November 13, 2009

Dear Maclaren Retailer,

Following a great deal of debate and comment in the UK over recent days concerning Maclaren buggies, with particular regard to the exposed side hinges which facilitate the opening and folding the buggy, we would like to update you on the situation.

Most importantly we wish to reiterate that the safety of our consumers - parents and children - is our primary objective. We would never compromise this and we take all consumer feedback very seriously, both in the design of our products and in supplying clear and unequivocal user instructions.

To this end all of our products are extensively tested prior to launch, including user testing. They also comply with and often exceed the highest quality and regulatory standards.

We are therefore confident that used according to instructions, as with any mechanical products, all of our buggies are safe, and Mums should continue to use them with confidence.

In the last few days, we have heard from hundreds of customers at our call centre and we have been able to reassure them about the quality and safety of our products. Most parents understand that they have to be vigilant when operating mechanical products around children, similar to the care they show when securing children in cars or protecting them around the home. We stress that our buggies are completely safe and fully compliant but if parents remain concerned or worried, we will be able to supply them with a set of hinge covers for their Maclaren Buggy.

These covers are only available through Maclaren Customer Services. Customers can email their name, address and details of their buggy model and year to advice@maclaren.co.uk or call 01327 841320.

As further reassurance we have placed a warning label on the buggy and further instructions in the operating manual to remind customers to take extra care and keep children away from the buggy when it is being folded or unfolded. We are the first pushchair manufacturer within the industry to take these additional steps.

We have had tremendous support from our independent and national retail partners who have been an objective and sensible voice amidst the speculation of the last couple of days. We trust we can count on your continuing support and a successful future together.