CUSTOMER LETTER:

Calgary, Jan. 3, 2011

CONSUMER ADVISORY: Product Recall – Bicycle Trailer Kit and Carriers with VersaWing 2.0 – Only When Used as a Bicycle Trailer

Dear North American Chariot Consumer,

Chariot, which since June 29, 2011 is now a premium brand within the Thule Group, is committed to the safety of our consumers. All Chariot products have been and continue to be produced in accordance with all safety regulations available at the time of manufacture and go through rigorous internal testing developed by Chariot with years of experience as the market leader.

As the manufacturer of Chariot products, Thule Child Transport Systems, Ltd ("Thule CTS") is notifying you of a product recall being voluntarily conducted in cooperation with the CPSC to our Bicycle Trailer Kits. This recall only applies to: (1) Chariot Pushbutton Style Hitch Arms; and (2) early model VersaWing 2.0's when used as a bicycle trailer.

Chariot has determined that when certain carriers are used as a bicycle trailer, in very rare circumstances there could be a failure of the Chariot Pushbutton Hitch Arm and/or certain versions of the VersaWing 2.0 while in use. Specifically, in very rare cases, there is a risk that:

(i) the Hitch Arm in the Bicycle Trailer Kits (part number 20100503 and sold between October 2002 to August 2011) can crack at the outer surface near the larger hole risking a decoupling hazard if not identified by the consumer; and/or

Figure 1. Area of possible fatigue on pushbutton hitch arm

(ii) carriers using the VersaWing 2.0 (carrier serial numbers between 1205-xxxx to 0710-xxxx sold between December 2005 to August 2010) has the potential to break in the rare event of a roll-over risking a decoupling of the trailer from the bicycle.

Figure 2. Line of possible failure on the VersaWing 2.0

Please be advised that the above described product failures are extremely unlikely and we have not received any reports of injuries.

However, as a precautionary measure, Thule CTS is recalling these products and offering consumers a free retro fit upgrade kit that includes a new tether strap and VersaWing attachment point. This tether strap and attachment point will prevent separation of the bicycle trailer from the bicycle in the extremely rare event of a failure.

We are offering all existing owners of Chariot Bicycle Trailer Kits that fall within the recall population the opportunity to receive a free retro fit upgrade kit, which you can easily install on your existing carrier.

The Retro Fit Upgrade Kit includes the following:

• An updated tether strap for attachment to the Bicycle Trailer hitch arm.
• An attachment point for the tether strap for fastening to the VersaWing and carrier frame of all Chariot chassis.
• An updated Warning to remind the user of the importance to regularly check the condition of the hitch arm.

You can identify if you have a bicycle trailer kit that qualifies for this free retro fit upgrade if your hitch arm has a pushbutton, but does not also have one of the new tether straps that has been added to all products manufactured after September 2011.

Old Style Chariot Pushbutton Hitch Arm:

Updated Chariot Pushbutton Hitch Arm:

Figure 3. Attachment point on the VersaWing 2.0

 

What should you do?

1. To obtain a free retro fit upgrade kit , you have the following options:
1. Visit www.chariotcarriers.com to fill out an on-line form and we will send you the upgrade kit and instructions to carry out the upgrade. The upgrade only requires normal hand-tools and a short instruction video demonstrating how to carry out the upgrade is available at www.chariotcarriers.com;
2. Contact Chariot Carriers at (800) 262-8651; or
3. Contact the retailer where you purchased your Carrier and they will have the necessary information to assist with the upgrade of your carrier.
2. As for any product that you use in harsh ambient and physical conditions, it is advised that you regularly check the condition of the components to ensure the safety of your child. If you see any signs of damaging wear and tear you should refrain from using the product until having confirmed the safe usage with a Chariot retailer/expert. Please refer to your Chariot user manual for full health and safety information.

Thule Child Transport Systems, Ltd's voluntary cooperation with this campaign does not constitute an admission that either reportable information or a substantial product hazard exists.

Please note that all Chariot trailers have been and continue to be produced in accordance with all safety regulations available at the time of manufacture. The ambition to continuously develop our products and the on-going effort to increase safety for the end consumer is a matter we take very seriously at Chariot.

If you have any questions or concerns, Please feel free to contact Chariot.

Best regards,

Tom Andersen

Business Unit Director, Thule Child Transport Systems Ltd.