Britax Explains Recent Developments Concerning Isofix Child Car Seats

ANDOVER, England, February 26 --

Britax welcomes the changes to the current European Standard ECE R44.03 to include Isofix seats in the approval procedure with 3 different categories - universal, semi-universal and vehicle specific.

Isofix is a unique attachment system which allows you to secure the child seat to the car using "click-type connectors", without the use of the vehicle seat-belt. Such an attachment reduces the risk of misuse, eliminates compatibility problems between different car makes and seats and hence offers better protection.

As the leading manufacturer of car seats in Europe, Britax has offered the only volume Group 1 Isofix seat in its range since 2001. The Duo Plus Isofix is currently classified as vehicle specific. We have undertaken a major crash-testing programme with car manufacturers to gain these approvals and the applications list for the seat now covers 25 manufacturers and contains 162 vehicles. This list covers 50% of all new cars sold in the UK last year.

The introduction of a universal category is a welcome addition to the European Standard as it allows any vehicles with Isofix, a secure third point or attachment from the top of the child restraint to the top of the car seat or parcel shelf and specific labelling (see appendix) to be used with Isofix child car seats. With the addition of manufacturers such as Volvo, Saab and BMW Britax believe the Duo Plus Isofix will now fit in 58% of all new cars when used in the universal category.

Britax will continue working with vehicle manufacturers on vehicle specific approvals as these are more demanding and ensure Duo Plus Isofix achieves the best installation possible when used in the vehicle specific category.

We have developed the Fit-finder database which can be used to check all Britax seat installations by telephone on +44-1264-386-034 or website www.britax.co.uk.

Britax is also pleased to announce the introduction of the first volume Group 0+ Isofix solution. The Britax Cosy Tot/Romer Baby Safe, the best performing seat in last year's Europe wide consumer testing, will now fit with Isofix connections using a specially designed Isofix base. The Cosy Tot Isofix/Romer Baby Safe Isofix is approved in the semi-universal category, which means the product will be supplied with a list of vehicles into which it will fit.

Isofix Compatibility Chart available

For further details please visit the Britax website, www.britax.co.uk.