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May 2010
Most of the news of April and May you could have read on the different message Boards all over the world and the news we have published on our Club Site. News was mainly covering issues of Models found and as announced in the previous Ambassador reports.

I have been concentrating the last month with several collectors on adding the online catalog to the Forum site on Sky Busters. And that wasn’t an easy one.

The first thing of course is the difficulty that on the 2010 range the numbers have disappeared from the front side of the blister. Even worse, in the second wave all information on numbers of the 12 models (normally at the back side), disappeared and that makes it very difficult to identify a model. Also the fact that the text on the front side of the blister describing the models is not referring to the model name, but most of the time some funny text like ‘Stunt man’ or so, doesn't help us. I have discussed this with Mattel and they promised to work with their team regarding the Skybusters numbering. At this moment Mattel is unsure when they decided to take the numbers off of the package, but they will discuss this with the packaging group. The good news is that the backside of the blister has a lot of informative stories and is a big improvement on what it was.
The other problem is the information on the models itself. Sometimes a SB-number (of course our preference!!!) is used and other times the original SIKU number (like M0183). Of course this number is only valid at the first year the models is issued because in later years another number is used, but still the original SIKU numbers can be found on the model.

At last in some years the first letter of the SIKU-Number (like M, N, and R etc) indicating the year of issue is not used consequently. Some numbers are issued in different years then the SIKU numbers expect you to be.

With the help of the Mattel I have now a complete overview of the SB numbers used. Unfortunately that list is not in line with ‘common’ accepted numbers within the die-hard’s of the Sky Busters collectors. That’s why I have used both numbers in my catalog on the Forum Site. Here is the overview Mattel gave me of the Sky Buster numbers:

Military Helicopter SB-51-A2002
Tranport Plane SB-52-A2003
Fighter Jet SB-54-A 2004
Airliner SB-55-A 2004
Tilt Wing SB-62-A 2008
Mission Chopper SB-64-A 2004
Cessna Caravan SB-65-A 2005
Boeing B-1B Lancer SB-66-A 2005
BOEING 777-200 Type 2005 SB-67-B 2005
BOEING 747-400 Type 2007 SB-68-A 2007
Hydro Prop SB-69-A 2007
Hypersonic Jet SB-70-A 2007
BOEING 737-800 SB-71-A 2007
Sky Cargo SB-72-A 2007
Stunt Plane SB-73-A 2007
Tilt Wing SB-74-A 2007
Cessna Citation X SB-75-A 2008
Super Hornet F/A-18E SB-76-A 2008
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner SB-77-A 2008
Northrop Grumman B-2 Stealth Bomber SB-78-A 2008
Robinson R44 SB-79-A 2008
New Stunt Plane SB-80-A 2009
Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter SB-81-A 2009
Pusher Prop SB-82-A 2009
Twin Boom SB-83-A 2009
Boeing 314 Sea Plane SB-84-A 2009
Biplane SB-85-A 2009
Air blade SB-86-A 2010
Twin Engine Blaze Buster SB-87-A 2010
Classic Fighter Plane SB-88-A 2010
Space Shuttle SB-89-A 2010
Lockheed F-35B Lightning II SB-90-A 2010
Cirrus Vision SB-91-A 2010

As you noticed there are some holes in the numbers from SB51 until SB64

In my previous report I explained that information is normally ONLY released to the Ambassador after I raised questions to Mattel. On my last request of questions I did not get ANY (!) question from the USA and received some questions from European collectors on Sky Busters and those questions are in the meantime answered by Mattel.

I have raised the point of this one direction system again with Mattel as you can’t ask questions on things I don’t know they exist. I don’t know whether it helped but this month we did get a lot of information without asking the questions.

This is what Mattel shared with us:
The non licensed Ambulance MB697 in this year’s fire 5 pack is being replaced by the new 2010 The non licensed Ambulance MB697 in this year’s fire 5 pack is being replaced by the new 2010 Hazard Squad Fire
Engine due to tooling issues. The Hazard squad will have new decoration exclusive to this pack. It will be bright yellow with white top. This will be the 5th version of the Hazard squad created for 2010. Total official Code 1 models of the Hazard Squad:
  1. MB1-100 version 1 red with white top
  2. MB1-100 version 2 (re-deco) Gunnison Co. All white
  3. 10 pack: similar yellow color as 5 pack with different tampo
  4. Fire 5 pack : Bright yellow with HMT markings
The code 4 version: Collector’s Line preview Model

 Running changes
  • Ford Transit MB1-100: There will be about 16.000 models that will have a dark smoke tint window, which is non-standard. Regular version will continue to have a lighter tint.
  • VUM (chrome): Due to plant capacity issues there will be 5 models running without the planned VUM finish on the chassis's. This will be in a very small quantity for each. These models will run with parts molded in silver:
    • #R499 Austin Mini Van
    • #H8437 GMC Teradyne ( in play sets)
    • #K7784 Emergency Rescue 4x4 (in play sets)
    • #R5154 Karmann Ghia: (classics 5pk, 10pack, 3 packs)
    • #R4948 Jaguar XK 120
New Wheels

As announced at the line preview, a new smaller 6 spoke wheel design is now in production. It is making its debut on the Honda Insight and Mazda 3. This new wheel will now be used where applicable on cars with smaller wheel wells and smaller sized bodies.

Collector’s Line Preview.
David Tilley and Shabir Malik have written an extensive report on the Collector’s Line Preview. Because of a difference of opinion on how to handle the agreed visitor’s applications with Dave Weise I decided not to make my trip. Some high-lights from those reports and information released by Mattel are:

  • USA blisters now include a small story on the back of each pack, which is thought up in-house by Emer Lalor, the Matchbox copywriter. Although we are not happy with the actual blister front of the MB-100 Miniature range, we should state here that the packaging of the 5 packs, 10 packs and Play Sets have been dramatically improved and is better than ever. There’s also a tendency to put more information on the models on the packaging and also this action we experience as an important improvement.
  • Real Working Rigs are doing extremely well for Mattel. To my opinion it’s one of the best ranges Mattel made for years. For 2010 Mattel is including the 9 new castings and issuing a total of 25 vehicles. Some remarks:
    • The MB75 Pierce Fire Ladder Truck was dropped from the 2010 new basic range tooling is now going to be done as a Real Working Rig as the larger scale of the RWR would suit it better.
    • Meanwhile 4 new castings have been seen
      1. #61607; Abrams tank
      2. #61607; Generic Crane
      3. #61607; DAF Skip Truck
      4. #61607; Generic Tractor
    • The other 4 to comes are still a Pierce Velocity Arial Platform, a Colet K/30 Jaguar Airport Crash Truck and in co-operation with JCB UK a JCB 726 Articulated Dump Truck
  • Super Convoys have been released in 2010 with 2 new castings. One is the DAF XF 105 Space Cab (3-axle variety) and the other is a generic Conventional style cab with brush guard. Mattel also told me that they will continue with the Super Convoys in 2011.
  • On Skybusters we will see the traditional range of 36 models in 2010. Of the 6 new castings 2 are already out (Air Blade and Twin Engine Blaze Buster). The new Space Shuttle is one of the castings that will appear later in the year, and NASA was quite adamant that it needs to be realistically liveried. Mattel is working on a new Water Drop plane, a new modern Helicopter and classic Dive-bomber style fighter plane for the near future.
  • After the first announcement of the 20 planned new tools of the MB75/100 range of July 2009, there have been two changes:
    1. Rolls Royce was dropped due to difficulties obtaining the license. This allowed for a Cadillac CTS Wagon to be included. o
    2. The Pierce was also dropped as a MB75 miniature (see comments on Real Working Rigs) and it has been replaced by the International Brush Fire Truck. In fact it has actually been named: "International Workstar" Brush Fire Truck on the chassis marking per the licensor. The front half is licensed from International, but the rear section is a generic one designed by Ryu.
    3. The Holden SSV Ute will arrive in the latter part of the year. Felix Holst mentioned that maybe there should be bikes in the rear.
    4. When it comes to the Fisker, the company was very helpful in allowing Matchbox to actually do a production model. The Fisker designers were adamant that the 5-spokes wheel were to be used, but they were too small, so Matchbox has made larger wheels.
    5. The Express Delivery Truck will see a number of liveries with some outside of the delivery business. There is also hope for some licensed liveries to go on the side, as the licenses for liveries are also going to be seen in a number of upcoming vehicles.

