Salem, OR.--March 28, 2001--Tonka, the name synonymous with tough, durable trucks and vehicles, will be inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame® at A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village here, it was announced today.

Tonka, a brand of Hasbro, Inc., a worldwide leader in children's entertainment, was one of just two inductees selected from a field of 82 nominees, named by a national panel of distinguished educators and civic leaders, who chose from toys that were nominated during 2000 by both children and adults.

For more than 50 years, the Tonka brand has prided itself on offering children durable, fun trucks and vehicles, and it's an honor to become part of the National Toy Hall of Fame,'' said Derek Stothard, Vice President of Marketing for Hasbro's Tonka brand. "We thank all of our fans who voted for Tonka and promise to continue delivering high-quality vehicles that provide hours of entertainment for kids, and value for parents and gift givers.''

Tonka, a leading brand in vehicles, was founded in 1947 by the Mound Metalcraft Company in Mound, Minnesota, on the premise that a toy should be durable and provide a child with as much play value as possible. Over a half-century and 250 million trucks later, Tonka brand vehicles are still designed and manufactured to withstand the toughest play. Today, the Tonka brand -- which began with just two truck styles -- features more than 30 trucks, vehicles and toy playsets. The latest generation combines the best of classic truck and construction play with new fun and friendly personalities. It all started with Chuck My Talkin' Truck and continued with Tucker My Talkin' Truckbot in 2000, and new for this year Chomper My Talkin' Truckbot, Dusty My Talkin' Toolbench and Rescue Roy.

The National Toy Hall of Fame, housed in the historic Parrish House, part of A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village in Salem, OR, seeks to recognize the positive influence that toys have on a child's learning and creativity. Past Hasbro inductees include Mr. Potato Head, Lincoln Logs, Play-Doh and Tinkertoy.

Hasbro, Inc. is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its Playskool, Tonka, Super Soaker, Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers, Tiger and Wizards Of The Coast brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.