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Mattel Batman Batmobile (Model Number B4944) Safety Modification

  • 2004.04.16

Mattel Inc. is carrying out a safety modification programme for the Batman Batmobile Toy Vehicle (Model Number B4944). In the US, Mattel made this voluntary announcement in co-operation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on 14 April 2004. Consumers in the U.S. and internationally are being asked to stop using the Batman Batmobile and to contact Mattel to receive free modification kits.

The affected Mattel Batman Batmobile toy car is a 20-inch blue and grey plastic vehicle with detachable motorcycle, model number B4944 is written on the bottom of the vehicle.

The rear tail wings of the affected toy cars are made of rigid plastic and come to a point, which may pose a potential puncture or laceration hazard to young children. In the US and Canada, Mattel has received approximately 15 reports of injuries consisting of scrapes, scratches, lacerations and punctures. Four of these injuries required medical treatment. Mattel Australia also received 1 report of an injury.

In Hong Kong, the Batman Batmobile toy car has been sold in major retail outlets since late 2003. To date, Mattel Hong Kong has not received any consumer calls or reports relating to the Mattel Batman Batmobile.

As a precaution, parents are advised to take the Batman Batmobile away from their children and contact Mattel Hong Kong's Janis Fok at Tel: 3185 6543 (Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm) to confirm if their product is affected and to request a free modification kit. The modification kit contains two replacement wings without pointed ends that snap onto the toy vehicle. The repair can be done quickly and easily at home, based on instructions that are provided.

All Mattel Batman Batmobile stocks at local retail outlets are being withdrawn by Mattel to be modified. The Mattel Batman Batmobile toy cars will only be re-launched at retail once modified with replacement wings without pointed ends.

Sources:
Mattel Inc. and U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Release #04-118 (April 14, 2004) ,
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04118.html