‘I didn’t expect anything international this soon. Nationwide was going to do for me.?
Although Toteff didn’t personally travel to Germany, he sent FASTRAC product samples and information, along with a video made by his son, to be displayed at the fair.
The FASTRAC system consists of four-foot pieces of metal track, wheel chocks, custom tie-down straps and track clips, each rated to hold 1,000 pounds.
Each item is sold separately so as to allow users the opportunity to custom fit the FASTRAC system to meet their specific needs without purchasing any unnecessary or extra pieces.
A representative from the U.S. Commercial Service working in Germany informed Toteff via e-mail that interest in his product was very high at the fair.
Eleven wholesalers from the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, South Korea, Luxembourg, Australia, Iceland and the Czech Republic expressed interest in distributing FASTRAC to retailers in their countries.
‘I’m excited,? Toteff said. ‘It’s taking hold quicker than I thought it might.?
For more information about visit www.fastrac-usa.com.