Mattel Debuts Ultra-Hip Dropstars Custom Cars In Many Sizes with Authe

Mattel Debuts Ultra-Hip Dropstars Custom Cars In Many Sizes with Authentic Designs; Fleet of Stylish Die-Cast Cars and Slick Remote Control Vehicles to Roll out Yearlong

    Business Editors/Toy Industry Writers

    EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2005--Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT) today announced the launch of Dropstars(TM) -- a hot new line of custom Hot Wheels(R) die-cast vehicles and Tyco(R) R/C remote control cars that reflect today's coolest vehicles. The Dropstars(TM) line builds upon Mattel's portfolio of vehicles that capture what's currently hot on the streets, in authentic and highly-detailed collectible and working models.
    While custom designs have always been popular attractions at car shows around the country, Dropstars(TM) represent a lifestyle that has emerged from the automotive underground in recent years with vehicles sporting elaborate rims, special detailing and often state-of-the-art audio/video systems.
    To truly encapsulate the style and fresh vibe of these automotive works of art, the Mattel design team worked closely with leaders in the automotive aftermarket known within the car culture for driving the customizing trend. Dropstars(TM) die-cast and remote control vehicles are inspired by actual cars featured at leading auto shows, driven by celebrities and seen on television and in movies.
    "Hot Wheels(R) and Tyco(R) R/C have a long history of identifying automotive trends and bringing them to the mass marketplace for collectors and car fans to enjoy, and Dropstars(TM) is the next evolution," said Mark Sullivan, senior vice president, Mattel Brands. "With their body styles, features and exclusive car model offerings, Dropstars(TM) are the hottest line of vehicles right now."
    Just now hitting shelves, Dropstars(TM) die-cast mid-size vehicles (1:20 scale) have some of the most staggering detail on the market, with color-matched interiors and "chromed" engine compartments, opening doors, hood and trunk, aggressive body kits, and the signature Dropstars(TM) overscale sizing. Popular models scheduled for release are:

--	Range Rover (available now)
--	Chrysler 300C HEMI(R) (available now)
--	Ferrari 360 Spider (available now)
--	Mercedes Benz SL55
--	'64 Lincoln Continental
--	Cadillac XLR

    Small scale (1:50) Dropstars(TM) die-cast vehicles are available now and feature such popular automotive models as:

    -- Maybach

    -- Cadillac Escalade

    -- Infiniti QX56

    -- Lincoln Continental

    The Tyco(R) R/C Dropstars(TM) line of radio controlled custom vehicles feature illuminated wheel wells, Phat Lip(TM) Ultra-Deep Dish Rims and soundtracks from the hottest hip hop artists. Scheduled for release this summer, the assortment will include the following cars:

    -- Chrysler 300C

    -- Dodge Magnum

    -- Land Rover Range Rover

    Hot Wheels(R) Dropstars(TM) small-size and mid-size vehicles are available at mass retail stores for $3.99 and 13.99, respectively. Tyco(R) R/C Dropstars(TM) will be available in summer 2005 for $29.99 for 1:16 scale and $99.99 for 1:6 scale.

    About Mattel, Inc.

    Mattel, Inc., (NYSE:MAT)(www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever created. Leading the toy and game market, the Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), Tyco(R) R/C and Scrabble(TM), as well as Fisher-Price brands (www.fisher-price.com), including Little People(R), Rescue Heroes(TM), Power Wheels(R) and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 27,000 people in 36 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.

    Dropstars produced under license to Mattel, Inc.

--30--CB/la*

CONTACT: MATTEL Tami Cole, 310-252-3921 or GOLINHARRIS Alisa Feinstein, 213-438-8715 Mark Morse, 213-438-8844

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ADVERTISING/MARKETING CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD ENTERTAINMENT RETAIL AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCT SOURCE: Mattel, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005