AMP Research

AMP Research: The Innovators Behind the PowerStep

Few brands in the truck accessories world can claim to have invented an entirely new product category — AMP Research can claim two. The brand's roots trace back to Austrian engineer and motocross champion Horst Leitner, whose career included product development work at Mercedes-Benz and other elite European automotive companies, before he relocated to Southern California in the 1990s and channeled that engineering expertise into solving real-world automotive challenges. That spirit of precision engineering laid the foundation for what would become one of the most recognized names in truck accessories.

The PowerStep was the first electric step-deploying running board made in the USA, and it remains the cornerstone of AMP Research's lineup. The flagship PowerStep™ sets the standard for automated running boards — automatically deploying when a door opens to provide a wide, stable step for easy entry, then retracting cleanly for unimpaired ground clearance and a sleek look, with a reliable, OEM-grade mechanism built for daily use and all-weather performance.

AMP Research is an original-equipment supplier of unique car and truck accessories for Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, and Toyota. That OEM pedigree means every product in the lineup is engineered to factory-level standards for fit and finish — not an afterthought, but a precision upgrade.

A Complete Ecosystem for Your Running Board System

AMP Research's product lineup goes well beyond the boards themselves. Their running boards are the headline act, but a full range of supporting components keeps the system performing at its best over the long haul. The running board motors that power the automatic deployment mechanism are engineered for weatherproof, daily-cycle reliability. Running board control module connectors — including Plug-N-Play OBD II harnesses — allow clean, no-splice integration with your truck's existing door-latch electrical system. And when wear eventually catches up with any high-use component, running board end caps and running board steps provide genuine OEM replacement parts to restore the system to like-new condition.

AMP Research holds over 45 US and international patents for automotive and transportation-related products, a testament to the depth of engineering that goes into every piece. AMP Research products, including the PowerStep line, are backed by a 5-Year/60,000 Mile Limited Warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. For a system that cycles mechanically every single day and lives fully exposed to the elements, that warranty represents a serious commitment to quality.

Why Truck Owners Choose AMP Research

PowerStep running boards are constructed from corrosion-resistant aluminum and finished with an advanced powder coat to withstand daily use and harsh climates, with stainless steel hinge pins and hardware adding another layer of durability to common wear surfaces. Engineered for extreme off-road and heavy-duty applications, the PowerStep XTreme offers enhanced durability and a higher weight capacity, featuring the same convenient automated deployment but built with a rugged, rock-sliding design and reinforced components to withstand demanding terrain.

Whether you're outfitting a daily driver or a trail rig, AMP Research offers a solution — and the replacement parts to back it up for years to come.