Availability.
I have given Mattel my overview on the availability in Europe and a bit of good news I got from Mattel is that they have a new team overseeing International distribution and they are very passionate about getting Matchbox the exposure it deserves. We will keep you informed on the progress.
February 2010

Introduction

It took more time than usual for Mattel to answer our questions of January. My guess is that this has on one hand to do with the actual workload of the Mattel people and on the other hand with the number and nature of our questions of January.

Some questions haven’t been answered satisfactory and unfortunately I have to take them to my next report as I didn’t want to wait any longer.

On the questions and answers of Mattel you may notice that Mattel has really done a great effort to answer all questions on a proper and professional way. For this I would like to thank Mattel greatly for the effort done.

Main questions which are still open are amongst other:

  1. Mattel’s Policy on Convention Models
  2. The extension of the Voucher expiration date of the 40th Anniversary Superfast Models
  3. Availability of the Posters for the Club’s
  4. Manufacturing Numbers of the 2010 New Items
If I get in the coming week(s) a final answer on those 4 questions I will inform by an extra Ambassador Bulletin.

AMBASSADOR’S REPORT FEBRUARY.

Question 1.
Availability.

The main questions I received in December and January had to do with the poor availability of the regular MB75 line in Europe.

In Europe the question is around the last European Wave. It’s very frustrating to read on all the message boards the discussions in the USA on wave A and B as where until mid January there was no sign of the last two waves of 2009. After mid January models were sporadically available in some European Countries like Czech Republic, Germany and the United Kingdom. A number of other European countries (Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland) haven’t seen anything of the last wave of 2009 and are still waiting to fill in their gaps of the last two waves.
In the big department stores there is in general space for the models on the pegs but they are either filled with old stock or just empty.

The question is whether there is any special reason known by Mattel why the availability is so poor and what are Mattel’s expectations for the next 3 months.

Response Mattel
Still working on obtaining a more thorough response to this. Not satisfied with the response received so far.

Question 2.
 One Range

Many collectors outside the USA are very disappointed that we do not get the same range of MB75 miniatures as in the USA. One reaction from the UK with is a good example of the many reactions I did get over the last weeks.

Quote
Too many models are exclusive to the USA. Please go back to one range available worldwide. The same packaging should also be used throughout the world. Surely this would be a more cost effective and simpler way of operating?
As a UK collector it costs me a fortune to obtain all the various 'market exclusives', with profits from my purchases going into the back pockets of eBay sellers and the Post Offices of various countries - i.e. not Mattel. Has consideration been given to making such models available to collectors in the UK?
Unquote

Question 2a.
Why is Mattel still keeping the ROW and LAAM range limited to 75 models? Please explain in such a way people can understand the reasons behind it in order to get an understanding.

Response Mattel
The reason for keeping a separate mix in the US vs. ROW is primarily due to:

  1. regional preferences in those markets that do not align with all 1-100 offered in the US
    We have found that certain vehicles within our 1-100 line are not favored in various markets. For example, Latin America prefers more adventure vehicles and does not have the same affinity for emergency service vehicles/construction vehicles as we do in the US.
  2. lack of available retail space dedicated to Matchbox in those markets.
    The limited shelf space and retail ordering practices in these regions means we need to reduce the total quantity of vehicles and adjust the mix ratios accordingly to avoid having peg warmers.

Question 2b.
Will there be one range in 2011?


Response Mattel
There will not be one range in 2011.

Question 2c.
Is there a possibility to ship to a central point within the E.E.G. (Europe) or South America to ship a number of U.S.A. only models and ask collector clubs to take care for the distribution amongst collectors? With the massive distribution of Mattel products from Macao/China to those countries that can’t really be a big problem.

Response Mattel
Logistically, tracking those small quantities for distribution to collector clubs is unfeasible. If a collector club wants to submit an order for a sizeable quantity and serve as a distributor for these vehicles, we should be able to accommodate that.

Question 3.
Superfast 40th Anniversary

Why is Batch B of the Superfast 40th Anniversary so hard to come by after almost three months following its release?

Response Mattel
Batch B was shipped later than scheduled due to tooling issues. By the time the product was available, most retailers were placing orders for the new 2010 Lesney Line. Batch B is available for purchase (as a complete batch) on the Mattel website. See link at:
http://shop.mattel.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3879726

Question 4.
Lesney Edition models

What are Mattel’s distribution plans are for the Lesney Edition models?

Response Mattel
The 2010 Lesney models are available in the U.S.A. at Wal *Mart, Toys R Us & KMart. (Target is not carrying the line). There have been no retailer orders in from South America. The only overseas market who has requested the line is Australia/New Zealand.

Question 5.
Numbering.

The following is a point raised over the last months by several people and just to give you an example I have copied here on of the reactions in full.

Quote
I have been a collector of Matchbox since I was a little boy and I probably consider my status as a Matchbox collector started at the age of 7 in 1980 when I got my first collector's catalogue which i still own to this day. As a child I had other brands: Corgi, Majorette and Hot Wheels. But I always liked Matchbox more. I always thought the castings were better, definitely in the case of Hot Wheels and Corgi. Majorettes were good, but Matchbox had something else all together. It was called collectability. They had better boxes, catalogues, and a cool numbering system. Yes, numbering.

The numbering to me made sense, and it enhanced the brand's collectability. I liked that the numbers continued on from year to year, and when a model was retired, a new one took its place and its number. It was easy to understand, logical and fun. It made me enjoy another aspect of collecting Matchbox: cataloguing. To the uninitiated, this would seem rather boring and a waste of time, but to me it was another fascinating side of the hobby. I got an immense amount of enjoyment from it.

The system that has been in use since 1998 whereby the numbers are re-issued every year is senseless and confusing. It doesn't really help anybody and causes confusion for new and old collectors alike. How does it help the consumer for example, issuing two Oldsmobile Vista Cruisers in different colors as #1, and then issuing it not less than 6 months after as #18? All I am asking, or suggesting, is that if a model stays in the range from one year to the next it retains its number.
Unquote

Please give us your thoughts on the above.

Response Mattel
Thank you for your note. For 2011, I will be setting up the numbering system and wherever possible ensuring that the same number is used from 2010. The Superfast line for 2011 will not consist of the same vehicle selection as 2010, so the numbers will change.

Question 6.
Quality.

6a. Our feeling is that since Mattel moved away from China that the quality is declining. It happens regularly that models bought have serious defects.

Is Mattel involved with the Quality in the actual Production Site and is data collected on those sites supporting the feeling of a number of collectors that the quality in indeed declining?

Response Mattel
We (Matchbox design) don’t believe that quality has declined since production has moved from China. We have a very close relationship with our production partners in Thailand and have worked side by side with them and witnessed their dedication and commitment to quality when manufacturing Matchbox die cast vehicles. Mattel also has some of the most stringent requirements in the industry that are checked on site and in El Segundo before product reaches retail. There is, as always room for improvement but the teams in both Asia and the US strive to make the best product that we can.
If collectors do feel they have a defective product we encourage them to contact our consumer affairs department and quantify what the defect is. We can then take any corrective actions that are required.

