EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Sept. 9, 2003 -- Mattel, Inc. and Maserati today concurrently debuted the Maserati Quattroporte and its Hot Wheels® die-cast counterpart at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The Maserati Quattroporte is the newest edition to the collection of vehicles meticulously replicated by Hot Wheels® designers and engineers to capture the authentic experience and style in a 1:18-scale version.

The Maserati Quattroporte is the fifth-generation luxury vehicle designed by world-renowned Pininfarina. Pininfarina's masterful styling is matched by a powerful 400 bhp V8 engine, an extraordinary spacious cabin and the possibility of personalizing the car down to the smallest detail. The high-performance Italian luxury vehicle will be available in 2004, while the 1:18-scale Hot Wheels® version, available now, comes in at an estimated $19.99.

"The Hot Wheels® brand is privileged to work with Maserati to add the noted luxury car manufacturer into our 1:18-scale model collection," said Mark Sullivan, Mattel Senior Vice President, Wheels Marketing. "Maserati is a vehicle brand that people aspire to own, and now car enthusiasts around the globe can bring the exclusive Maserati experience home."

"As the most authentic die-cast manufacturer, Mattel has captured the style and luxury of the Ferrari family over the years," said Alberto Crippa, Licensing and Merchandising Director, Ferrari. "With the debut of the first Maserati, we are pleased to extend this partnership which once again brought together engineers from both companies who worked side-by-side to ensure that the Hot Wheels® counterpart mirrors the Quattroporte experience."

Mattel not only captures the exclusivity of these elite vehicles, but also brings the experience to car enthusiasts in the classic Hot Wheels® style that serious collectors have come to expect. Hot Wheels® Maserati cars are available in 1:18 scales at mass retailers nationwide.

Hot Wheels® cars revolutionized boys' toys in 1968 with an original line of super-fast, customized cars built for speed, power and performance, wrapped in attitude. Now, 35 years later, Hot Wheels® is a global lifestyle brand that represents the coolest cars imaginable in scales from miniature to full-size. In addition to leading the way with innovative vehicles, playsets and track, Hot Wheels® cars are also popular collectibles for adults. For the latest information on Hot Wheels® cars, cruise over to www.hotwheels.com.

Mattel, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of family products. With headquarters in El Segundo, California, Mattel has offices and facilities in 36 countries and sells its products in more than 150 nations around the world. For more information on Mattel products, please log on to our Web site at www.mattel.com.

The Ferrari-Maserati group, which includes the Ferrari and Maserati brands, is present in 45 countries (more than 90% of the worldwide automotive market) supporting a sales network of over 300 dealerships. The Group, based in Maranello and Modena (Italy), is a high-tech constructor of extreme and luxury sports-cars with consolidated 2002 global sales of 1.2 billion Euros and over 2,700 employees. Ferrari has won five Formula 1 World Titles in the last three years (two Drivers' and three Constructors' titles in succession), while both model range and technological innovation has led to excellent commercial performance. Performance, drivability and safety are guaranteed by the continuous transfer of Ferrari's Formula 1 know-how and technology to its road-going "Granturismo" cars.

HOT WHEELS and associated trademarks are owned by Mattel, Inc. Product under license of Ferrari S.p.A.