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5/2/2005 12:00:00 AM

Dorel Juvenile Group USA Works with New Mexico Retailers to Meet Expected Increase in Booster Seat Demand New State Law in Effect June 17 Requires Boosters for All Children under the Age of Seven or under Sixty Pounds

CANTON, MA (May 2, 2005) - Dorel Juvenile Group USA, an operating subsidiary of Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.SV, DII.MV; NASDAQ: DIIB), today announced that it has been working with New Mexico retailers to meet an increased demand for booster seats in anticipation of new state legislation. Beginning on June 17th, 2005, all children under the age of seven or under sixty pounds will be required to ride in a belt-positioning booster while traveling in the state of New Mexico. Thousands of parents are expected to respond to the law, creating a massive demand across the state.

Dorel Juvenile Group USA, manufacturers and marketers of Safety 1st and Cosco brand car seats, learned from the experience of other state's retailers who quickly sold out of booster seat stock when a similar new law was to take effect. Dorel has been working with retailers throughout the state to forecast the significant ramp up of inventory.

"States throughout the country are proposing and approving similar legislation in an effort to make booster seat use more uniform. Today's age requirements vary significantly by state, with the range fluctuating between 4 years old and 40 lbs. and 8 years old and 80 lbs. That's a big differential that parents need to be aware of as they cross state lines," said Bruce Cazenave, President & CEO of Dorel Juvenile Group USA. "This is why some new parents buying their first car seat are opting for a convertible car seat that can take their child from birth to the full eight year mark, no matter where they travel."

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research shows that unrestrained motor vehicle travel presents the greatest risk to passengers ages 4 through 8. In 2000, almost half of the 4- to 8-year-old passengers killed in crashes were reported as totally unrestrained. In addition to the high number of fatalities, thousands of children were seriously injured in crashes because they were unrestrained.

To download images of various Dorel Juvenile Group USA booster seats along with our state by state booster seat legislation guide, please visit www.djgusa.com/boosterlaws/index.htm.

For more information on Dorel Juvenile Group USA please visit www.djgusa.com.


The information on this page was accurate at the time of posting.