6b. More and more single issue models are arriving to stores with cracks in the sides of the blisters, and in some cases, the model falls out the side. It is not a heat seal problem attaching them to the cardboard, but the bubble itself being brittle, and movement side to side of models inside causing the sides to crack open.

Response Mattel
We are unaware of this being a large issue. If we can get additional information from those packages (for example, date codes on back of package), we can look into whether or not there have been any variations in the thickness of the plastic being ordered. Would you be able to provide those?

An USA dealer added another comment in this respect:

The new packaging is very "delicate". We found more and more cracked blisters in the cases and in the stores, they got cracked even during our shipments to customers.

Question: Could Mattel investigate further the quality of blister bubbles on basic range models coming from the factory.

Response Mattel
We are unaware of this being a large issue. If we can get additional information from those packages (for example, date codes on back of package), we can look into whether or not there have been any variations in the thickness of the plastic being ordered. Would you be able to provide those?

Comments John Nijhuis
For future questions on this item I want you to add to your questions the information required by Mattel as described above. For quality complaints on the model(not the packaging) please send me the Manufacturing Number, the Week of Production (Start with a ‘C’) printed on the base plate and if possible some pictures.

Question 7.
Wheels

7a.The new Superfast wheels recently appeared in the Modern Rides 5-pack on the 911 Cabriolet casting. Does this mean the wheel is being incorporated into the basic range?

Response Mattel
Yes, Design agreed to use this wheel only for specific vehicles in the basic line. This was one of those few selected vehicles.

7b. With the new 5-spoke wheel being used in the Modern Rides 5-pack on the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, does this mean the wheel is going to be used in the basic range on appropriate vehicles too?

Response Mattel
Yes

7c. Why did the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser and Toyota Prius revert back to their original green releases in batch A of 2010? When a model which is scheduled for release in 2 versions appears, we get version 1 for 2 or 3 batches, then version 2 of the model usually appear for 2 or 3 batches and then the model gets deleted from the assortments. Both these 2 arrived in version 1 for 3 batches, and then changed to their second versions (white and brown respectively) in batch L of 2009, but when batch A of 2010 came around, both reverted back to their version 1 colors again. What happened? The version 2 of both these are proving quite hard to find, and version 1 seems rather common.

Response Mattel
This was an oversight in determining which vehicle would be carried forward into 2010.

Question 8.
2010 Range

8a. Can we have the LAAM 2010 1-75 list.
Response Mattel

  • 1 2010 Fisker Karma Hybrid (New for '10)
    2 Holden Ute (New for '10)
    3 2009 Caterham R500 Superlight (New for '10)
    4 08 Dodge Challenger SRT-8
    5 65 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C
    6 08 Corvette ZR1
    7 08 Mustang Shelby GT 500 Convt.
    8 08 Lotus Evora
    9 Dodge Magnum
    10 Dodge Viper GTS-R
    11 Lotus Excige
    12 Morgan Aeromax
    13 Ford GT
    14 Porsche 911 GT3
    15 Audi R8
    16 71 Porsche 914 (New for '10)
    17 67 Volvo 1800S (New for '10)
    18 71 Olds Vista Cruiser
    19 69 Austin Mini Cooper S
    21 Lotus Europa
    22 68 Karmin Ghia Convertible
    24 69 Cadillac Sedan Deville
    25 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid (New for '10)
    26 08 Toyota Prius Hybrid
    27 Mazda 2
    28 Volkswagen V GTI
    29 Honda Civic Type R
    30 Audi RS6 Avant
    31 2010 Cadillac CTS (New for '10)
    32 Cadillac Escalade
    33 Jaguar XK
    35 Range Rover Sport
    37 2010 Road Roller (Non-Licensed) (New for '10)
    38 1957 GMC Pick-up (New for '10)
    39 Skidster (Non-Licensed) (New for '10)
    46 MBX Mixer (Non-Licensed)
    50 GMC Terradyne
    51 Hazard SquadTM (Hazmat Fire Engine (Non-Licensed)- (New for '10)
    52 International Brush Fire Truck (New for '10)
    56 Pierce Dash fire truck
    59 08 Ford Transit Taxi (New for '10)
    60 Express Delivery (Non-Licensed) (New for '10)
    62 06 GMC School Bus
    63 Heritage Ice Cream truck (Non-Licensed)
    66 2008 Garbage Truck (Non-Licensed)
    67 City Bus (Non-Licensed)
    70 07 Ford Transit Van (Non-Licensed)
    73 GMC Wrecker
    74 85 Toyota 4Runner (New for '10)
    75 08 Yamaha Rhino (New for '10)
    20 1957 Chevy Stepside Pick-up
    23 Mitsubishi L-200 Warrior
    34 Motor Home Toybox (Non-Licensed)
    36 VW T2 Bus
    40 Baja Bandit (Non-Licensed)
    41 Land Rover Discovery
    42 Honda Ridgeline
    43 Hummer H3
    44 Baja Bullet (Non-Licensed) (New for '10)
    45 2010 Ford Raptor (New for '10)
    47 Cliff Hanger (Truggy (Non-Licensed)) (New for '10)
    48 QuickSander (Performance SUV (Non-Licensed))
    49 Canyon Climber (Non-Licensed)
    53 Sahara Survivor (Non-Licensed)
    54 72 Ford Bronco 4x4
    55 VW Bettle 4x4
    57 Off-Road Rider (Non-Licensed)
    58 Desert Thunder V16
    61 Ridge Raider
    64 68 Toyota Land Cruiser
    65 1943 Jeep Willys (New for '10)
    68 Jungle Crawler (Non-Licensed)
    69 VW Type 181
    71 MBX 4x4 (Non-Licensed)
    72 Land Rover Defender 110

8b. Can we have a list of the 25 models in the basic range which will receive 2 versions for 2010.

Response Mattel

  • Fisker Karma - 2010 (New for '10)
    Chevy Corvette ZR1 - 2008
    Shelby GT500 Convertible - 2007
    Lotus - 2008
    VW-Porsche 914 - 1971 (New for '10)
    Volvo P1800S - 1969 (New for '10)
    Honda Insight - 2010 (New for '10)
    Golf V GTI
    Road Roller® (New for '10)
    Skidster (N/L) (New for '10)
    Cement Mixer - 2006 (N/L)
    GMC Terradyne
    Hazard Squad™ (N/L) (New for '10)
    Pierce® Dash® Fire Engine
    Ford Transit Connect - 2010 (New for '10)
    Garbage Truck - 2008 (N/L)
    GMC Wrecker
    1985 Toyota 4Runner (New for '10)
    MBX® Motor Home (N/L)
    Honda Ridgeline - 2007
    Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - 2010 (New for '10)
    Cliff Hanger™ (N/L) (New for '10)
    Jeep® Willys © Chrysler LLC 2009 (New for '10)
    Jungle Crawler™ (N/L)
    Land Rover Defender 110 - 1997

8c. Can we have the Manufacturing Numbers of the New Models

Response Mattel
Will Follow.

8d. Is there a possibility for the future (2011 and beyond) that the Lesney Edition will feature models that currently have plastic upper sections with metal bases being made fully out of die cast?

Response Mattel
Yes our intention is to do this where applicable for 2011 and beyond.

8e. Is there a licensing issue with Mercedes Benz? Is this a temporary problem causing no models from them in 2010, or have we seen the last of Mercedes in the Matchbox range for a while?

Response Mattel
Yes unfortunately Matchbox does have a current issue with Mercedes-Benz with regards to 1:64th die cast vehicles, which is why there are no Mercedes-Benz vehicles in this scale will be used in the 2010 & 2011 lines. We hope that will be a temporary situation since we have many Matchbox tools.

Question 9.
Catalogs and Web Site.

9a. Are we going to be receiving collector booklets in 10-packs again this year?

Response Mattel
Yes, they will be included in the 10 car packs.

9b. Do you have a timeline for when the websites will be updated for 2010?

