Collectors like to know what’s in store -- and what will be in stores -- in the weeks and months ahead. When Hot Wheels® design manager Rob Matthes appeared recently in the Chat Room here at HWC™, we got quite a peek at some of the upcoming plans for adult die-cast collectible toy lines.
For those of you who may have missed the session, following is the Q&A transcript.
HWC Rob: Hey, how's it going today? Sorry I'm late, I was stuck in a meeting!
MOWHEELS: What's new ???
HWC Rob: What's new? EEEverything. Planning all kinds of new stuff for you guys.
cruzinrod: Hi, Rob. What is your title and what exactly do you do at Mattel?
HWC Rob: I am the design manager for Collector -- Larry's Garage, Dragstrip Demons, Classics, etc. Also manage Ferrari, Color Shifters, Connect cars… I must be forgetting something.
ryoni: Rob, what do you guys do with the extra party cars from the conventions if they are not all handed out?
HWC Rob: That's a good question. Sometimes they get handed out to Mattel employees. If they are dinner cars, Strauss takes them home!
BismrkBear: If Classics are going to the back burner next year, will you find some usage for the newer castings like the Avanti and the Tucker?
HWC Rob: Yes, we always use castings. We try to do it in new lines in new ways that will appeal to y'all.
MOWHEELS: What's up with the “lunchbox” cars? We see them on ebay before you guys let us know about them?
HWC Rob: “Lunchbox” cars? Sorry, don't know about those! If you've seen them on ebay before they're out, they could be stolen or counterfeit. Beware!
MOWHEELS: They are stolen from the factory, They get away with this?
HWC Rob: Yeah, they are sneaking them out I guess...
clydealoman8: Since you manage Ferrari, do you have any idea what the numbers are on the 2004 Italy Toy Fair Ferrari?
HWC Rob: Sorry, I am not an encyclopedia of old toy numbers. And I did not manage Ferrari in 2004. Is there a Toy Fair in Italy?
MOWHEELS: Is there going to be a Larry's Garage sign made and sold in the shop?
HWC Rob: Don't know.
tinyblake: Will we see the Mongoose C.O.E Hauler in 2009?
HWC Rob: No, but maybe in 2010!
HWC Rob: What do you guys think of Drag Strip Demons? I busted my butt on that line.
MOWHEELS: Nice cars but overpriced -- two bucks more than Larry's.
HWC Rob: I would not say overpriced. There is a lot more content there. Graphic fusion deco, more die-cast parts…
MOWHEELS: I know you had to pay for the rights.
HWC Rob: Yeah, I don't know if JL or 1320 jumped through all the legal hoops we had to when they did their drag cars.
weazel: Is there going to be a hard-to-find version in that series?
HWC Rob: Would you like one???
weazel: I think those cars are well worth the price to pay!!! Another problem I have is, do I open them or keep them carded?
HWC Rob: I always buy two if I can! One to open and display. So you guys like the chase cars?
weazel: Personally, I'm getting tired of the "chase" cars. I would prefer a run to maybe have three colors and maybe less of one color than the other… kinda like the early Redlines.
HWC Rob: We're working on that! You'll see fewer re-colors in the future.
ryoni: When can we expect to see the deco Delivery hitting the shelves in Canada?
HWC Rob: That's a tough one. I don't have the schedule in front of me.
weazel: Do you plan on lines similar to these ‘09 lines in the future?
HWC Rob: Yes, but you know I can't give out all the secrets. We'll continue to try to offer what you guys want at a fair price. We're learning from our mistakes and improving!
MOWHEELS: What' up with the Classics Series 5? They can't be found.
HWC Rob: Different issues with the retailers. Sometimes they over order, then they won't put the new product out until they sell through the old stock. Be patient. Where are you shopping for them?
ryoni: Canada... We seem to get hosed on a lot of the good lines, Rob. No pun intended.
HWC Rob: Can you come to the states and sneak some out?
MOWHEELS: All the bigger stores -- Wallys, Target, found a few at a hobby shop…
HWC Rob: The trick is (and I'm sure you guys know) is to find the stores where collectors go (or don't go). It's amazing how much different stock I see at the various Target stores in L.A. for example. Hobby shops will usually move through inventory faster, I think.
ryoni: Rob, will you be attending Reston?
HWC Rob: Nope. Larry and Phil will be there!
DeeGee: How long have you worked for Mattel?
HWC Rob: About five years full-time, and a temp for two before that.
DeeGee: What are you working on for next year in the limited lines? Anything new like this year?
HWC Rob: Yes, we'll be mixing things up a little. Trust me, you'll love it!
marty hernandez: Anymore color changes for the ’52 Chevy truck?
HWC Rob: That’s '62, Marty. Not sure where you'll see it in ’09, but I'd like to get some different deco on it!
HWC Rob: Just a couple more minutes guys, then I'm off to a three-hour meeting -- really.
raceconn: Anything on doing a Toyota Tundra in the lineup?
HWC Rob: Not sure about the Tundra. You guys like U.S. classics, right?
HWC Rob: Alright guys, thanks for coming. It's been fun!
Keep an eye out in the future for more Chat Room appearances by special guests! Just check in here at HWC™ for updates on who to look for, and when. Until then, see ya in chat!