David Tilley
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Posts: 37
(8/9/07 6:55)
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September ambassador report
Hi guys,
So here we are, the first of my monthly reports on the current and future state of the Matchbox product range. I hope this finds everyone well, and hope it has helped to answer some of the questions that people are waiting for answers on.
Now for those who are interested in finding out the remainder of the 2007 series, we are now only 3 batches from finishing. A lot of people like to know when certain vehicles are coming out, so here is a quick rundown of the remaining "new" vehicles for each batch. Batch J should be out in September, containing 5 new vehicles, the MB17 Dodge Viper GTS-R, MB34 Double Decker, MB44 Highway Maintenance Truck, MB51 2006 Ladder Fire Engine and MB66 Jeep Hurricane. It will also see 1 2nd issue recolor of the MB43 Flatbed. October will see batch K arrive, featuring 6 models; MB1 Bentley Continental GT, MB4 Volvo C30, MB30 Cadillac Hearse, MB46 Mercedes Benz Unimog U300, MB67 Jeep Rescue and MB70 Off Road Rider. There will be 6 2nd issue recolors making their appearance in this batch, namely MB7 Scion xB, MB23 Lexus GS430, MB31 Austin Mini Van, MB32 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint, MB62 Ridge Raider and MB63 Desert Thunder V16. Finally, in November we will see the last 8 of the new issues. MB3 Porsche 911GT3, MB14 Audi R8, MB37 Ford Transit, MB42 2005 Tow Truck, MB55 Tractor Plow, MB59 Baja Bandit, MB61 VW Beetle 4x4 and MB75 GMC Bucket Truck. It will also see a further 2 2nd issue recolors. These will be MB9 Audi RS6 Avant and MB58 1972 Ford Bronco 4x4. For the mathematicians among us, this list added to what has already arrived will give us a total of 19 2nd issue recolors for 2007, and we were told we were getting 25. We are still getting 25, but the last 6 will be included with the first few batches of 2008. Please do not get them mixed up as 2008 issues. Two of them are already known, as previous listings have always shown 21 2nd issues (MB46 Mercedes Benz Unimog U300 and MB59 Baja Bandit), however the last 4 have always been a mystery. I can now reveal them to be MB1 Bentley Continental GT, MB3 Porsche 911GT3, MB4 Volvo C30 and MB14 Audi R8. Also, it is worth noting that the 2nd issue recolors of the MB23 Lexus GS430 (Real), MB31 Austin Mini Van (Action) and MB58 1972 Ford Bronco 4x4 (Adventure) are all going to be painted emerald green with a logo promoting that it is the Matchbox 55th anniversary. May I remind you all that these 3 emerald green models are in no way limited at all. They will be fully available in as many batches as other 2nd issue recolors. Matchbox has no plans to do any limited editions in the basic range. These are not logo models, where the logo will disappear after a certain production run, or be anything like Hot Wheels Treasure Hunts. Matchbox wants to be different. They are standard issues.
Now when it comes to manufacturing (MAN) numbers, recently Mattel have moved into the 700s. As some collectors use the MAN system for cataloging their collection, they are a little upset over the duplication of some of the old numbers. For example, the Honda Ridgeline became number MB705, which was already used up by a Seafire boat. Well, sadly, those that have been numbered up already will have to stay as duplicates, but Mattel are trying to please the collector as much as possible. To this end, they are now trying to jump those MAN numbers already known to exist from this point forward. For example, the development of the MB729 Porsche 911GT3 has been followed up by development of the MB731 Baja Bandit. This is because MB730 had already been taken up by the Swamp Rat many years ago. MB740 Hay Trailer's MAN number will not be duplicated, as Mattel are skipping from MB739 to MB741. And so on. Talking of MAN numbers, a few were wondering about MB722, and whether it will use the same base as MB724 due to it not having many details cast into it. The answer is no. That was an oversight on the part of the MB724 baseplate, and will hopefully be rectified in the near future with additional details. Also, the MB725 changes to the Mercedes Benz Actros 1857 are a result in a change to it's manufacturing process. It was found that the parts were not too easy to put together, and a slight reconfiguration was in order to improve manufacturing assembly and create a more solid and safe model. You will not see much of a difference, except that a spin post was needed through the interior that is visible from the front for additional support.
So on to Hitch 'n Haul. Since early 2007, no sets have been released by Matchbox. The Farm Pack and Travel Pack have been manufactured, and should be out in the near future at the usual stores (Toys R Us, KB Toys etc). Plans are in hand to bring out another release in spring 2008 and summer 2008. After 2008 finishes, we may see the end to the current incarnation of Hitch 'n Haul. Plans are currently being worked out to evolve the series into something better. Stay tuned for more updates.