Response Mattel
Live launch expected by end of February

9c. Will the non-domestic Websites is available in other countries or languages?

Response Mattel
We are currently working with international subsidiaries to make this happen but do not have any information as to timelines/feasibility.

9d. When will the 2010 posters will be ready for shipping?

Response J. Nijhuis
Awaiting Answer of Mattel.

Question 10
SkyBusters

We have the 2010 Bus and SkyBusters model, but they are still selling the same 5-packs at Disneyworld as they did last year.

Is there a planned 2010 Disneyworld exclusive 5-pack?

Response Mattel
We will continue to have Disney (TV Hero) 5 packs. They will not be exclusive to Disney World.

Question 11.
New Models

There is still a large Group of Collectors out there which collects the larger scale models like Dinky, MOY, King Size and others.

11a. Is there any chance they can expect any development of those models in the near future again?

Response Mattel
Our only line of larger scale die cast vehicles will be Super Convoys. Dinky is currently sublicensed through Editions Atlas in France. There are no current plans to continue MOY or King Size.

11b. ATLAS is reproducing a large number of the original Dinky Toys in France (and I believe Spain) with the permission of Mattel. Is there any change Mattel could use its negotiating power to make those models available to collectors outside France and/or Spain?

Response Mattel
We will not. ATLAS has there own business plan and distribution for Dinky Toys in France and Europe.

11c. Could Mattel issue new special Lesney Series- version of last year new model - Caddy Ambulance adding plastic parts on the roof (as same as same system of the former rally parts for e.g. VW 1600 TL or Cortina) and make "film version of Ghost Busters Cadillac". Nothing else than some plastic parts and new labels and color are needed, demands for these models would be great with issue of new Lesney box incl. description.

Response Mattel
No, we do not have the resources to do this for one SKU (=Item. Added by John Nijhuis) and it defeats our objective of using double die-cast for Lesney Edition.

11d. Will there be a special holiday offering for Easter 2010? If yes, what retailers are to carry it?

Response Mattel
Target will carry an Easter Holiday 2 pack featuring Handy Manny. They will also offer a Holiday 6 pack w/ Easter Eggs.

December 2009

Introduction

Let’s start with some great news.

Felix Holst was recently promoted to VP of Wheels Design and now has design responsibility for the Matchbox, Hot Wheels and Tyco brands. Alec Tam will still be leading the die cast groups for Matchbox and Hot Wheels as well as the additional responsibility for Tyco and communicating with me.

We would like to congratulate Felix on his promotion as if there one man who deserves this it’s him!

The Toy Fair in Leipzig was very well visited and for the first time Mattel helped us to get a European Convention model. The model is a Karmann Ghia and it’s one of the best models developed so far by the development te ol ttel.

November and December are normally exciting months as Toy stores are stocking for the boxing days in various parts of the world.

Unfortunately we haven’t seen a lot of products so far in Europe. Depending of the country collectors are still battling to get access to the ‘regular’ issues. Next to the regular models we did see in some countries the new Super Convoys. Working Rigs are more available. But that’s still about it.

It’s a pity as the development department did a great job over the past years and the actual range is better than ever and can compete with any other line in appearance and quality. Hopefully it will be better next year.

I did read your comments on the various boards all over the world. Thanks for your comments.

In general I would like to make a few comments.

For the people who don’t know, via the Club I am co-sharing with John Yanouzas we have almost daily contacts with collectors all over the world. We have members in over 35 countries in the world. A lot of them are making their contribution to the development of the Site and the Catalog. As you might know we have almost 18.000 pictures on line to show in our catalog and covering almost all aspects of Matchbox collecting. It includes Miniatures, Convoys, MOY, Dinky, 1:18 Scale, Matchbox Collectibles and last but not least a catalog data base starting from the first catalog until 2009.

We are working continuously on extending the catalog with the help of many, many collectors worldwide. Like everyone else in this hobby, my time is also limited. I spend daily about 4 to 5 hours for the development of software for the Site and by filling the data base.

Basically our members are visiting toy shows all over the world and writing a reports about their local experiences. This is how we try to stay in contact with the complete outside world.

I also believe that availability worldwide (including the USA) to the level of Hot Wheels will only take place if we can increase our sales world-wide dramatically. You have seen that I paid a lot of attention to this point as what is the sense of making great models if you battle to buy the products outside the USA. The future of our hobby (including the USA) is directly connected to the growth of the sales outside the USA market. That’s why we have to stay in communication with Mattel on how it can improve the situation and how we can help wherever we can.

I did send you in a separate communication the 2010 list of the 100 miniatures. The first reactions so far are very positive. Mattel did a great job apparently!

ANSWERS ON OUR QUESTIONS

Below you find the answers on a number of questions I got from you. Mattel really did try very hard to give us a complete answer on most of the questions raised.

Please if you have any more questions mail me at info@jnijhuis.com.

Question 1. We still wait for a final date of the Collector’s Line Preview in El Segundo. This is an urgent question and was raised by several people and we still wait for an answer. It’s essential that we get a date as soon as possible in order to book for cheap flights. Especially for the Europeans this is a very costly affair and most of the Europeans (amongst me) have to plan 3 to 5 days holiday in advance!!!!

Comments Mattel
The team still needs to discuss when to potentially hold the line preview.

Question 2. Which models of WAVE A are US ONLY (N/L meaning Non License Model):

  1. 08 Corvette ZR1 (ALL MARKETS)
  2. 08 Lotus Evora (ALL MARKETS)
  3. 68 Karmin Ghia Convertible (ALL MARKETS)
  4. Volkswagen V GTI (ALL MARKETS)
  5. Range Rover Sport (ALL MARKETS)
  6. Tractor Plow (N/L) (US/ROW/CAN/AUS) – EXCLUDES LAAM
  7. Power Lift (N/L) (US/ROW/CAN/AUS) – EXCLUDES LAAM
  8. Utility Gas Tanker (N/L) (US/ROW/CAN/AUS) – EXCLUDES LAAM
  9. 78 Dodge Monaco Police (US/CAN/AUS) – EXCLUDES LAAM/ROW
  10. Austin Mini Van (US/CAN/AUS) – EXCLUDES LAAM/ROW
  11. 1943 Jeep Willys (New for '10) (ALL MARKETS)

Question 3. The MB372 Chevy Transport Bus has been issued in the new Police 5 pack and it has a plastic body! Is this is becoming a trend.

Comments Mattel
Yes. As previously explained, if there is a potential cost issue on a certain casting, a tooling change may be required otherwise the casting cannot be used in the basic range at all. Yearly economic factors will determine this. This is why we will also offer Lesney Edition in 2010 to offer more double die cast Matchbox models.

Question 4. The new packaging is very poorly made. The look is nice but the model numbers are printed much too small in the lower right corner. Very difficult to read them even up close, forget about it if they are hanging on pegs. The bubbles are very thin and fragile. Almost all the Karmann Ghia bubbles are broken in the cases already. We found some in stores already fallen out from the blisters. Any change foreseen?

Comments Mattel
It’s possible there was an issue with the batch in question—the humidity at the plant in Thailand sometimes make for poor heat seals. This is the first we are hearing of this issue—if the problem is widespread and we hear of it from several sources then we can investigate further.
As for the collector numbers, they are all legible and as large as we can fit in the space we have. Certainly, we can look at moving them or repeating them on the back, for sure. Incidentally, I believe the blisters are the same ones we have been using all along, so there should be no difference there.

Question 5. Question from another (one of the largest) dealer from the USA. The second set of SF 40th Anniversary has been very successful for me and the Matchbox Collectors. Is there anything else that is being made for the adult collectors in the near future?

Comments Mattel
Lesney Edition (Formerly known as Superfast) will be the only collector offering we will have in the line for 2010. Other collector lines had been dropped due to low productivity. As the Matchbox momentum grows, we will be looking into the feasibility of adding more collector offerings in the assortment.

