Tomica Lands in the US

Great December for diecast car models fans, as one of the greatest manufacturers of such gizmos ever is making a comeback to the new world. Tomica, the toy maker which has impressed and captivated the imagination of millions for decades, has arrived in the US with no less than 20 vehicles, complete with built-it-yourself playsets.

Having pulled out of the US in the 1980s, the toy maker is now planning to take full advantage of the newly found love Americans are displaying for the automotive industry. The models will be sold through two of the biggest retailers on the market, Toys 'R' Us and FAO Schwartz, with prices ranging from $4.99 and $79.99.

The first toys in what many hope to be a long line of new models are, according to Autoblog, the following: HCR (Hyper City Rescue) Fire Mazda RX-8, HCR Police Mazda RX-8, Pizza Toyota Pro-Box, green Daihatsu Mira and tan Mira, Mazda Axela, Demio, RX-8 and MPV, Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Fuso Aero Queen, Mitsuoka Orochi and Viewt, Nissan Skyline Crossover and X-Trail, Subaru Legacy B4, Toyota Harrier and Pro-Box, Maeda Seisakusho Mini Crawler Crane and Komatsu Bulldozer.

According to Hemmings, this first batch of models is decorated just like in Japan, but in the near future the models might get new colors and detail levels. New models are also planned to be rolled out for the US and Japanese markets: Suzuki Alto, Nissan Elgrand, Nissan Fuga or Honda CRZ hybrid.

For additional information and, most importantly, more photos, follow this link.