In an announcement at the International Licensing Expo predicting a record $30+ billion in global retail sales for fiscal 2008, Disney revealed that its virtual world based on the Cars franchise will be available next year.

In addition to forecasting $2.7 billion in merchandising sales for its 'tween franchises, Disney expects its DCP (Disney Consumer Products) girls franchises to reach the $5 billion mark, aided by DisneyFairies.com, which claims nearly 6 million user-created fairy avatars, as well as upcoming virtual world Pixie Hollow and Nintendo DS Dgamer title Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell.

Disney and Pixar's Cars franchise is on track to generate a projected $2.5 billion in global retail sales of licensed merchandise. The Cars virtual world will offer players a chance to create their own car avatar and interact with Lightning McQueen and other characters from the film.

Said Disney Consumer Products chairman Andy Mooney "It’s the Disney difference that accounts for this unprecedented growth fueled by unmatched content and rich franchises nurtured across The Walt Disney Company. In just five years, retail sales of Disney products have doubled and we have diversified our portfolio of brands with smash hits like High School Musical, evergreens like Disney Princess, and expanding franchises in Disney and Pixar’s Cars and Disney Fairies. Our product offerings now reach all ages. Simply put, there is no better time to be aligned with Disney.”