ERTL® PRESCHOOL BEEFS UP ITS POPULAR JOHN DEERE LINE-UP
WITH FOUR NEW INTRODUCTIONS
Bolingbrook, IL (MAY 13, 2003)-Even if the South 40 is
just the family driveway, the newest John Deere Ride-On toys
from Ertl Preschool, a brand of RC2 (NASDAQ: RCRC), puts youngsters
in the driver's seat. All decked out in John Deere's distinctive
green and yellow, the latest additions to this popular line are
rugged, ride-able versions of the real thing and include the Heavy
Hauler Tricycle for kids two to four years old, a Bicycle
with training wheels for the three-to-five-year-old set, a Sit
and Scoot Tractor that will captivate children as young as 18
months, and a Power Pull Tractor that's designed for kids
three to eight years old.
"Anything we do that has the John Deere name on it is really
selling well-it's the fastest growing name in ride-on toys,"
said Greg Miller, Vice President of Marketing for RC2. "These
new products are fun; kids will probably grow out of them before
they grow tired of them, and we've made them rugged enough to stand
up to years of great play fun." He added, "Today, more
than ever, people are looking for toys that are designed well and
that offer real value for the money. We take our responsibilities
seriously, and we build safety and durability into every Ertl Preschool
product."
Jointly developed by Ertl Preschool and Peg-Perego and available
in July, the battery-powered Power Pull Tractor is every
youngster's dream-a beefy, ride-able version of the big tractors.
Priced at $200, it's powered by a rechargeable 12-volt battery and
features two forward speeds plus reverse and includes a heavy-duty
trailer. It was developed as the follow-up to the John Deere
Ride-On Gator that's been the best-selling ride-on in its category
since being introduced in 2001.
With its low, narrow seat, the Sit and Scoot Tractor is easy
to climb aboard and provides hours of fun for toddlers as young
as 18 months. A wide, stable base helps prevent tipping. Also available
in July, its suggested retail price is in the $20-$25 range.
Developed with Kent International and available now, the Bike
and Tricycle will retail in the $50-$70 range. An ideal
first two-wheeler for toddlers, the Bike features a heavy-duty
steel frame, carrying rack, quick-adjust seat post, and adjustable
training wheels. The Heavy Hauler Trike lives up to its name
with a beefy tubular steel frame, all-terrain wheels, adjustable
seat and handlebars, and dumping storage bed.
RC2 (www.rc2corp.com) is a leading producer and marketer of high
quality, innovative collectibles and toys targeted at adult collectors
and children. The Company's diverse product offerings include: agricultural,
construction and outdoor sports vehicle replicas; automotive, high
performance and racing vehicle replicas; traditional children's
toys; sports trading cards, racing apparel and souvenirs; and collectible
figures. These products are sold under the Company's market-focused
brand names, including Racing Champions®, Ertl®, Ertl Collectibles®,
Learning Curve, American Muscle™, AMT®, W. Britain®,
Press Pass®, Eden®, Feltkids® and JoyRide Studios™.
The Company supports its brands and enhances the authenticity of
its products by linking them with highly recognized licensed properties
from John Deere, Harley-Davidson, Hit Entertainment, Lamaze, Case,
Polaris, Honda, Caterpillar, Ford, GM, DaimlerChrysler, NASCAR,
NHRA, Texaco, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, DIC Entertainment,
Nintendo, Sega, Electronic Arts and Microsoft. The Company's products
are marketed through multiple channels of distribution, including
chain retailers, specialty and hobby wholesalers and retailers,
OEM dealers, corporate accounts for promotional purposes and direct
to consumers. The Company sells through more than 20,000 retail
outlets located in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
