Autoworld / Round 2 Diecast 2008

Auto World licenses tooling for American Muscle/ Ertl Collectibles die-cast 

March 4, 2008

South Bend, IN – Auto World (a division of Round 2, LLC) has signed a licensing agreement with RC2/Learning Curve Brands, Inc. of Oak Brook, Illinois.  The contract will allow Auto World to produce and market plastic model kits under the well-known brands of AMT, MPC and Polar Lights.  Also included are the rights to manufacture 1:18 and 1:24 scale die-cast replicas using the trademarks of American Muscle and Ertl Collectibles.  In addition, Auto World will now be handling production of Custom and Premium promotional die-cast vehicles for RC2’s current C&P customer base, with sales continuing through established representatives.

Thomas E. Lowe, President and Owner of Round 2, is now assembling a team of knowledgeable plastic model and die-cast specialists who are excited about this license opportunity and passionate about reintroducing these brands to their respective communities.   Lowe states, “Our goal is to bring back many sought after vintage kits of all types from the AMT and MPC tooling banks, some that haven’t been available for decades. We've recruited model kit expert and creative designer John Greczula from Retro Hobby, Inc. to work with us. The American Muscle tooling bank has great potential, too, and Craig Flickinger, who was the Product Manager for American Muscle for several years, is on board to ensure that collectors are kept as priority one.  Using our own production facilities, we will have the capability to adjust quantities of the model and die cast lines to satisfy market demand.  We will not rely solely on old tooling, but will develop new tools as well.” 

Further, Lowe states, “2008 is going to be a roller coaster ride for us as we prepare our game plan and get things moving.  There is an incredible amount of information to be absorbed and organization that must take place.  We understand the modeling and die-cast markets have changed and that several large mass-retail chains are beginning to turn their backs on stocking these products.  We will try and slow that down by introducing new and innovative products, hopefully enticing them to support our brands.  I learned a lot when I ran my previous company, Playing Mantis, and I intend to use all of my knowledge and contacts to the maximum.  For me, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Tom Lowe and RC2 Brands, Inc. are no strangers to each other.  Lowe, an entrepreneur known for his expertise in collectible automotive subject matter, sold his first company, Playing Mantis, Inc. to RC2 in 2004.  Lowe founded Playing Mantis in 1994 and resurrected the classic Johnny Lightning brand, producing small-scale die-cast replicas and electric slot cars catering to the adult collector.  Enthusiastic response resulted in phenomenal growth of the brand, and spurred Lowe to venture into other areas, including Polar Lights plastic model kits and Memory Lane seasonal product.

Round 2 was established by Lowe in 2005 and reintroduced electric slot cars under the Auto World brand, an iconic hobby catalog trademark which Lowe purchased from Auto World’s founder, Oscar Koveleski.

Round 2 is an innovative collectibles company located in South Bend, Indiana. Its family of brands includes Auto World, currently featuring X-Traction, ThunderJet and Super III 1:64 scale electric slot racers and racing sets; Forever Fun Holiday Collectibles, featuring detailed recreations of favorite holiday characters and EarthGlow Candles, featuring unique licensed candles and candle toppers. Round 2 is proud to add AMT, MPC and Polar Lights model kits, American Muscle and Ertl Collectibles die-cast to its portfolio of brands.

Here is Auto Worlds 2008 Releases.
More info and pictures will be posted later today (March 24th)

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM915
Year / Make / Model	1964 Thunderbolt
Exterior Color	Burgundy w/ Gold Roof
Interior Color	-
Engine	427
Wheels	Chrome Radir 5 Spoke Wheels
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2  (Formally Ertl Authentics)
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	-
Estimated Release Date	December  2008
Retail Price	$69.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
This will be a new - highly detailed mold from Autoworld (Formally Ertl-RC2). Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk. Carpeted floors, cloth seat belts, plug wires, heater hoses. Opening ashtray & glovebox. Driveshaft spins with rear wheels. Detailed Engine Bay.

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM903
Year / Make / Model	1966 Charger
Exterior Color	Dark Blue
Interior Color	Blue
Engine	426 Hemi
Wheels	Factory Wheel Covers (Not Shown)
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2  (Formally Ertl Authentics)
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	-
Estimated Release Date	September  2008
Retail Price	$69.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
This will be a new - highly detailed mold from Autoworld (Formally Ertl-RC2). Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk. Carpeted floors, cloth seat belts, plug wires, heater hoses. Opening ashtray & glovebox. Driveshaft spins with rear wheels. Working Suspension.  Detailed Engine Bay.

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM905
Year / Make / Model	1966 Chevelle SS 396
Exterior Color	Madera Maroon
Interior Color	Black
Engine	396
Wheels	Steelies w/ Dog Dish Hubcaps
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2  (Formally Ertl Authentics)
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	-
Estimated Release Date	October  2008
Retail Price	$69.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
This will be a new - highly detailed mold from Autoworld (Formally Ertl-RC2). Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk. Carpeted floors, cloth seat belts, plug wires, heater hoses. Opening ashtray & glovebox. Driveshaft spins with rear wheels. Working Suspension.  Detailed Engine Bay.

