French safety wear brand Helite is to launch a new race suit incorporating airbag protection at this year’s EICMA Milan Show (5-10 November). The suit, which is to be produced in the UK by Scott Leathers, will retail at about half the cost of the premium priced products of Dianese and Alpine Stars and will be manufactured to meet the European EN13595 standard. Retail price is expected to be around £1,600.
To be distributed here by Helite UK, the new suit joins the brand’s Airvest safety jacket now being retailed by a developing dealer network and already being used in enduro competition by Daryl Boulter and Steve Holcombe, as well as freestyle specialist Jamie Burroughs. A high viz version retails at £459 and, in standard black, it sells at £429.
Airvests are big news in France, where it is claimed 80 jackets a day are being sold in Paris alone. European sales are growing at ten per cent a month, it is said.
Peter Riley, Helite UK director, says that although the brand still lacks the kudos of some of the more high profie names, the launch of the company’s downhill race ski-suit at next year’s Winter Olympics, closely followed by a child’s airbag protective car seat, will quickly ramp up brand perception.
New company Helite launched into the French equestrian market in 2008, since when 31,000 protection vests have been sold. For more information, tel 01132 843497. www.helite-motorcycle-airbagjackets.co.uk
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