LOS ANGELES, Calif.– Volkswagen of America, Inc., long recognized for its relevance in pop culture, will participate in TOYS, a pop surrealist art exhibit in honor of Hot Wheels® 40th Anniversary. More than 40 of the most famous pop surrealist artists from around the globe have created customized 1:18 scale Hot Wheels® Volkswagen buses, all donated by Volkswagen. The exhibition kicks off today with an exclusive media and VIP preview at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles.
"We are excited to take part in an innovative exhibit that pays tribute to artistic creativity and individuality, while benefitting a worthwhile cause," said Mya Walters, Lifestyle Public Relations Manager for Volkswagen. "It is a pleasure to partner with a brand that brings inspiration and excitement to fans of all ages and we are happy to help celebrate Hot Wheels® incredible 40-year milestone."
Forty of most notable artists were given white die-cast Hot Wheels® Volkswagen buses to customize specifically for this exhibit. Each VW bus will be individually showcased and priced between $300 and $5,500 USD. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF). Participating artists, whose work comes to life on a VW bus, include Tokidoki, Greg Simkins, John David Horvath, Jon Burgerman, and husband and wife team Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivias.
"This exhibit exemplifies how the magic of toys not only inspire us at a young age, but remain a form of inspiration in our adult years," said Richard Dickson, senior vice president, Marketing, Media & Entertainment Worldwide, Mattel Brands. "Mattel is home to some of the most popular and beloved toy brands and we're honored to have the 40th anniversary of Hot Wheels® commemorated through this one-of-kind custom art form."
The TOYS exhibit will be open to the public in a limited engagement run April 2, 2008 through April 25, 2008. For Gallery 1988 location and showroom hours, please visit: www.gallery1988.com. For more information on Volkswagen, please visit www.vw.com.
About Volkswagen
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg 2 through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.
About the Hot Wheels® Brand
Hot Wheels® cars revolutionized boys' toys in 1968 with an original line of super-fast, customized cars built for speed, power, performance and attitude. Now, 40 years later, Hot Wheels® is a global lifestyle brand that represents the coolest cars imaginable in scales from miniature to full-size. Hot Wheels® cars are also popular collectibles for adults and each year, introduces a new line-up of innovative vehicles, track sets and playsets. For information on Hot Wheels® and its 40th anniversary activities, cruise over to www.hotwheels.com/40th.
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 2008's "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE Magazine and among the 100 Most Trustworthy U.S. Companies by Forbes Magazine. Committed to ethical manufacturing sustainable business practices, Mattel marked a 10-year milestone in 2007 for its Global Manufacturing Principles. With worldwide 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.
About Children Affected by AIDS Foundation
Worldwide there are more than 40 million people infected with HIV and more than 15 million children orphaned by AIDS. The number of children affected by AIDS in the U.S. alone is currently estimated at nearly 125,000. The Children Affected by AIDS Foundation was founded in Los Angeles in 1993 by Joe Cristina, a Mattel, Inc. executive whose desire to help children was inspired by the outpouring of support he received when he disclosed his own HIV-positive status. The Children Affected by AIDS Foundation is the only organization solely devoted to providing social, educational, recreational and other critical support programs to vulnerable children impacted by HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and other countries. CAAF accomplishes its mission domestically and abroad through four programs including domestic grant making, domestic initiatives, international grant making and international initiatives.