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM901
Year / Make / Model	1967 Camaro Z-28
Exterior Color	Marina Blue
Interior Color	White
Engine	302
Wheels	Rally
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2  (Formally Ertl Authentics)
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	-
Estimated Release Date	August  2008
Retail Price	$69.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
This will be a new - highly detailed mold from Autoworld (Formally Ertl-RC2). Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk. Carpeted floors, cloth seat belts, plug wires, heater hoses. Opening ashtray & glovebox. Driveshaft spins with rear wheels. Working Suspension.  Detailed Engine Bay.

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM997
Year / Make / Model	1969   Road Runner
Exterior Color	Scorch Red
Interior Color	Black
Engine	426 Hemi
Wheels	Steelies w/ Dog Dish Hubcaps
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2 for Supercar Collectibles
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	Less than 2,500
Estimated Release Date	December  2008
Retail Price	$59.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk.

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM906
Year / Make / Model	1969 1/2 Superbee
Exterior Color	Dark Bronze
Interior Color	Black
Engine	440-6
Wheels	Steelies with Dog Dish Hub Caps
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2  (Formally Ertl Elite)
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	-
Estimated Release Date	October  2008
Retail Price	$54.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk.

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM902
Year / Make / Model	1969 AMX
Exterior Color	Red - White - Blue  (Replica of a Very Rare paint scheme)
Interior Color	Black
Engine	390
Wheels	Cragar SS Mags
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2  (Formally Ertl Elite)
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	-
Estimated Release Date	August  2008
Retail Price	$54.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk. Note:  This model will have a different Hood than what is pictured. Plans are to include the "Hurst" hood scoop. Paint Scheme is correct, although Super Rare!

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM907
Year / Make / Model	1969   Road Runner
Exterior Color	Bronze Fire Metallic
Interior Color	Tan
Engine	426 Hemi
Wheels	Factory Magnum 500's
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2  (Formally Ertl Elite)
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	-
Estimated Release Date	October  2008
Retail Price	$54.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk.

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM998
Year / Make / Model	1969   Road Runner Super Street
Exterior Color	Black
Interior Color	Black
Engine	426 Hemi
Wheels	Centerline Mags
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2 for Supercar Collectibles
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	Less than 2,500
Estimated Release Date	December  2008
Retail Price	$59.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk.

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM911
Year / Make / Model	1970 Charger R/T
Exterior Color	Panther Pink
Interior Color	White
Engine	440-6
Wheels	Rally
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2  (Formally Ertl Authentics)
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	-
Estimated Release Date	November  2008
Retail Price	$69.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
This will be a new - highly detailed mold from Autoworld (Formally Ertl-RC2). Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk. Carpeted floors, cloth seat belts, plug wires, heater hoses. Opening ashtray & glovebox. Driveshaft spins with rear wheels. Working Suspension.  Detailed Engine Bay.

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM904
Year / Make / Model	1970 Cutlass SX
Exterior Color	Burnished Gold
Interior Color	Black
Engine	455
Wheels	Factory Rallys
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2  (Formally Ertl Elite)
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	-
Estimated Release Date	September  2008
Retail Price	$54.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk.

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM999
Year / Make / Model	1971 Charger Superbee
Exterior Color	Black
Interior Color	Black
Engine	383
Wheels	Steelies w/ Dog Dish Hubcaps
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2 for Supercar Collectibles
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	Less than 2,500
Estimated Release Date	December  2008
Retail Price	$69.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
This will be a new - highly detailed mold from Autoworld (Formally Ertl-RC2). Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk. Carpeted floors, cloth seat belts, plug wires, heater hoses. Opening ashtray & glovebox. Driveshaft spins with rear wheels. Working Suspension.  Detailed Engine Bay.

www.DiecastMusclecars.Com
Stock Number	AMM912
Year / Make / Model	1971 Charger Superbee
Exterior Color	Butterscotch
Interior Color	Tan
Engine	383
Wheels	Steelies w/ Dog Dish Hubcaps
Manufacture	Auto World / Round 2 for Supercar Collectibles
Scale	1:18
Estimated Production Number	Less than 2,500
Estimated Release Date	November  2008
Retail Price	$69.95   Shipping Included in U.S. 48   Accepting Pre-Orders
This will be a new - highly detailed mold from Autoworld (Formally Ertl-RC2). Features include: Opening hood, doors & trunk. Carpeted floors, cloth seat belts, plug wires, heater hoses. Opening ashtray & glovebox. Driveshaft spins with rear wheels. Working Suspension.  Detailed Engine Bay.