Conair Consumer Electronics Division Announces Launch of the HUMMER Line of Electronic Products

STAMFORD, Conn., March 11 -- Conair Consumer Electronics Division has announced the launch of the HUMMER Line of Electronic Products. The new line, which is based on the imagery and spirit of the HUMMER H2 vehicle, will showcase high-end performance and first-time features for the consumer electronics industry.

Barry Haber, president, Conair Consumer Electronics Division, says, "Our initial line will offer a 7-mile two-way radio product with a built-in digital compass and portable audio products, including a replica HUMMER H2 car that is also an AM-FM/Alarm Clock/CD Player. The focus is to capture the excitement of the HUMMER brand, and to deliver the expectation of ruggedness and performance that consumers have come to expect from HUMMER."

The product categories are part of an exclusive licensing agreement with General Motors, and they represent a significant step up for licensed products in the electronics industry. "The HUMMER brand team was very involved in making sure these products mirrored the vehicle's utility and brand equity while offering enhanced features within their respective categories," notes Haber.

The distribution of these products is also strategically conceived. In a move that breaks with industry standards, the new HUMMER electronics line will be sold in high-end distribution channels. The product line will debut at Bloomingdale's beginning this month. "We are focusing our distribution efforts on upscale department and specialty store channels because of the exclusivity of the HUMMER brand," says Anthony Solomita, vice president of marketing, Conair Consumer Electronics Division. "First and foremost, our new product collection is tailored to discriminating consumers who have a desire for everything HUMMER. The synergy between upscale distribution channels and the HUMMER brand is an ideal match.

"We prefer to stay away from a sea of electronics competition at retail, competing solely on price," Solomita continues. "In the end, it's the products themselves that back up the strategy. Each item in the line reflects signature elements of the HUMMER vehicle's styling, as well as distinctive features that stand out from the competition."

Other HUMMER products from Conair slated for later this year include the X*Player, a personal CD system with dual headset jacks and two internal speakers for listening without headsets, and the MusiXstation, a multi- functional music center with 18 watts of total power, including a real subwoofer system. The MusiXstation also offers personal computer and MP3 connectivity, which allows the product to act as an amplifier to other products.

Conair HUMMER Car, $129 suggested retail, will be available this month, and 7-Mile Two Way Radio, $99, will begin shipping in April. The X*Player, $129 suggested retail, and MusiXstation, $199, will be available in June and July, respectively.

Conair Consumer Electronics is a division of Conair Corporation, a leading producer of consumer products and parent to some of the most prominent brands at retail. Since its founding in 1959, the company has continued to be a leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of kitchen and electronic appliances, health and beauty aids and consumer electronics. The company's divisions offer a diversified mix of professional and consumer products under their own brand names as well as private labels.