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Warner Bros. Consumer Products Gives Corgi Classics Global License to Manufacture Heritage Batmobiles for Toy, Collectibles Market
CHICAGO -- Feb. 17, 2004 -- 11 Batman(TM) Vehicles Inspired by DC Comics Batman Comic Book Series To Be Introduced in 2004
Corgi Classics, an operating unit of Zindart Limited, announced today that it has been awarded a global license from Warner Bros. Consumer Products to produce and market a line of high quality die-cast Batmobiles, inspired by DC Comics' Batman(TM) Comic Book series, for the toy and collectible market.
The new line, replicas of some of the earliest Batmobiles from the original Batman comic book series produced by DC Comics since 1939, have been already shown at the Spielwarenmesse, an international toy fair held in Nuremberg, Germany; and at Toy Fair, London; and are debuting for the American market at Toy Fair in New York this week.
"We are pleased to be working with such a high quality toy and collectible brand as Corgi, to introduce a new and inventive high-end line of products that will focus on the heritage of Batman," said Mark Matheny, Executive Vice President, International, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "We are certain that this line will appeal to fans and collectors of all ages."
"Since the adoption of Zindart's Strategic Plan three years ago, Corgi's development efforts have been focused on expanding worldwide. Securing licenses with the kind of global awareness offered by Batman has been part of that effort," according to Peter Gardiner, Chairman, Zindart.
"Our licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Comics, is allowing us to create a whole new line of Batman products for global distribution," Gardiner said. "By fall, new Batmobiles, based on content from Batman comic books, will be in all the major markets: Japan, the UK, Germany, France, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, China and, of course, the U.S."
U.S. retailers already on board to carry the product this summer include Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us, Shop Co and Kmart, as well as DC Comics stores and more than 1,100 specialty collector outlets. Corgi will also offer models direct to collectors from the Corgi site www.corgiclassics.com.
Corgi will produce 11 famous Batmobile models inspired by the Batman comic book series for 2004. Included will be the 1940s Batmobile, a Jokermobile and a Batbike, as well as the 1960s Batmobile and the 2004 See Through Batmobile. The total range includes vehicles from 1:43 to 1:18 scale. Prices will range from $7.99 to $29.99.
High end Batmobile models will come with a "Virtual Video" unit, a PDA-sized lenticular screen containing a voice chip that allows an animated Batman to deliver custom phrases, making this special series self-promoting on the retail shelf and a must have for collectors.
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
About DC Comics
DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. The company is home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics' web site is located at www.dccomics.com.
About Corgi Classics
The Corgi brand was born in 1956. Since then, Corgi Classics' die-cast replica scale models have captured the imaginations of millions with its expanding fleet of authentic aviation, trucking, fire, transportation and specialty vehicles. Collectors can find more information at www.corgiclassics.com or by calling 1-800-800-CORGI.
About Zindart
Zindart is a global manufacturer, supplying a wide range of plastic, die-cast and paper products, both under its own brands and for large consumer products companies.
In addition to Corgi, Zindart's operating divisions include Hua Yang Printing and Zindart Manufacturing. Hua Yang Printing Holdings Company produces high-quality books, specialty packaging and board games. Zindart Manufacturing provides both product design and quality turnkey manufacturing for branded products requiring rapid, high-volume delivery.
Founded in 1978, Zindart is based in Hong Kong with offices in the United States and the United Kingdom.
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