FEATURE/James Bond Cars Race Into Stores; Collectible Cars Inspired by New Bond Film, "Die Another Day," Now Available

    NEW YORK--Oct. 1, 2002--To generations of movie fans, the phrase, "Bond, James Bond," has been identified with sultry women, intricate gadgets and fabulous cars.
    Now, Bond enthusiasts can own models of the three cars featured in the latest film.
    To celebrate 007's 40th anniversary and newest movie, "Die Another Day," three 1:18th scale die-cast models of the cars appearing in the movie - the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, the Jaguar XKR Roadster and the Ford Thunderbird - have been created. The Aston Martin and the Jaguar are also available as 1:16th scale radio-controlled models. Manufactured under a licensing agreement with The Beanstalk Group and Bond Marketing, the replicas are outfitted with features that the world's most famous spy, and his enemies, would expect from their ultimate transportation vehicle.
    In "Die Another Day," James Bond, played by Pierce Brosnan, is reunited with the Aston Martin, the British sports car the character first drove in 1964 in the quintessential Bond film, "Goldfinger," with Sean Connery. Not for the faint of heart, the die-cast Aston Martin is filled with gadgets - hidden behind the front grill and under the hood - and includes the now-famous passenger ejection seat.
    The Jaguar XKR Roadster was uniquely styled for its performance in "Die Another Day" and is the vehicle of choice for the uber-villian, "Zao," played by newcomer Rick Yune. The die-cast replica, like the original, features a customized body and is loaded with gadgets down to the ice-crunching, road-tearing spiked tires.
    Halle Berry, playing the femme fatale "Jinx," will drive the ultimate automotive fashion statement: a limited edition Thunderbird convertible, whose coral color was selected by Ford's Vice President of Design, J Mays. The die-cast version features a removable hard top.
    The fit, finish and detailing of all three models are intended to appeal to highly discriminating collectors.
    "These cars are remarkable pieces of craftsmanship that epitomize the essence of the James Bond character and films: fast, cool and sexy," said Linden Nelson, CEO of The Beanstalk Group. "They are highly detailed, precision replicas that are sure to be coveted collectibles, attracting both new and long-time Bond fans."
    Under a joint venture, The Beanstalk Group, the world's leading licensing and promotional products agency, and Bond Marketing, have designed, manufactured and distributed these premium die-cast and radio-controlled cars, which are available at FAO Schwarz, Spencer Gifts, Bloomingdale's and from the Sharper Image Catalog. The cars are also available through www.fordcollection.com and www.exoticar.com. Suggested retail price is $34.99. Images available on request.

    About The Beanstalk Group

    The Beanstalk Group, with approximately 400 employees, is the world's leading trademark licensing and promotional merchandise agency and consultancy. With offices and/or fulfillment centers in the U.S. (New York, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Orlando), Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg), and Europe (London), Beanstalk offers clients a complete solution to their brand licensing and promotional merchandise needs. Current Beanstalk clients include AT&T, The Coca-Cola Company, Harley-Davidson, Ford Motor Company, The Stanley Works, Mary-Kate and Ashley and McDonald's. For more information, please visit www.beanstalk.com.

    About Bond Marketing

    Bond Marketing Inc. is the licensing arm of Danjaq, LLC and Eon Productions Limited owned by the Broccoli family who have produced nineteen James Bond films since 1962. The Bond films make up the most successful franchise in film history and include recent blockbuster films, "GoldenEye," "Tomorrow Never Dies," and "The World is not Enough," produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Danjaq, LLC and its affiliate Eon Productions Limited, control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise. The 20th Bond film, "Die Another Day" will be released on November 22, 2002.