Question 6. I have many many categories to offer the Hot Wheels collectors but so little for the Matchbox Collectors. Emergency police and fire are still in great demand. The fire piece in the new SF is the number one seller in every set that I split up.

Comments Mattel
Thank you for the information. We strive to ensure the appropriate balance of iconic Matchbox vehicles within the assortment and will take note of this for future assortments.
Lesney Edition is our collector focus for 2010 & 2011. Also, new emergency vehicles will be offered in both the 1-100 and Real Working Rigs Lines. Economic factors have limited what the brand can offer in 2009 & 2010 compared to Hot Wheels but as our growth continues so shall new opportunities for new collector segments. The Matchbox team is constantly looking ahead in this area. We cannot disclose what this will be at this time.

Question 7. Whatever happened to the Meanstick Fire casting from a few years ago?

Comments Mattel
Tooling is not available

Question 8. The US assortments have now been reduced to 36 per case. Is the ROW assortment making any changes from 72 assortment cases?

Comments Mattel
At this time, Australia will be taking the reduced case pack/same mix as the US assortments. Latin America & ROW (short card) does not have any plans to change case pack size.

Question 9. Have there been any further developments with the Subaru Impresa license? Is this model going to come back either as a police car or road car, or is it gone for good?

Comments Mattel
Currently no further progress with the Subaru License. Not gone for good but cannot be used for 2010 in either variation

Question 10. Are 5-packs continuing on for 2010 as before? i.e. 1 pack released per month for a total of 12 packs in total. Is there a rough list of pack names for 2010 yet?

Comments Mattel
5 packs will continue to have one new 5 pack released each month. The list is as follows:
  1. Construction
  2. Modern Rides
  3. Knight’s Revenge
  4. Farm
  5. Classic Rides
  6. Fire
  7. Wolf Mountain
  8. Camping Adventure
  9. Desert Adventure
  10. Police
  11. City Action
  12. Service Center

Question 12. How are licensed 5-packs coming along? Any changes to the way they are packed? Any ideas on licenses secured for 2010?

Comments Mattel
No changes to the way they are packed. For 2010, we are introducing two new licenses:
  1. Batman Brave and Bold
  2. Disney Movie Variety Pack.
We will continue to have:
  1. Handy Manny
  2. Nickelodeon Variety Pack
  3. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
  4. Spongebob

Question 13. 10-packs. Are we continuing on with these as before? This time we are guessing it will be "Real", "Heroic" and "Adventure" (heroic replacing action), and a final 1st editions pack.

Comments Mattel
Yes, these will carry forward for 2010. The packs are as follows:
  1. 2 unique collector packs with chase vehicles: DAF XF Space Cab & Ford Boss Mustang
  2. 1 themed pack – Showroom Models
  3. 1 themed pack – City Heroes
  4. 1 themed pack – Off-Road Adventure
  5. 1 pack of 1st editions

Question 14. What are the 2 exclusive models for the non-exclusive 10-packs? 2009 saw the Plymouth Cuda and 1995 Mustang. Are we going to get one model in both packs for 2 assortments (like 2009), or 1 of each per pack throughout the year (like 2008 and previous)?

Comments Mattel
Exclusive : DAF XF 95 4 colors: Dark blue, Metallic red, Metallic orange, white
Exclusive: 70 Mustang Boss 4 colors : Solid green, blue, red, yellow

Question 15. Skybusters. Are we getting 36 models again? Any idea on new castings?

Comments Mattel
6 new sky buster tools for 2010: o New Generic Helicopter: “Airblade” o New Generic Water drop plane : “Blaze Buster” o New Generic Classic Fighter Plane o Licensed: Cirrus Vision Private Jet o Licensed : Space Shuttle o Licensed : F-35B (STOVL)

Question 16. Super Convoy. What are we to look forward to for 2010? Any idea on when assortments may be arriving?

Comments Mattel
New cabs and trailers we indicated in my last report. • There will be four mixes rolling in throughout the year. The first mix should already be in stores. Mix 2 will roll in February. Mix 3 will roll in, in June with the last mix coming in September.

Question 17. The MBX Motor home was planned as a special Christmas 2009 model in Christmas packs. Is this gone?

Comments Mattel
In order to improve overall profitability Matchbox needed to reduce the number of toys in our portfolio. Therefore, we eliminated non-profitable items to allow for more focus on the profitable lines.

Question 18. With the Best of... series canceled, is there anything new planned to replace it as a middle area between the basic range level and the new Superfast Double Diecast (DD)?

Comments Mattel
Lesney Edition (Formerly known as Superfast) will be the only collector offering we will have in the line for 2010. Other collector lines have been dropped due to low productivity. As the Matchbox momentum grows, we will be looking into the feasibility of adding more collector offerings in the assortment.

Question 19. Superfast DD. When are the first 10 going to be released? Any list yet of what models to expect?

Comments Mattel
Superfast will be known as “Lesney Edition” for 2010. There will be a total of 20 vehicles that will roll in across 8 mixes throughout the year. The first two waves will include:
  1. Austin Mini Cooper (Wave 1)
  2. Chevy Stepside (Wave 1)
  3. Cadillac Sedan Deville (Wave 1)
  4. 1960 MGA (Wave 1)
  5. Jungle Crawler (Wave 2)
  6. VW Type 181 (Wave 2)
Wave 1 will hit stores around 12/20/2009. Wave 2 is expected to hit around 2/1/2010 with the remainder of vehicles:
  1. 54 Jaguar XJ 120 SE
  2. Sahara Survivor
  3. 63 Cadillac Ambulance
  4. 69 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible
  5. 68 Mercury Cougar
  6. 71 Chevy Camaro Z-28
  7. 68 Toyota Land Cruiser
  8. Pierce Dash
  9. 72 Lotus Europa
  10. 68 Mustang CJ
  11. 70 Volkswagen T2 Bus
  12. Jaguar E Type
  13. 71 Olds Vista Cruiser
  14. 57 Lincoln Premier

Question 20. Euro Edition. Are there plans for a 2010 Euro Edition? Is it going to be called the same, or altered in name only?

Comments Mattel
No, Euro Edition has been dropped from the line for 2010.

Question 21. Play sets. Are there going to be any models exclusive to play sets for 2010, or are the plans for just using models from other ranges that work with the theme actually going to happen.

Comments Mattel
For 2010, play sets will have vehicles pulled from the line that align with the play set theme. They will not have exclusive models.

Question 22. If play set exclusive models are not continuing what will happen with vehicles like the Swamp Raider and Badlander? These were designed to be used in play sets. Will we see them used in other packs?

Comments Mattel
Yes, both vehicles will eventually be used elsewhere. The Badlander is already used in 2009 Battle Kings and will continue to be used in mainline or multipacks in the future.

Question 23. Is Battle Kings continuing for 2010 or are they finished? If they are continuing how are they going to be sold? United Alliance/Rogue, or new teams?

Comments Mattel
Battle Kings will not be carrying forward for 2010.

Question 24. Is the new Mattel store in USA going to be able to sell outside of USA?

Comments Mattel
The Mattel Toy shop online store is currently developing functionality/processes to sell internationally. No other information is available at this time.

Question 25. The Mitsubishi L200 was created with a tow hook on the rear. This must mean there could still be trailers in the future? Are we going to see any in multipacks, as there are rumors there could be some. If there are, could we see any more trailer units being created for vehicles to pull?

Comments Mattel
There are no new trailers planned for 2010. The use of the existing vacation trailer and farm trailer is planned for use in 2011 5 packs since we were unable to use them for 2010. • Adding a hitch to the L200 is simply planning ahead in case a trailer is used in the future.