A lot of people have been talking about Walgreens, and how they will be selling Matchbox 3-packs. These are currently slated to be released within the next month, but unfortunately will not contain any exclusive vehicles. They will be 3-packs of the TV Hero models. At the moment, these are sold in packs of 5 in USA (Spongebob Squarepants, Super Mario Bros etc). Walgreens will be selling smaller sets of 3 of these.
The originally planned #10 5-pack, Rally Desert has now officially been modified into the Pirate Adventure 5-pack. We are now back to 15 5-packs for the year. #11 Construction has now just been released. Over the next 3 months we should see the last 4 packs arriving. Pack 12; Autobahn; will contain the BMW Z4, Opel Speedster, Audi RS6, Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Smart Cabrio. Pack 13; Police; will contain the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria Police, School Bus, Battering Ram, International Armored Car and Hummer H2 Concept SUV. Pack 14; Mountain Heroes; will contain the Off Road Rider, Land Rover SVX, Hummer H3, Chevy Silverado 4x4 and Mission Helicopter. Finally, pack 15; US Classics; will contain the 1965 ford Mustang GT, 1970 Pontiac GTO, 1969 Chevy Camaro SS396 Convertible, 1956 Cadillac Eldorado and 1957 Chevy Bel Air Convertible. 2008 will see the 5-packs revert back to 12 per year. The TV Heroes 5-packs still to be released for 2007 are licenses for Go Diego Go, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr and Scooby Doo. Apparently the Scooby Doo set looks amazing.
It was pointed out that when the last batch of new arrivals in the Battle Kings series arrived, the flags in all 3 of the United Alliance sets were missing their labels. This was a packaging error over at the factory and has now been rectified. The labels are included in the latest assortment due out shortly. This assortment will include 1 new Rogue set. This will feature the debut of the MB722 Armored Recon Vehicle.
Convoys are carrying on for at least one more year. Due out shortly are 3 more new models. A Ford Aeromax will be pulling Asada's Rig (the box truck), and will feature a Firestone livery. The MB725 Mercedes Benz Actros 1857 debut will be pulling a set of pipes on the trailer. Finally the DAF XF95 will be pulling a cargo trailer. This will bring to a close the 2007 releases of Convoys, but licenses and vehicles are already being worked out for 2008. For those that may have noticed, we did not have a Tractor Cab pulling any of the latest Convoy trailers, but this has not signaled the end of it. For 2008, it will still be used on roughly 1/3 of new releases. After 2008 however, we are possibly looking at the evolution of the Convoy series into something even better. Stay tuned to further reports next year on how this series is to evolve. Oh and for anyone interested, Wal*Mart are not planning on re-introducing the current Convoy series. The 2009 evolution though, if it looks as good as Mattel hopes it does, there is a very strong possibility Wal*Mart will be wanting it.
Now there have been a few points regarding the 10-packs. These are selling extremely well, and for the future Mattel are still planning to release on a quarterly basis, with the first quarter all exclusive being "Real", the second quarter "Action", 3rd "Adventure" and 4th "new castings". As well as these, we will get 2 sets of standard issues with one exclusive in each. Each year, the 1 exclusive in each pack will change to a new casting, which will appear in 4 colors throughout the year. Now, the first sets of this year had a light blue Corvette C6 and dark green Mustang GT Concept included as additional exclusives. This was a real bonus to us as collectors having 2 exclusives in each pack. These were not initially planned, but it was discovered that the factory had started production on 2 out of 3 models originally planned for a new car transporter launcher set that never materialized. This was originally slated for the 4th quarter of 2006, but due to slowing sales of launchers it was decided to stop the launcher, and create a 10-pack of exclusives instead. The 3rd of these launcher models, a white Dodge Charger, never began production. Hopefully it will appear in something somewhere down the line. Now I just noted that the last of the quarterly releases features a "new castings" 10-pack of exclusive colors. Sadly, there was a problem with 1 of the 10 this year, and it has had to be replaced by the 2006 Dune Buggy from last year in a new color scheme. It needed to be something that could be done quickly. However, the other 9 are all 2007 castings - Lexus GS430, Baja Bandit, Lotus Exige, Porsche 911GT3, Volvo C30, Power Lift, Flat Bed Truck, Austin Mini Van and Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA. Mattel are keeping their fingers crossed that next year all goes to plan and the new castings 10-pack will be all new castings.
