EXHIBIT 23.1
 
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the 
Registration Statement on Form S-3 and related Prospectus of Breed Technologies,
Inc. (the "Company") for the registration of 10,986,500 shares of its common
stock and the 6.50% Convertible Trust Preferred Securities of BTI Capital Trust
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated July 31, 1997,
except for Note 12, as to which the date is August 27, 1997, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of the Company included in its Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1997, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.


Ernst & Young

Tampa, Florida
March 17, 1998