Summit Completes Auto Express 'Best Buy' Hat-Trick Across Premium Roof Bar Range
Summit is proud to announce another major industry achievement after its Premium Roof Tent Aluminium Roof Bars (SURT-965) were awarded the coveted Auto Express Best Buy Award, completing an impressive clean sweep across the company's premium roof bar portfolio.
The latest recognition represents the third Auto Express Best Buy Award for Summit's roof bar range, meaning every premium category within the portfolio has now achieved independent Best Buy status:
-
Premium Steel Roof Bars
-
Premium Standard Aluminium Roof Bars
-
Premium Roof Tent Aluminium Roof Bars
Auto Express is widely regarded as one of the UK's most respected automotive publications, with its product testing recognised throughout both the consumer and aftermarket sectors. Its annual roof bar comparison evaluates products against a comprehensive range of criteria including ease of installation, technical design, structural performance, aerodynamics, security features and overall value for money.
In this year's testing, Summit's SURT-965 Premium Roof Tent Roof Bars impressed judges with their practical design and outstanding value proposition.
The judges praised the bars for arriving largely pre-assembled, enabling installation in around fifteen minutes—significantly quicker than many competing products. They also highlighted the bars' robust construction, quiet operation once fitted and their impressive 100kg carrying capacity, specifically engineered to accommodate roof tent applications. While acknowledging that some premium-priced competitors offer more refined styling, the verdict was clear: "at the price they can't be beaten."
For Summit, the award represents more than another trophy.
It reflects a product development philosophy focused on delivering practical, reliable solutions that meet the needs of today's motorists while providing genuine commercial opportunities for aftermarket partners.
The roof bar market has evolved considerably over recent years. Growing interest in outdoor leisure activities, cycling, paddleboarding, camping and vehicle-based adventures has increased demand for versatile carrying systems. At the same time, the rapid growth of roof tent ownership has created demand for stronger load-carrying solutions capable of supporting significantly higher static and dynamic loads.
This changing market has encouraged retailers to broaden their roof transport offering beyond traditional roof bars and roof boxes. Stocking products that combine competitive pricing with independently verified performance has become increasingly important in helping customers make confident purchasing decisions.
For distributors and retailers, recognised products can also simplify the sales process. Independent endorsements from respected organisations such as Auto Express provide an additional level of reassurance that complements technical specifications and manufacturer claims. They help sales teams communicate product quality with greater confidence while reinforcing trust at the point of purchase.
Completing Best Buy recognition across all three premium roof bar categories also demonstrates the consistency of Summit's product development programme. Rather than a single standout product, the award portfolio highlights a complete premium range that has been independently recognised for its quality and value.
As the automotive aftermarket continues to evolve, products that balance engineering, ease of installation, durability and affordability will remain key differentiators for retailers seeking to maximise customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Summit's latest Auto Express Best Buy Award reinforces the company's ongoing commitment to delivering exactly that.
For trade customers, it provides another compelling reason to choose a roof bar range that has now achieved independent recognition across every premium category—offering award-winning solutions that combine dependable performance with outstanding value for today's market.