TerrainiactmTM escapes from ALCATRAZ!

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - Performing a feat that not even the toughest box-office stars were able to accomplish without the help of movie magic, Mattel, Inc., announced today that Tyco® R/C’s newest all-terrain vehicle, TerrainiacTM, is rumored to have successfully escaped from the infamous decommissioned penitentiary of Alcatraz. From a solitary confinement cell to the prison grounds, the vehicle is said to have eluded guards and navigated the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean and may possibly be making its way to the City by the Bay.

Once home to the most notorious criminals and gangsters of the 20th century, “The Rock,” as it has come to be known, was for years considered to be an inescapable fortress where the very worst of society’s criminals were interred. However, rumors are circulating that a successful bid was made by the TerrainiacTM.

Although no official statement was made from the island fortress, mysterious photos and videos are slowly emerging, showing an unknown floating object (UFO) in the waters of the San Francisco Bay.

If verified, TerrainiacTM will have proved its capabilities of not just escaping from “The Rock,” but also traversing a variety of terrains — darting through the concrete ruins of the prison, maneuvering across choppy waters, and potentially reaching the shores of San Francisco. Key to its maneuverability is an over-sized rear-sphere mega-tire that drives over asphalt, dirt, grass, gravel, sand and snow, and serves as its main source of propulsion in the water. Hydro hulls add buoyancy and a gyro-pivoting motion aids in steering the vehicle. A specially designed paddle-pivot transmitter mimics the unique motion of the TerrainiacTM, making its operation very intuitive.

“This is one of the most incredible all-terrain R/C vehicles ever released on the market,” said Geoff Walker, vice president of Wheels Marketing, Mattel Brands. “Kids are going to have a great time experimenting with different surfaces and environments, trying to see if there’s anything the Terrainiac can’t conquer. It will be hard to top an escape from Alcatraz, but the challenge is really part of the fun.”

The Tyco® R/C TerrainiacTM is on shelves now, and comes ready-to-run with one Tyco® 9.6 V battery and charger, plus two “AA” batteries for the transmitter for a suggested retail price of $79.99. Terrainiac™ is available in two different colors and frequencies, allowing for dual operation.

About Mattel

Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American Girl®, Radica:® and Tyco® R/C, as well as Fisher-Price® brands, including Little People®, Power Wheels® and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines.

Mattel is recognized as one of the 100 Most Trustworthy U.S. Companies by Forbes Magazine and is ranked among the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by CRO Magazine. Committed to ethical manufacturing practices, Mattel marks a 10-year milestone in 2007 for its ever-evolving Global Manufacturing Principles and focus on sustainable business practices. With global headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Mattel’s vision is to be the world’s premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.


Note: The Tyco R/C Terrainiac is not intended for use in salt water.

CONTACT:
Lauren Bennett
GolinHarris
213-438-8732
lbennett@golinharris.com

Michele Sturdivant
Mattel, Inc.
310-252-4374
michele.sturdivant@mattel.com