RC2 PREVIEWS 2004 PRODUCT LINE-UP AT
INTERNATIONAL MODEL AND HOBBY EXPO
Bolingbrook, IL (September 9, 2003)- RC2 Corporation
(NASDAQ: RCRC) is presenting an extensive line-up of new products
at the International Model and Hobby Expo in Rosemont, Illinois September
11th through 14th. The new products will be marketed under the Company's
Racing Champions®, Ertl®, Learning Curve, American Muscle,
AMT® and JoyRide Studios brands, and are targeted to its
diverse customer base, which includes kids, collectors and hobbyists.
Most new products are scheduled for introduction in 2004.
Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway System-Ranked as
a "Top 5 Best-Selling Toy" 11 out of the past 12 months
by specialty retailers, Thomas will be featured at this show for
the first time. Direct from the new 2004 video release "New
Friends for Thomas," three new Thomas & Friends engines-Spencer,
Emily and Murdoch-will be available in time for this holiday season
as part of our exclusive "Sneak Peak" program. The new
Boulder Mountain Roadway Set will be on display as well as two
destinations, the Mountain Overpass and Mr. Jolly's Chocolate
Factory, from treasured Thomas stories.
Harley-Davidson Replicas-As the only die-cast company
licensed to produce authentic Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary
graphics, RC2 continues to enhance this popular line with new
offerings in 1:18- and 1:10-scale. Highly detailed, authentic
versions of the big "hogs," the models include 50 or
more parts, working hand brakes, suspensions, and opening saddle
bags.
The Fast and The Furious Vehicle Replicas-Based
on the blockbuster movie and its sequel, die-cast replicas in
RC2's The Fast and The Furious line are among the most
popular automotive collectibles on the market today. Now, two
new releases-the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII and the
Honda S2000, both available in 1:18 and 1:64 scale-broaden
the appeal of the line and are available exclusively from RC2.
Each model sports authentic movie graphics. In 1:18-scale, the
replicas feature opening hoods, trunks, and doors as well as detailed
engines and all the "tricked out" accessories such as
nitrous tanks and sound systems. The 1:64 scale cars are authentically
replicated down to the wheels, interiors, spoilers and decoration.
In 1:24 scale, two more entries-a Toyota Supra and Honda
Civic-include a movie-character figure and feature opening
hoods.
JoyRide Studios Entertainment Vehicle Replicas -Eight
additions to this line of movie/TV-car replicas establish JoyRide
as a top producer of quality die-cast vehicles from popular and
vintage entertainment properties and expand its licensing properties
to include movie-car replicas from Animal House, Ghostbusters,
National Lampoon's Family Vacation, the Munsters,
Greased Lightning, and Austin Powers.
JoyRide Studios Figures-The first wave of three collectible
figures based on the hugely popular Xbox® sci-fi action-adventure
game "Halo®" developed by Bungie is here
and now available; new figures from the Halo Universe will roll
out through next year. MechWarrior Activity Kits, officially
licensed by Seattle-based WizKids, are now available. These kits
feature quality die-cast and plastic components that can be assembled
to form fully articulated replicas of the giant robotic 'Mechs
that battle for domination in the MechWarrior: Dark Age universe.
American Muscle Vehicle Replicas-Representing the leading
hobby line of 1:18-scale reproductions of classic American muscle
cars, the American Muscle emphasis on authenticity and quality
comes through in thirty new product introductions. Each model-from
the "slammed" version of the 1956 Ford F-150 Pickup
to the Commemorative Edition Chevy Corvette Z06-includes
opening hood and doors and detailed engines and interiors. Taking
the American Muscle emphasis on absolute realism to the ultimate,
the 1965 Chevy Chevelle SS396, being issued in the Authentics
series, includes nearly 200 parts.
AMT Model Kits-Featuring re-issues of some of the most
sought-after car kits ever produced, completely retooled models
include seven muscle cars from the '60s and '70s. Also being introduced
are newly tooled versions of some of the most popular trucks from
Monster Jam: Grave Digger, Jurassic Attack, and Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles.
RC2 (www.rc2corp.com) is a leading producer and marketer
of high quality, innovative collectibles and toys targeted at adult
collectors and children, as measured by sales and brand recognition.
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 and 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.
Certain statements contained in this release contain "forward-looking
statements'' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use
of forward-looking words or phrases such as "anticipate,"
"believe," "could," "expect," "intend,"
"may,'' "plans," "potential," "target,"
"should," "will," "could" and "would."
Such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known
and unknown risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results
and future developments could differ materially from the results
or developments expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking
statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to make any revisions
to the forward-looking statements contained in this release or to
update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the
date of this release.