Disney/Pixar World of Cars Debuts at British International Motor Show

LONDON – June 25, 2008: Take the kids on a trip down Route 66 this summer with life-size versions of the characters from Disney/Pixar’s high-octane comedy adventure, Cars, who make their UK début appearance at the British International Motor Show sponsored by Zurich Connect.

The hot shot rookie race car, Lightning McQueen and his friends, Sally the snazzy Porsche 911, Mater a rusty but trustworthy tow truck and Mack the Truck, will transform part of London’s Docklands into a Disney/Pixar World of Cars complete with gaming pods, face painting, and other fun activities with prizes to be won.

The characters are based on real cars: Lightning McQueen is a custom-built car with a fibreglass body on a 1978 Trans am chassis; Sally is a customised 2002 Porsche 911; Mater is a custom-built vehicle built on a Chevy dually pickup chassis, and Mack the Truck is a 1985 Mack super-Liner.

Show Marketing Director Kirsty Perkinson said, “Disney is an incredible addition to this year’s show, offering a magical experience for kids and parents alike! Couple this with Peugeot’s kids driving school, Honda’s live action theatre and sky-diving simulation ride, there’s more for all the family to do than ever before!”

This world class motoring extravaganza expects to attract over half a million people, making it the biggest show in the UK. With over six hundred cars, 60 car marques, over 20 global premieres and interactive features, the Show promises something for everyone from car enthusiasts to families looking for an exciting day out.

Visitors can also look forward to the following:

The Heritage Enclosure and Parade: A unique driving display of high performance supercars from the last five decades.

The Autoglym Supercar Paddock: Get up close and personal with some of the most exotic, expensive and highly revered performance cars on the planet.

Land Rover's Ultimate Experience: Driven by an instructor, take part in an awe-inspiring, gravity-defying climb up a 10 metre high mountain, negotiate treacherous side slopes and hair raising descents or drive yourself on the 'mini' terrapod off road course.

Dreamscape: Honda Live Action Arena: A live-action stunt show in a 3,500-capacity purpose built Motor Theatre.

The Marine Experience: National Boat Show’s incredible line up of boats, ranging from million pound yachts and motor cruisers to more affordable ribs and sailing dinghies.

The Cooperative Greener Driving Pavilion & Electric Vehicle Village: An interactive showcase of green innovations, exciting new automotive technologies, a seminar area, tips on greener driving and an impressive collection of the latest electric cars.

The Motor Show Music Festival: Live acts perform late night concerts each night of the Show, including UB40, Status Quo, Squeeze, Meatloaf, Blondie and Jools Holland featuring Marc Almond. The full line up can be found at www.britishmotorshow.co.uk. Tickets are sold separately and include free access to The British International Motor Show.

Careers Zone: Land your dream job in the motor industry with experts from all levels and sectors on hand to give practical advice on every thing from manufacturing and engineering to repair to technical accreditation.

My Car is the Star: A wall of fame will host hundreds of photographs of Brits with their beloved vehicles and one lucky person will win the opportunity to see their own car proudly displayed at the Show. To be on the wall, send a photograph of you and your car to mycaristhestar@britishmotorshow.co.uk along with a few words on what your cars mean to you.

Peugeot Driving School: Children over 4 years old can race around the little roads in mini carts and learn to drive at this quirky driving school, and even get a little driving licence.

Garmin Great British Drives: Experience the sights, smells and sounds of some of the most breathtaking driving routes in the British Isles.