Expensive rollout

$150 million

estimated production cost before a $14-million German tax rebate

$100 million

estimated cost of worldwide marketing

$100 million

estimated amount of additional marketing support from promotional partners

220

total number of global licensees -- including Mattel, LEGO, Hallmark and Schwinn -- producing nearly 5,000 products such as toys, apparel, bedding, stationery, party goods, back-to-school items and collectibles

53

total number of global promotional partners, including Target, McDonalds (Happy Meal toys), General Mills (cereal boxes), Puma (customized "Speed Racer" shoes) and Topps (candy).

Source: Times research