For those curious, the planned Halloween packs that were originally scheduled for this year have been canceled. There was going to be an exclusive Cadillac Hearse to be found inside. At the moment, the Hearse is not planned to appear anywhere else. The Christmas packs are continuing, and have already started to appear. Only 1 exclusive to look for though, the Desert Thunder V16. All other models inside are to be found elsewhere. There are no other planned Christmas offerings, and likely the next thing to look for will be at Easter again.
Now I know many people are asking about distribution in certain areas. At the moment Wal*Mart are the exclusive stockist of Superfast America. There are 18 models in this small series all due to hit stores well before Christmas. This is not going to change. Wal*Mart are going to continue to be the sole supplier of Superfast. Next year, the series will continue (just called Superfast from now on, as the America bit will be dropped) with another small set of 20 models. These will be of newer tooling, and not focussing so much on the America bit. This is why just the name "Superfast" is going to be officially used. They are trying to simplify things, due to the product name changing throughout this last year. It will be easier to remember; Superfast. Again, this is a Wal*Mart exclusive. But for hobby shops and dealers, don't despair. You will have the opportunity to sell another small range of models. Best of British is coming back for 2008, with another set of 12 models for release in the UK. However, hobby stores and dealers in USA will also be able to order these models as well as some additional ones. A special "Best of International" set of 6, and "Best of US Muscle" set of 6 will be added bringing the group size up to 24, although you will be unable to order one small section of this series seperately. You will only be able to order the entire set of 24 models from Mattel. However, these are not going to be exclusive to hobby stores and dealers, as small chains (up to the size of KB Toys) and grocery stores etc will be able to order them too if they desire. They will not be a complete dealer exclusive. Larger stores like Toys R Us, Target, Wal*Mart etc will not be offered these assortments. As it stands, there are no plans for a complete dealer exclusive. If you are a dealer or hobby store outside of USA and willing to take these, it all depends on the Mattel subsidiary in you area. Mattel UK, Mattel Australia or Mattel Europe will have these items noted, and it is up to them as to whether they can sell them. Sending over a small amount purely for dealers is not cost effective, but if an account picks them up for sale at a larger volume, dealers will also be able to secure them too. It is also worth noting that Mattel currently have no plans in allowing a dealer to order a specific model (e.g. the Double Decker or Bentley Continental GT) from the current range.
When it comes to promotions, Matchbox have not done anything since the Houston Astros Dodge Dart Phoenix from 2006. Currently there are no plans in the pipeline for any promotional models, but there is nothing stopping them from appearing in the future. In the meantime, something good to keep an eye out for. Coming soon is the 2008 Toy Fair, and Matchbox have outdone themselves this time. They will be promoting the brand with the brand new 2008 casting of the MB734 1970 Volkswagen T2 Bus in an exclusive Toy Fair livery.
When it comes to castings, we all know that molds start to wear down after a while. Sometimes an old mold can look really tired compared to a fresh new one. Just look at the VW Delivery Van that has been limping on recently with the worn roof line. In some cases (as noted at the Matchbox Gathering by Felix Holst) a mold will be reinvented as something new. For example the VW Delivery Van is becoming the MB734 1970 T2 Bus (as noted in the Toy Fair model announcement). Rather than try to fix the mold, and keep on doing the same vehicle year after year, Mattel are planning to update and change molds to keep things fresh. However, there may be occasions where collectors will be sad to see a mold go. If for example the Cadillac Hearse broke, would we want to see a fix or a change into maybe an ambulance? Difficult decision. (Don't worry, the mold is doing just fine). To this end, on occasion, the Mattel team may throw out a choice to the collector as to whether they would prefer to see a model fixed or replaced before making their decision. Keep an eye out for these questions to be asked randomly over the years. Also, for those who were wondering, the 1/72 scale planes are still in storage, not lost, but are not scheduled for anything new to be done at this time.
No decision has been made on whether there will be more than 1 US convention next year. Or whether we will be having a line preview, although I am really hopeful that will go ahead. Plans are for posters and small catalogs to be done for the basic range again for 2008, as it was in 2007. However, no plans for doing anything further than what was done for 2007. When it comes to other ranges, the Best of British Booklet was purely done by Mattel UK as a part of their budget, with no US involvement at all. If a Mattel subsidiary wishes to make their own booklets, poster or catalog for promoting any or all of the ranges it is their choice. Mattel USA will only be doing the 1-100 (remember the series expands for 200 poster and catalog.
Well, that's enough for my first attempt. If I have missed anything out, please email me and I will let you know (if I missed noting it) or bring it up at the next meeting.
David Tilley
Matchbox 3rd year ambassador
  
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