February 15, 2008 -

Jeep aftermarket parts manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is pleased to announce the hiring of Chris Wood as its Director of Sales and Marketing, effective immediately.

Wood, a true off-road enthusiast and certified 4-wheel drive instructor, comes to AEV from ARB 4 x 4 Accessories, where he served as western-US sales manager for 11 years.

During his tenure at ARB Chris organized several high-profile off-road events (such as “24 Hours on the Hammers” in southern California), and his path crossed that of AEV founder Dave Harriton on several occasions. Though technically competitors, Wood and Harriton found they shared a passion for off-road driving and durable, well-engineered off-road vehicles and parts.

“AEV is one of the few companies I could imagine leaving ARB for,” Chris said. “The creativity and attention to detail that Dave puts into his parts is extraordinary.”

Wood will seek to grow AEV’s sales and marketing program significantly by establishing an AEV presence with 4-wheel shops throughout the world. AEV’s expanding range of Jeep aftermarket products, including several parts for the new JK Wrangler, have drawn raves for their OE-quality, all-stamped steel construction and attractive, well-integrated design.

With its newly ramped-up production and distribution capabilities ready to meet a growing demand, AEV can now turn Wood loose on the many worldwide contacts he’s made over the years. “I look forward to hitting the road for AEV,” he said.

When he’s not working, Chris is a “longtime wrench-turner” himself, having built several vehicles from nuts-and-bolts upward, including a complete restoration of a 1980 Jeep CJ7.

He also worked side-by-side with Dave Harriton in building AEV’s second-ever 104-inch Wheelbase conversion on a 1997 Jeep TJ Wrangler.

“Chris’s involvement with AEV goes back nearly a decade,” Harriton said. “Chris’ experience in sales brings AEV an invaluable asset. We are excited for him to not only help develop better sales programs, but also to thoroughly train our dealers and customers about the AEV difference through his specialized seminars.”

About AEV

Winners of four DaimlerChrysler Design Excellence Awards, AEV has developed a close working relationship with Jeep design and engineering, resulting in the most fully-integrated, functional line of off-road Jeep parts and accessories available anywhere. All designed to OE specifications and engineering standards, AEV’s stamped, all-steel components are the only 3D-drawn parts in the Jeep aftermarket. Built to handle the harshest off-road conditions, AEV components and vehicles adapt seamlessly to street driving. For more information, visit www.aev-conversions.com.