Dorel Juvenile Group Announces Suite of Car Seat Technology at ABC Kids Expo

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG), a division of Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) and the nation's largest juvenile products manufacturer, today announces its suite of car seat technologies across its Safety 1st® brand at the ABC Kids Expo (September 23-26, 2011) in Louisville, KY.  Addressing both critical safety issues and practical comfort solutions, DJG's exclusive technologies provide best-in-class features for child passenger safety, developed by engineers at the Dorel Technical Center for Child Safety.  

Unveiled at the Expo, the new Comfort Zone System is an electronic ventilation system integrated into the car seat, keeping children cool and dry as they travel.  Through air vents, Comfort Zone allows air to flow through the deep recesses of a car seat, creating air circulation where warm spots typically occur.  The Comfort Zone System has been proven effective in reducing discomfort from heat and sweat for children.  Comfort Zone debuts in the Safety 1st® Complete Air™ LX Convertible Car Seat and will be rolled into additional models in 2012.

In addition, DJG offers the FlexTech™ Energy Management System, ensuring car seats are strong and secure from the inside out.  FlexTech™ features an internal truss design, a methodology employed by architects to provide flexibility and distribute forces within structures.  With FlexTech™, DJG has translated this trusted design methodology to car seat engineering.  Currently, the Safety 1st® Essential Air™ Harnessed Booster Seat features FlexTech™ technology, which absorbs and mitigates external force or impact, so children have more support and protection in the event of a crash.

Released in 2009, Air Protect® Side Impact Technology has become a must-have feature for parents, as it is specifically designed to protect children during the most dangerous crash -- side impact.  Air Protect® has been proven to save lives through its innovative design and industry-leading testing methodology.  To hear one family's Air Protect® story, visit http://airprotect.safety1st.com/stories.php.  

Dorel Juvenile Group has rolled out the Air Protect® Technology in a variety of car seats -- covering all child weight and height requirements for child restraint systems and for families on every budget.  The complete line of Air Protect® car seats includes:

onBoard™ 35 Air Infant Car Seat: This seat brings superior protection to infants from a tiny four to a full 35 pounds.  Plus, with 17 percent more leg room than the majority of infant car seats, parents enjoy extended use.  

Complete Air™ 65 Convertible Car Seat: The Complete Air™ 65 keeps children well protected through two separate stages: from 5-40 pounds as a rear-facing infant car seat and from 22-65 pounds as a forward-facing toddler car seat.  The QuickFit™ Harness System adjusts harness height in one easy step without uninstalling from the car.

Chart 65 Air Convertible Car Seat: The Chart 65 Air also accommodates children five to 65 pounds and features a five point harness, five harness heights and three buckle locations for proper occupant fit.

Essential™ Air Harnessed Booster Car Seat: Equipped with FlexTech™ and Air Protect® Technology, the Essential™ Air provides the ultimate protection for children in the event of a crash.  Essential™ Air can be used with a harness for children 22 to 65 pounds and then convert to a belt-positioning booster for children 40 to 100 pounds.  Plus, the twelve-position headrest adjusts with one hand to cover a child during every stage of growth.  

Boost Air Protect® Booster Car Seat: Named a "Best Bet" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Boost Air Protect® is a belt-positioning booster, accommodating children from 30 to 100 pounds.  It also converts to a backless booster -- ensuring children are kept safe as they grow.  

"Comfort Zone, FlexTech™ and Air Protect® demonstrate a true trifecta of car seat innovation," said Dave Taylor, President and CEO of Dorel Juvenile Group.  "Whether to ensure children are as comfortable or as safe as possible -- these technologies combine to provide an enjoyable experience while traveling."

For more information on Dorel Juvenile Group and its car seat technology from Safety 1st®, visit booth #209 at the ABC Kids Expo in Louisville, KY or go to www.safety1st.com.  

About Dorel Industries Inc. Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) is a world class juvenile products and bicycle company.  Established in 1962, Dorel creates style and excitement in equal measure to safety, quality and value. The Company's lifestyle leadership position is pronounced in both its Juvenile and Bicycle categories with an array of trend-setting products.  Dorel's powerfully branded products include Safety 1st, Quinny, Cosco, Maxi-Cosi and Bebe Confort in Juvenile, as well as Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, IronHorse and SUGOI in Recreational/Leisure.  Dorel's Home Furnishings segment markets a wide assortment of furniture products, both domestically produced and imported.  Dorel is a US$2.3 billion company with 4700 employees, facilities in nineteen countries, and sales worldwide.  

SOURCE Dorel Juvenile Group