January 2009 Notable Toys — Vehicles - Small Toy

Decked out in green, this truck carries the message of recycling in its very construction, as it's made from 100-percent recycled milk jugs.  It is free of metal axles and measures 12" L x 6.25" W x 7" H. Launch date: February 15, 2009. “We're sticking to our strategy that served us well in 2008,” said Robert von Goeben, Co-founder and President of Green Toys Inc. “Our customers say they love who we are, and want more safe, earth-friendly, U.S.-made toys. We've responded by adding some cool new products, yet staying true to our core mission.”
— "[We're] doing extremely well with trucks, particularly the Recycling Truck from Green Toys," Rick Henry of Stellabella Toys in Cambridge, Mass., told TDmonthly when discussing best sellers in late October 2009.

Made from recycled plastic milk containers, this energy-efficient dump truck features a functional dumper and measures 10" L x 7 1/2" W x 7 1/8" H. Launch date: February 15, 2009.
— "The new trucks from Green Toys will be big hits with 2- to 4-year-olds," Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Books & Games in Oklahoma City, told TDmonthly following the 2009 ASTRA Marketplace.

This assortment of 5" trucks is priced to attract impulse shoppers and will encourage multiple purchases.  Each truck has graphics with a powerful message for thoughtful play. Features include 4-wheel independent suspension, powerful climbing action, super 4x4 friction power, authentic details, supersize tires, and full-color graphics.

This garbage truck, featuring solid wood construction, measures more than 13" long when assembled, and does not require cutting or gluing. It includes a magnetic trash lift and disposal mechanism. Completed dimensions are 6.25" x 5.25" x 13.5".

The stylish A-9S features a speedster body and driving lights set lower than on the standard A9. The beech wood construction is complemented by shiny black wheels and white molded components that are interchangeable with other Automoblox designs.

This licensed vehicle is outfitted with folding mirrors and a cab that tilts up to reveal the engine. The container  features a hinged rear and is removable,  so that other similar units can be put in its place.
— “Their deliveries are good, accurate,” Manager Rosie Morris of Whiz Kid Toys in San Luis Obispo, Calif., told TDmonthly of this preferred vendor. “They’re quick to fix problems, if we have any. And the quality is great.” Nearly 4 percent of 52 retailers named Bruder as a favorite supplier in late fall 2008.
— “They sell pretty evenly across the board. It's a strong category for us,” Michelle Deutschmann, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass., told TDmonthly of her die-cast vehicles, 75 percent of which she orders from Bruder, during a July 2009 survey.

Complete with two power settings and four different frequencies for racing, this small car can move along walls and even upside down in suction mode. It's available in several colors.

Mattel Super Elite 1/18 Scale Die Cast Replica of the 1966 Batmobile from the Batman television series. This is a very detailed and realistic limited edition reproduction of the real car. Features include special packaging and display base, plumbed and wired turbine engine with braided steel hoses. Highly detailed interior and dashboard with bat phone, cloth seat belts, and photo etched kick panels. Stainless steel rocket launchers (with rockets in tubes, non-firing) and realistic leather parachutes and bat computer in trunk. Photo etched aluminum valance screens in front and rear bumpers. Stainless trim on beacon light and turbine exhaust. Limited edition of 5100 pieces.

The MICRO-TIGER indoor, digital proportional IR helicopter features a micro size fun with macro-scale performance. The MICRO-TIGER's blue LED light illuminates the cockpit for cool nighttime flying. The product is capable of precise and accurate control using the new digital proportional patent-pending Motion Auto Sensing Control (M.A.S.C.) Controller. A simple tilt of the wrist turns the helicopter in that direction. Beginners and experienced pilots will both enjoy the thrill and command of steering like a real pilot. The MICRO-TIGER comes fully assembled and ready to fly. It requires five AA alkaline batteries (not included). Launch date: June 2008.

This set of three different trucks includes a dump truck, fire engine and bulldozer. All have the same, popular, velvet-like flocking as the other Rubbabu vehicles, but have movable parts to encourage active play. Launch date: March 2009. (Product was formerly dist. by Plasmart)
Awards: 2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal.

Dune Bug’s Farm Truck is a durable vehicle that cleverly transforms into a sturdy sand tool. Sized for 
“take along” fun, this water resistant, five-in-one play set includes a Sprig Hollow insect character with interchangeable wings. Dune Bug’s Farm Truck has a sand bucket, a snap-on shovel and  rake that doubles as the truck’s cab.  Launch date: 2008.