Question 26. ROW small cards are currently up to batch K of 2009. With only one more batch to go, we still have not seen the GMC School Bus which was released in a while back on long cards. The Ice Cream Truck is also not in batch K (but was on long card). Can we confirm that these 2 models are going to be issued on small cards?

Comments Mattel
Ice Cream Truck and GMC School Bus will be in last mix of 2009 (Mix L) in the short card.

Question 27. What happened with the recolor of the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser and Toyota Prius? Both have reverted back to version 1 on long cards. Are they going to appear on small cards at all?

Comments Mattel
The White Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (DOM#P6526 / INT’L#P6551) and Driftwood Prius (DOM#P6529 / INT’L#P6554) are both scheduled to be released in Mix L.

Question 28. What happened with the tri-spoke wheel recently as so many vehicles received wheel changes that originally came with tri-spokes. Was the mold temporarily broken and now fixed? Just a case of run out, and they couldn't get the machine working to produce more and so many vehicles got wheel changes? Not that we are complaining, and maybe it is something you can do more often, but we are curious.

Comments Mattel
There was a capacity issue for both the tri Spoke and Classic dish hub which required running substitutions. We ran out of these wheel styles. We are producing more of these wheels now.

Question 29. What has happened to the open dot dash wheel recently used on Superfast?

Comments Mattel
Wheel is still available. Will be used on the Chevy step side for 2010 Lesney edition.

 
October/November 2009

Introduction

My second report should answer most of the questions raised by you and which should get an answer from Mattel.

Questions on request of future models I have forwarded to Mattel and we have to wait and see for those answers. I have also given information to Mattel on the status of the old Matchbox Factory in England (request of several collectors) and given some ideas in order not to forget the roots of Matchbox.

The report is split in two parts:

  1. Strategic Points
    Those are the main subjects I raised in my Introduction report (Appendix 1 with the first ambassador’s report).
  2. Your questions of October.
    Of course Problem Number 1 most of you mentioned was the availability of the product. Most of yours (and mine) feelings are that unfortunately it isn’t getting any better. The only thing we can do is keep on mentioning it to Mattel and give them some input on the local situation. I think that if Mattel reads the boards they get a pretty good idea of the availability in the USA. I still would like you to give me updates on your local countries. The more, the better. I would also like to know which other comparable scale branded  products (Majorette, Siku, Hongwell , Fast Lane, Schuco etc.) in your country are better available then Matchbox. I will discuss those mails with Mattel as our first priority. Meanwhile Matchbox is working with the responsible persons of the International Marketing Department and will keep us posted on the progress.
USA 2010 Blister

Strategic Points

On the following subject I did get a more or less satisfactory answer of Mattel. The other points of my Introduction report are still under discussion with Mattel. Point where we have a limited agreement. In some answers you will read the text but does not guarantee anything at this time. This is why I mention a limited agreement. But I have all faith in the present Mattel Team that they will give it indeed a serious consideration:

  1. Dealer Catalog.
    I advised Mattel strongly to have a look into their European Dealer Catalogs. I made them aware that some of the European catalogs include miniatures pictures of Hero City models 5 to 6 years old. This is an offense to Matchbox engineers in El Segundo who do their upmost best to develop a fantastic line over the last 3 years. Also the fact that Europeans have only 4 or 5 pages Matchbox products (of which one is Finnley!) doesn’t invite a lot of people buying other products than the very limited selection is nowadays in Europe.
    Comments MATTEL Mattel has now been made aware that the European Dealer Catalogs are showcasing outdated products. As a result, the El Segundo Team, along with our International Marketing Brand Champions, will be working closely with the affiliates to ensure the most up-to-date product information is being made available to retailers around the world.
  2. Matchbox Support to Collectors.
    There is no or limited support for Matchbox activities overseas. For the first time this year we got a show model made by Mattel for the Leipzig Toy Fair. However I think it’s more an activity of Amina Sekandari together with Dirk Schleuer than anything else.
    Comments MATTEL Matchbox is currently looking at creative ways to support select collector events (domestically and internationally) given their limited resources.
  3. Special Ten Pack.
    I advised Mattel to develop special ten pack(s) that contain all unique models from play sets, pop-ups, seasonal products etc. That would not be their number one selling product, but it would also avoid that collectors buy expensive sets, replace the model and return the sets to the store. This will also add more models to the production, so we can still have uniquely developed models for Pop Up’s and Play Sets.
    Comments MATTEL The Matchbox team will put this idea into consideration if it fits within our production timelines, but do not guarantee anything at this time.
  4. Pictures to replace text.
    As more and more products are distributes in non-English language countries and thinking of the enormous potential of countries that don’t use the Roman alphabet (China, Cyrillic alphabet in countries around Russia, Japan, Islamic Language in the Middle East) I suggested Mattel to reduce the English text on the models and to try to replace it by pictures (a picture says more then 1000 words, also the licensed 5 packs have little or no text).

    I also suggested asking every now and then to hire a well known artist to develop an artistic MB75 model or truck. I showed them some pictures from actual models. Think also about the Mattel Fischer range in the Leipzig toy fair 5 years ago. However this is far from criticism on the actual designs. They are better and more creative than ever.

    Comments MATTEL The Matchbox team will put this idea into consideration if it fits within the branding message, but does not guarantee anything at this time.

Your questions of October.
USA 2010 Blister
  1. The MB372 Chevy Transport Bus has been issued in the new Police 5 pack and it has a plastic body! Is this is becoming a trend?
    Comments MATTEL Due to cost implications the DC Body was converted to plastic and Plastic Chassis converted to DC to help control the cost, which allowed us to keep this toy in the basic line.

    Comments Ambassador This is only a partly answer and I will discuss this further with Mattel.

  2. The following Models:
    • MB780 Cadillac Ambulance
    • MB781 Rock Shocker
    • MB783 Jungle Crawler
    All 3 have no mention of Mattel nor the copyright year anywhere on the base, and the omission is not for a lack of space. Is this just an omission or if it is intentional?
    Comments MATTEL Correct it is stamped on the inside/top of chassis for those 3 mentioned. By doing so we were allowed to keep the chassis detail of the vehicles while leaving just enough space for the model name, matchbox logo, country of origin (required) and scale (if licensed).

  3. What has happened with the MB707 Groundbreaker?
    Comments MATTEL Unfortunately the tool cracked, w/o a duplicate back up mold we had to find replacement vehicle(s) and put a hold on the any production which called for this tool.

  4. When will Batch B arrive and what happens with the expiration dater of the tokes for the mail in model?
    Comments MATTEL Batch B was hitting stores in mid-November. We experienced tooling issues that pushed out our production date. We will be honoring the promotion through March 2010 as a result of the delay, but the promotion will only be good for UPC codes from the 2009 Superfast.

  5. Is the Best of City Services/Outdoor Adventure still coming out ?
    Comments MATTEL The “Best of” series has been dropped for 2010.

  6. When and on which card the Missing Sahara Survivor will be scheduled for release?
    Comments MATTEL The Sahara Survivor will be coming out in Mix B for 2010, but will be in the new packaging look for 2010. It will still have the 2009 collector number however.

  7. As in the meantime batch A of 2010 has started when can we expect to receive an overview list of the 2010 Models.
    Comments Mattel The 2010 new tools overview:
    1. 2010 Fiskars Karma Hybrid
    2. 2008 Holden VE Ute SSV
    3. Caterham S500
    4. 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
    5. 2010 Honda Insight
    6. 71 Porsche 914
    7. ’69 Volvo P1800 S
    8. Road Roller (non-licensed)
    9. Hazmat Fire Truck (non-licensed)
    10. International CXT Brush Fire Truck (replaces Pierce Impel Ladder Truck)
    11. Delivery Truck (non-licensed)
    12. 1957 GMC Pickup Truck
    13. Skid Steer Vehicle (non-licensed)
    14. Trophy Truck (non-licensed)
    15. 2010 Ford Raptor
    16. Truggy
    17. ’43 Jeep Willys
    18. ’85 Toyota 4-Runner
    19. ’08 Yamaha Rhino
    20. Ford Transit Connect
    The ’08 Rolls Royce Phantom has been dropped)

    Comments Ambassador This point is only answered partly. Although I am impressed with the list I have asked Mattel again for the complete 2010 list as requested in this point.

