2012 Matchbox 1-75 Q&A - Part Three

So here is part three of my thoughts on the Matchbox Q&A:

4. CC: With 2012 line moving to more than 100 models, do we expect any re-colors to the current year or prior year models?
MR: We will recolor 5 of the 120 vehicles from the 2012 collection.

KD: I fundamentally disagree with the principle of this. Yet another way to try and milk more out of the brand. Back in the heyday, a 1-75 model was set for the entire year with one colour - the following year it changed colour if necessary. Mattel keep claiming that they want and understand the Matchbox roots, but I think they understand the word profit with more clarity.

5. CC: Has there been a decision made regarding the ROW & LAM 2012 line up? i.e., as to how many models will be in their lines and which models?
MR: 2012 will feature 120 vehicles for all markets.

KD: For goodness sake - it has been the 1-75 range in the UK for the last 50+ years, so what is with the change in direction to give the UK market 120 models? The UK and Europe barely get their fare share of models, so I hold absolutely no hope of all 120 models to be released on time and within 2012.

This also breaks with a long held tradition of at one stage 75 models being within the line-up. Of course, you are going to get those who simply welcome this and the more they get the better (the phrase "Get a life" comes to mind). 2012 sees a total break in the heritage of the Matchbox brand - I am not in favour of the new logo one bit, as the Lozenge served the purpose very well. And for those who collect the standard line up (excluding all the colour changes), this presents an extra £50 to £55 extra that will have to be spent for the year 2012 for all the models. Family budgets are tight at the moment - how many are going to invest in an extra 45 models next year?

6. CC: Will the 2012 line up be released in late 2011 or do we have to wait until after 2011 is over?
MR: First on-shelf date is usually December 1

KD: We can't even get all the 1-75 for 2011 out yet do to the poor distribution of the product, so how can Mattel justify releasing 2012 models now and when there has not even been a line up advised of what to expect?????