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Hot Wheels Will No Longer Make Ferrari Scale Models: Reports

Most of the Ferrari cars have been recreated as scale models and, ever since 1968, the most popular ones have been manufactured by Hot Wheels. Until now. After years of being the exclusive Die-Cast maker, the Chinese from May Cheong Group will take over as reports claim Mattel will end its contract next year.
Mattel Hot Wheels - Ferrari 458 Italia Hard Top (1/24 scale diecast model 1 photo
Photo: www.toywonders.com
At this point, most Ferrari models from the Hot Wheels line are represented with the exception of some of the earlier ones. But that is about to change next year. May Cheong Group (MCG) - an industry leader manufacturing a wide range of die-cast scale model cars and radio-controlled products - who also owns the brand Bburago (Italy) and Maisto (US) just won an exclusive contract with Ferrari to produce their Die-Cast starting 2015 January.

If the reports are officially confirmed, we're looking at a different manufacturer for the next 25 years.

We are very happy to sign a contract with Ferrari who are one of the most valued brands in the world,” said Roger Ngan, the CEO of Chinese company, quoted by Autonetmagz. The new agreement includes several exclusive models covering several line-ups, such as radio control, die-cast, and model kit for Maisto brand. Meantime, Bburago will become more exclusive with the availability of Signature Series, Racing, Race and play, and Ferrari Kids.

The last item still created by Hot Wheels to hit the market is the 599XX model from Treasure Hunt series.

This decision could turn out to be quite a hit for Mattel, who owns the scale model maker, as the company is probably one of the biggest on the market. Mattel estimates that 41 million children grew up playing with the toys, as the average collector has over 1,550 cars, and children between the ages of 5 and 15 have an average of 41 cars. Most believe the collecting craze started with the Treasure Hunts in 1995.
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