James Stewart, Mattel Announce Licensing Agreement
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 20, 2006) – Supercross phenom James Stewart
and Mattel , Inc. (NYSE: MAT) announced today they have agreed on a
multi-year agreement for Mattel to produce and distribute toys based on
his likeness.
Stewart and his signature Kawasaki KX450F cycle will be featured in the
Hot Wheels® Moto X line in 2006 as part of the Hot Wheels® 1:18 Moto X
Assortment, available soon, and the Hot Wheels® Moto Kick-Start
Assortment, available this summer.
20-year-old Stewart, the first African-American to win a major
motorsports title of any kind in the world and the only black rider on
the professional circuit, is excited about the alliance.
“Mattel is the biggest toy company in the world, and I am proud to be
associated with such a powerful brand as Hot Wheels,” said Stewart.
"James Stewart’s skill on a motorcycle is undeniable,” said Doug
Wadleigh, vice president, Mattel Hot Wheels. “His personality and
ability to transcend the sport in mainstream media were as compelling
to us as his racing accomplishments, and we look forward to a very
successful partnership.”
The two toys featuring Stewart that will be available this year are:
• Hot Wheels® 1:18 Moto X Assortment: The
motorcycle line lets kids and motocross fans collect their favorite
riders performing their signature stunts, featuring features authentic
replicas of top riders including James “Bubba” Stewart. Rider
figures are fully articulated in dynamic poses. The motorcycles
have working front suspensions and come with a bike stand. Not
for use with some Hot Wheels® sets. Each sold separately, subject
to availability.(MSRP $7.99, Age 8+)
• Hot Wheels® Moto Kick-Start Assortment: Fly to new
heights and pull off the most insane tricks just like the Moto X pros
with the Hot Wheels® Kick Start Moto assortment. Kick start the
motor, rev it up for speed, and then release the bike to tear over
rough terrain, to race friends, or to hit the jump ramp for sick air
and stunts. The assortment includes a realistic large scale Moto
X bike in one of two decos – including current No. 1 Supercross rider
James “Bubba” Stewart – a high powered motorized fly wheel launcher,
and a big jump ramp for high flying tricks and stunts. Not for use with
some Hot Wheels® sets. Each sold separately, subject to
availability. (MSRP: $19.99, Age 5+)
Rights granted by Stewart to Mattel include the production and
worldwide distribution of action figures, radio-controlled toys, and
video games. Mattel joins premier brands Kawasaki, Fox Racing,
Red Bull, Oakley, and Boost Mobile as marketing partners of James
Stewart.
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, http://www.mattel.com) is the worldwide
leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family
products, including Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever
introduced. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands
as Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American Girl® and Tyco® R/C, as well as
Fisher-Price brands, including Little People®, Rescue Heroes®, Power
Wheels® and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With
worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than
25,000 people in 42 countries and sells products in more than 150
nations throughout the world. The Mattel vision is to be the world's
premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.