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DaimlerChrysler Statement in Response to GM Van Donation to SAFE KIDS

19 January 2000

DaimlerChrysler Statement in Response to GM Van Donation to SAFE KIDS

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 18 -- The following is a
DaimlerChrysler statement in response to GM van donation to SAFE
KIDS.

    DaimlerChrysler congratulates General Motors on its donation of 50 Venture
vans to the National SAFE KIDS mobile car seat check up program.  With 8 out
of every 10 children at risk everyday in improperly installed safety seats, we
must all work together to help prevent countless injuries and deaths.  A
mobile check up van in each state will help make a difference -- just as
DaimlerChrysler's "Fit for a Kid" service is making a difference by providing
a child safety seat inspection program at dealers across the country.  These
are two different approaches to this crisis and there is clearly room for
both.
    Last June, DaimlerChrysler, working with Fisher-Price and the National
Safety Council, launched the "Fit for a Kid" service:  A free, permanent child
safety seat inspection service, for customers.  Currently the program is being
piloted in Denver, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Sacramento, and Washington, DC.  It
will be available at more than 1,000 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers
nationwide by the end of the year 2000.
    There are more than 35 million children 8 years of age and under in the
U.S. and the misuse rate for child seats is estimated at 80 percent.  That
means more than 25 million children are at risk and need their safety seats
inspected.  With 1,000 dealers by the end of December, "Fit for a Kid" will
have the capacity to inspect 800,000 car seats a year, compared to the
estimated 30,000 inspected by all other car seat inspection programs in 1998.