High-tech wagon

The little red wagon has been a part of our lives for more than 90 years. Now, Chicago-based Radio Flyer (RadioFlyer.com) aims to design wagons in the 21st century that reflect our lives and the new technology in it.

The latest concept wagon, called Cloud 9, offers padded seats, air-filled tires with ball bearings, a speedometer - and an iPod connection.

"We spend a lot of time doing research and what parents do with our wagons and their kids," said CEO Robert Pasin, grandson of the company founder. "Parents often use our wagons to take their children to the park or to the zoo, and that wagon also contains all of their gear. So wouldn't it be cool if they're walking to that park and listening to music?"

The iPod connection could be for the parent ... or the child, Pasin said.

"This product is a prototype, like a concept car," he said. So it likely won't be available until sometime next year.

Radio Flier's other products include classic wagons, scooters and bouncing horses and range in price from $70 to $150. The Ultimate Family Wagon, which is at the high end, offers a canopy and a flip-and-fold seat that turns into other usable objects, like a tray table.

Radio Flyer also aims to bolster its growth this year with a new lineup of products for the holiday season that are designed and developed by its 100 workers in Chicago and in China. It is seeking to hire about 15 more here.

The company doesn't do any manufacturing any more and, instead, relies on partners here and overseas. And despite the current financial crisis in our country, the privately held Radio Flyer still aims to have at least a 15 percent increase in sales this year.

"Even during the more economically challenging times, we still do well," Pasin said. "People will still buy toys and will go to the brands they know and trust. And the Radio Flyer is a touchstone of people's childhoods."

Even if it comes with an iPod connection.

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