Newly launched CLEK™ addresses top parental concerns regarding booster seat use

Orlando, Fla. – A nationwide survey of nearly 500 parents with children ages 4 to 8 found the top three challenges in using booster seats to be “the seat is not secured to the vehicle,” the seat is “difficult to install/remove” and their “child finds the seat uncomfortable.” Magna Aftermarket, Inc., introduces olli™, a clek™ booster seat for the North American market at the annual Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) show this week in Orlando, Fla. clek booster seats are designed specifically to address these concerns, making booster seat use easier for parents.

clek booster seats, which feature the first rigid LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system to be integrated into a backless booster seat, received the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association’s prestigious “Innovation Award” for its safety, comfort and convenience features. Judged by a committee of trade media and industry retail buyers, the award is given annually to the ten most exciting new products in the marketplace.

With an integrated rigid LATCH system, clek booster seats securely fasten to the vehicle and are simple to install, providing a solution to the top two challenges cited by parents. Installation takes less than 10 seconds by simply lining up the booster seat’s LATCH connectors with the LATCH lower anchors on the vehicle seat and then applying pressure until it produces an audible “click.” Also, clek booster seats can safely be used in vehicles without a LATCH anchorage system. clek booster seats are just as easy to remove by simply pulling the release strap or pressing the release buttons at the back of the seat. At only 5 pounds, clek booster seats are light enough to effortlessly transport between vehicles.

Designed and engineered by a world-class automotive seat manufacturer, clek booster seats utilize comfort-cube™ construction, which includes an additional layer of padding, to address parents’ concerns regarding child comfort. They are built to look and feel like an actual vehicle seat rather than a traditional child seat. Plus, the seat covers are removable and washable for easy maintenance.

Fun clek features encourage kids to take ownership of their clek booster seat by providing a place to store their belongings and show off their style. Kids will enjoy the functionality of the cargo-thingy™ storage pocket, which holds MP3 players, video games and juice boxes. Additionally, clekjacket™ seat covers allow for seat customization through a variety of kid-friendly colors and patterns.

“We want to ensure parents have everything they need to feel comfortable using our booster seats,” said Chris Lumley, vice president, Magna Aftermarket. “clek was designed to deliver both convenience and safety for parents but, more importantly, appeal and comfort for kids that ultimately makes it easier for parents.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children under 4 feet 9 inches tall or less than 80 pounds need a booster seat to ensure vehicle seat belts properly fit their small frame. Despite the safety advantages, studies show that less than 20 percent of children who should use booster seats actually do, leaving thousands of children with inadequate protection. Currently 38 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws requiring the use of booster seats for children who have outgrown their toddler seat, but are too small for a seatbelt.

The clek olli model sells for the suggested retail price of $89.99 USD and will be available for purchase online at www.magnaclek.com beginning June 1, 2007.