  8. Question was raised by several people already. It’s essential that we get a date as soon as possible in order to book for cheap flights. Please take into consideration that (especially for the Europeans) this is a very costly affair.
    Comments MATTEL Details are not finalized yet… Design and Marketing to discuss future date.

    Comments Ambassador I have asked Mattel to handle this point with more urgency as many of us have to book far in advance to get cheap flight tickets and Hotel arrangements.

  9. Will there be any holiday models, Halloween? Christmas? If yes, when and where?
    Comments MATTEL There will be a Christmas offering in 2009 at Wal* Mart. It will be a Licensed Entertainment 2 pack.

  10. 10. Will the Super Convoy range eventually have some real name cabs?
    Comments MATTEL The licensed cabs (Kenworth K100E & International Lonestar) will be available in stores in November. A DAF XF105 will be available next February.

  11. 11. With reference to the upgrading of Matchbox, don't Mattel try a bit harder to get the models reviewed by 'Model and Diecast Collector magazines' ?
    Comments MATTEL Mattel plans to sit with Nigel Cooper in February or April to give an interview which is to be shared in Collector Magazine

September/October 2009
I am sorry for bringing out the first report so late but that had to do with my scheduled visit on 10 through 17 September at the Mattel Offices in El Segundo in order to visit the Design Center and get acquainted with the Matchbox Design Group.

Then it took some time to get an agreement of the form we will inform you in the future. This last point has been solved out for the time being.

Before I visited the Matchbox Group I prepared, after consulting a number of collectors, a PowerPoint presentation in (see Attachment 1 at the bottom of this page), which I showed in separate sessions to the following departments:
  1. Engineering Team
  2. USA Matchbox Marketing Department
  3. International Matchbox Marketing Department.
It’s important to take notice of the fact that this is my personal opinion and that nothing out of this presentation shows the opinions, approvals, disapprovals or views of Mattel.

The following is a report of my visit and activities during this week.

My first day started with a visit to the Design Center. Before entering this center you have to agree on all kind of ‘funny’ procedure of not making pictures, not publishing what you have seen, not talking with anyone about it, signing non-disclosure forms etc.

So you will find in this visiting report only information of what I experienced during my visit to the Design Center relating to Matchbox Models or strategies, which has been sanctioned by Mattel.

The entrance was already impressive as they showed a huge selection of a known Mattel die cast brand (forgot the name, funny name like warm wheels or something similar). They even have some of their very sophisticated models in a 1:4 scale!

Entering the center after a long walk along a huge Barbie development department we came into the Matchbox section.

I saw a great world of Matchbox Toys. Wherever you looked you see Matchbox. In all cubical (that’s an American 2 by 2 meter ‘office’ surrounded by 3 walls and an entrance), new models, old models, model to be developed, work drawings, production samples, advertising material, in short a kind of heaven on earth. The only difference with heaven on earth is that you are not allowed to make pictures or notes.

I met with most of the designers. And I should say I am impressed with what I saw. Not only with the result of their design being nice models to collect, but also with the professional approach of the designers on how to develop a model from an idea into a Production Sample before the final step of shipping it to the market.

Some of my impressions I am allowed to share with you are:

Working Rigs
This is what Terry Ozima wrote in his last Ambassador's report:

Real Working Rigs have also been selling extremely well, and there are going to be loads of new castings next year. For 2010 we will be seeing:

  • Generic Tractor
  • DAF Skip Truck
  • Abrams M1A1
  • Pierce Velocity platform Fire Truck
  • JCB 726 articulated Dump Truck
  • Oshkosh MPT Snow Plow
  • Colet C30 Jaguar Airport Fire Truck
  • a Combine (license TBD).
The Mobile Crane was to appear for 2009, but got moved to 2010.

I could convince myself the the line will be expanded further with new exciting models like new Trucks (look out for the one with a detachable plow), Fire Machines and a Battle Tank. I agree with Terry they are awesome.

Super Convoy
The line will be extended with some very nice looking Convoys. They look much better than the first wave of 4. So give the line a reconsideration. This will give the designers the time to develop a line with an own face. According to Matchbox the scale of the Super Convoys fits the other models in the line better. However I told the designers that the Matchbox Collector is not a scale freak. A model should fit a Matchbox!

MB75 Basic Range
This is what Terry Ozima wrote in his last Ambassador's report:
Licenses
  • Honda Insight
  • Holden SSV Ute
  • Fisker Karma
  • Caterham 7 R500
  • Volvo P1800
  • Porsche 914
  • Rolls Royce Phantom
  • '57 GMC Pick Up
  • 1940s Willys Jeep (open top)
  • 2010 Ford F150 Raptor
  • 1980s Toyota 4Runner
  • Pierce Impel Aerial Ladder Truck
  • Ford Transit Connect
  • Yamaha Rhino
Generics
  • Road Roller
  • Skid Steer vehicle
  • Desert style trophy truck
  • Small Truggy vehicle (like a mini MBX 4x4)
  • Delivery Van (like the UPS/Fed Ex vehicles)
The 20 new MB75 castings are on their way and really look world class!

MB75 Five and 10 Packs
I have also seen the design of the 5 and 10-pack range for 2010 and I should say I am impressed. Beautiful graphs, nice selection of models and the caravan trailer and farm trailer from Hitch n Haul packs will be used in the 5-packs for the first time. I also suggested to the designers that each model (except the Porsches and Corvettes) should as standard have a Tow Bar! I saw next to this caravan some more trailers in the new 10-packs. Trailers are not used in the 10-packs.

MB75 Pop Up's
Saw some prototypes of new Pop Up’s. For sure we are going to see more Pop Up’s in 2010.

MB75 Pop Up's
The Mega Rigs are brought to the next level of perfection and all will be interchangeable.

Mattel added the following text:
 
Some big news from El Segundo is that Felix Holst will be taking a broader roll in the Mattel Wheels Division taking over Hotwheels innovation (track sets, monster Jam, Battle Force Five amongst others) as well as Matchbox Innovation and Tyco RC. This move unfortunately means he will be stepping away from Diecast products for awhile to focus on the broader development of all three brands. The Matchbox die cast team will remain unchanged but will now report in to Alec Tam, Director of Design for HotWheels/Matchbox diecast. Felix will be keeping a watchful eye on the development of the diecast line but will be stepping away from any direct involvement in the diecast line.
He is very excited about his new challenge and growing role but is very sad to be leaving the area of the brand for which he has so much passion and hopes that the collector community will continue to support, Dave, Ryu, Michael, Mark and Jeremy and will welcome Alec to the Matchbox fold with open arms.

I think that this carreer move can have an important positive impact on the future of the Matchbox line. It’s good to see that on a more strategic position within the Mattels Wheels Division we have a passionate Matchbox man!

Felix Holst will certainly make sure that the Matcbox line benefits from this. Felix Holst is looking forward very much to this position and I am sure he will get all the support from the collector’s world he needs. 

If you have any question for me to discuss with Mattel or any remark on the report please mail me at info@jnijhuis.com

Attachment 1.

This is an excerpt of my PowerPoint Presentation discussed with Mattel at the start of my period as Ambassador 2009/2010.

This presentation shows my private opinion on a number of issues I have collated over the years based on my contacts as Matchbox Collector.

This presentation doesn’t show any opinion, approval or disapproval of Mattel. 

