It looks like Disney/Pixar’s Cars 2 franchise has paid off for Mattel, according to the company’s second quarter financial results. The world’s largest toymaker saw global net sales increase by 14% to US$1.16 billion and overall profits totaled US$80.5 million for the period, a 56% rise from last year’s US$51.6 million.

The company’s Entertainment business, which includes Radica and Games and Puzzles, experienced the biggest growth, as sales were up 41% for the quarter, primarily driven by the rollout of products featuring Cars 2 and WBCP’s Green Lantern.

Global sales for the Mattel Girls & Boys Brands business unit rang in at US$795.6 million, up 22% versus a year ago. Within that sector, sales for the Barbie brand were up 12%, while Other Girls Brands were up 29%, driven by the Monster High and Disney Princess doll lines. Meanwhile, global sales for the Wheels business, which includes the Hot Wheels, Matchbox and Tyco R/C brands, dipped 2%.

Sales for the Fisher-Price Brands business unit, which includes the Fisher-Price Core, Fisher-Price Friends and Power Wheels brands, were US$400 million, or up 4% versus last year, helped in part by solid performance in the Thomas and Friends preschool line.

Quarterly sales for the American Girl Brands business unit, which offers American Girl-branded products directly to consumers, were US$66.4 million, up 13%, reflecting sales of products related to Kanani, the 2011 Girl of the Year.