In the March issue of Toy World, Marianna Casal explored what’s new in the Action Vehicles category and what toy companies are doing to race to the top.

In the Action Vehicles category, toy companies are constantly looking for ways to make their vehicles stand out, by incorporating new technology and features, being the first to catch the eyes of fans or collectors or through the use of top licences.

Innovation is leading the way in the category, in which many Action Vehicles suppliers are integrating new technologies and using creativity to attract consumers of all ages through imaginative play opportunities. As well as exciting designs and brand-new licences, toy companies are also embracing the power of entertainment by using popular franchises from Formula 1 to Wednesday to Paw Patrol. Mattel has taken one step further by introducing its own new series, Hot Wheels Let’s Race on Netflix, allowing the company to introduce a whole new range to complement the show.

One for Fun has added three new vehicles this year to its Formula 1 range and has enhanced its offering further with the addition of Bluetooth technology to remote controlled models. These are controlled through a phone app creating a modern, innovative and competitively priced product.

Bruder Spielwaren has seen demand rising steadily in recent years and is expanding its leisure segment. To add to the collectability and play value, new bworld figures, the characters in Bruder’s world, have been created to accompany the vehicles and extend the play possibilities.

Spin Master has adopted the monster truck trend with a Monster Jam licence, offering collectible 1:64 and 1:24 assortments. For 2024, Spin Master has expanded the range with a Megalodon Loop of Doom playset. Spin Master also caters to pre-schoolers with its popular Paw Patrol Pup Squad Racers.

To read about what these companies and others – including Mattel and HTI – had to say about the category, and hear about more new lines including Pat Avenue’s Motor Town and Character Options’ Rocksteady Chopper Cycle, click here for the full article.