1.   The Matchbox Collecting Community.

I explained that there are in broad lines 6 different areas of collecting (I have limited myself to

the Die Cast section of Matchbox) being:

a. Miniatures.

The 1953 Regular Wheels, Superfast Made in England, Superfast made elsewhere.

b. Convoys and Busses.

Twin Packs, Conventional Convoys, Premier Collectibles, Matchbox Collectibles, White Rose, Super Convoys and Real Working Rigs.   

c. Scale 1: 43.

Conventional Models of Yesteryear, Matchbox Collectibles Models of Yesteryears, Conventional Dinky Toys, Matchbox Collectibles, Dinky Toys and the different King Size Models over the year.

d. Scale 1: 18.

e. Matchbox Collectibles.

f.  Catalogs.

Dealer Catalogs, Pocket Catalogs, Flyers and other Publications

 

In order to explain the needs of the different collectors, I gave a picture overview of all the

product lines Matchbox has produced since its start in 1953 in all the above categories.

 

2. Products to collect.

After this overview I showed which products are currently produced by Matchbox and which of those products are currently available to collectors.  Those products are mainly Miniatures, Catalogs and Posters, One Bus per year, Real Working Rigs and the Super Convoys. This (limited) range of products is providing models for 30 to 35% of the Matchbox Collectors. The other 60 to

65 % of the collectors are collecting Matchbox Products that are not produced at the moment.

 

My estimate (based on active members of MCCH, Matchbox Forum members, Other Club members) is that the above group of recent product collectors is around 1250 collectors.

 

I then asked a number of people whether they knew how many different miniature models (excluding wheel variations and code 2) Matchbox produced. To my big surprise no one came

even close. In all honesty I should say that the quantity to me was also a little bit of a

surprise. Here are the quantities, as far as you didn’t know:

·         2005:     541 Models

·         2006:     417 Models

·         2007:     513 Models

(Source Christian de Lange, Netherlands)

 

After this I gave an overview of different products that were produced as miniatures (like MB75/MB100 range, 5-packs, 10-packs, and play sets etc.). At this point I showed that outside

the USA ONLY, 30 to 35% of all models produced are available to collectors. The other 60% to

65% is ONLY available in the USA.

 

3.   Major Improvements opportunities.    

Hopefully everyone of the Management Team at Matchbox is aware that there is one major

problem and that is the AVAILABILITY of products in ALL world-wide markets.

Engineering wise Matchbox can easily compete with any other model car product line of its kind. The next challenge will be to make sure everyone will have access to ALL products in ALL world-wide markets.

 

The opportunities to solve a number of problems in relation to the availability, which I have raised during my presentation:

 

a. One World Wide Range.

I challenged the fact of the necessity of having two ranges, one in the USA and an other in  Rest of the World. I did show Mattel with the help of a spread sheet that the major parts of

the USA Only models in 2009 are either generic models (fire, police) or European Cars (Land Rover, Audi) or retro Models.  Of the 25 USA ONLY Models of this year a maximum of 10 models

is of cars that apparently are driven only in the USA. This being a fact, I still raised the

question why can’t Mattel sell those cars outside the USA?

For the very same reason people want to buy a generic model (truck, ambulance, fire), a lot of people (collectors and non-collectors) would like to buy a Cadillac Hearse, Ford Bronco or a

Jeep Hurricane! I think it’s only inertia on the part of the Mattel European affiliates and

secondly not paying enough attention to the great models Matchbox developed over

recent years that there should be a European range. The spread sheet as mentioned proves

this point.

 

b. Packaging

I advised, that like in the USA, the European sales turnover and by this the availability would be greatly helped by shipping models in boxes of 36 models and following the waves as in the USA as opposite what is done now in Europe (combines two waves, boxes of 72) Smaller cases

should improve the sales turn around and obsolescence and peg warmers would be reduced drastically.

 

c. Ordering system.

I advised Mattel to have a serious look at some improvements in their ordering methods and systems. I think it’s essential for the future of Matchbox that Toy Stores can order specific waves and shipment should be one at least once a week. I also think that if Toy Stores order multiple boxes that they should receive a variety of different waves instead of 5 boxes of the same wave.

 

d. Dealer Catalog.

I advised Mattel strongly to have a look into their European Dealer Catalogs. I made them

aware that some of the European catalogs include miniatures pictures of Hero City models 5

to 6 years old. This is an offense to Matchbox engineers in El Segundo who do their upmost

best to develop a fantastic line over the last 3 years.  Also the fact that Europeans have only

4 or 5 pages Matchbox products (of which one is Finnley!) doesn’t invite a lot of people buying other products than the very limited selection is nowadays in Europe.

 

e. Matchbox Support to Collectors.

There is no or limited support for Matchbox activities overseas. For the first time this year we got a show model made by Mattel for the Leipzig Toy Fair. However I think it’s more an activity of Amina Sekandari together with Dirk Schleuer than anything else.

 

f.  Special ten-pack.

I advised Mattel to develop special ten pack (s) that contain all unique models from play sets, pop-ups, seasonal products etc. That would not be their number one selling product, but it would also avoid that collectors buy expensive sets, replace the model and return the sets to the store. This will also add more models to the production, so we can still have uniquely developed models for Pop Up’s and Play Sets.

 

g. Pictures to replace text.

As more and more products are distributed in non-English language countries and thinking of the enormous potential of countries that don’t use the Roman alphabet (China, Cyrillic alphabet in countries around Russia, Japan, Islamic Language in the Middle East) I suggested Mattel to reduce the English text on the models and to try to replace it by pictures (a picture says more than 1000 words, also the licensed 5-packs have little or no text).

I also suggested asking every now and then to hire a well known artist to develop an artistic MB75 model or truck. I showed them some pictures from actual models. Think also about the Mattel Fischer range in the Leipzig toy fair 5 years ago. However this is far from criticism on

the actual designs. They are better and more creative than ever.

 

4.   A number of Collector Issues.

a. Internet.

I showed Matchbox Forum’s approach towards developing a general Club Site (www.mbxforum.com). I was pleasantly surprised to learn that most engineers were using our catalog site occasionally.

 

b. Official Club status.

I asked Felix Holst to let us know the status of the so called ‘Matchbox Approved’ Clubs.

It would also be appreciated if Club’s would be supplied again with another free Club Model. I think that most of the Clubs are running out of the Chevy Tahoe Official Club Model.

 

c. Code 2 Models.

Collectors world-wide use a system to code models by their origin. In broad lines the coding system is:

-   Code 1.  Model made by Mattel and available to the general Public

-   Code 2.  Models made by or with permission of Mattel and not available to the general

                 public (like show models)

-   Code 3.  Models made without permission of Mattel

 

There is a lot of confusion on the status of the actual code 2/3 models. According to this definition (and what was said during the MATCHBOX USA Convention of 2007) there have

been only a couple of models produced by or with permission of Mattel over the last 3 years.  Those models were mainly show models produced by Mattel for the various Conventions and they are clearly recognizable by the blister or (plastic) box as a Mattel Made model.

I also suggested Mattel to clearly mark a code 2 model as a model made by or with permission of Mattel. This should be a written statement on the box or the blister.

 

d. Show Models.

I suggested to develop a new method for Clubs to acquire Mattel made show models. Mattel

is thinking about my proposal and it looks very promising. It will make it possible that all clubs, organizing an event, will get access to those models for their members.

 

5.   Some miscellaneous Subjects.

a. Blisters.

I also suggested to go away from the ‘weather forecast’ type of actual blisters in ROW. My strong preference would be a blister with a nice model car on it.

b. New Poster.

Years ago when quality of cars was the issue in the automotive world (mid eighties) Matchbox issued a poster for all the shops with the words: ‘Would like that they made the real cars as good as a Matchbox’.  Maybe it’s time now that the automotive world is in its second crisis to develop a new poster.