AUTOart
Encyclopedia
AUTOart is a Hong Kong-based diecast
model car
line sold by AA Collection Ltd. The company was formerly owned by Gateway Global Ltd. based in Costa Mesa, California.
, originally a German company with diecast cars made in China and associated with Paul's Model Art which produces Minichamps
. AUTOart makes Die-cast model cars, slot racing cars
, and diecast motorcycles. Radio controlled cars
are planned for the future. AEROart is another division producing aircraft models
.
scale usually sell for about which is about normal pricing for quality diecast vehicles these days. AUTOart models have very precise detail and very accurate proportions to the cars replicated. Wheels & tires, carpeting, seat belts, door handles, engines, suspension, even sun visors and door/hood/trunk lid dampers are all faithfully reproduced.
In price and detail, AUTOart cars generally fall between Exoto and CMC
at the high end, and Ertl
, Maisto
and Bburago
at the low end.
Many AUTOart models are of exotic racing, sports, or super performance vehicles like the striking white, red, and blue BMW 3.0 CSL 1973 winner at Spa, but more mundane vehicles like the New Beetle or the Chrysler PT Cruiser are also produced. The AUTOart line favors, but is not limited to, European vehicles. Both new and vintage vehicles are featured, including a number of Can Am and Grand Prix cars from the 1960s and 1970s. The earliest vehicles produced date from about 1938, like the BMW 328 Mille Miglia. American Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptors and British "Humberside Police" Subaru Imprezas along with a Mercedes-Benz E220 Berlin taxi are examples that show the company's breadth - producing many types of vehicles. Not to be overlooked are several Italian Vespa scooters, so the company is not limited to cars only. Australian Holdens and Chryslers are also featured showing a global emphasis of the company's offerings.
AUTOart models marketed under the Gateway/Gate label are often of more common brands and more likely to be found in retail stores or as dealer promotionals. For example, when the Saturn VUE SUV was introduced mid-2002, AUTOart was selected to provide a detailed 1:18 scale promotional to be sold at dealerships. It was handsomely packaged in Saturn logo boxes, usually in metallic burnt orange - a color available on the actual car. Hood, tailgate, and front doors all opened.
More recently AUTOart has also produced TV and Movie tie-in vehicles, like the Mad Max Road Warrior 1973 Australian Ford Falcon Interceptor driven by Mel Gibson, the Gulf Porsche 917 driven by Steve McQueen in the movie LeMans, or even the popular Toyota Trueno from the anime show Initial D. All of these, as one would expect, are offered in 1:18 scale. The Mad Max cars are also offered in 1:43.
Despite promotionals with many opening and moving features, some AUTOart lines have been criticized for being single body castings. This is particularly true of their Motorsport Division 1:18 racing car models which often have no opening parts or engine detail. Most 1:18 scale car manufacturers feature opening parts, and, right now, AUTOart seems unique to have a line of single cast cars with no opening features, especially at relatively high prices.
One might think that AUTOart models singly cast, would be cheaper, but retail prices between racing car models that do have opening parts, and their other lines, are not very different. Purportedly, in 2006, a letter was sent to customers from AUTOart stating that sealed cars were in part due to restrictions placed on them by Motorsport Teams, and that visibly improved outer details and manufacturing processes unique to the "Motorsport Division" would make up the difference.
No matter. It is a process that has been seen repeatedly in the diecast car industry, as global competition pressures companies to reduce costs. Smaller Matchbox cars originally had opening doors, hoods, and trunks. Most of their moving parts disappeared during the 1980s. Few Matchboxes or Hot Wheels
cars today have moving parts. European 1:43 scale models where everything opened, such as Corgi Toys or Polistil
gave way to single casting cars with brighter paint jobs and lots of decals. Toys made in the United States have never had opening parts. Consider lines from humble Tootsietoy to the more sophisticated promotionals of AMT
or Jo-Han
. The thinner labor climate and stricter business attitudes in the U.S. could not support such production complexity. More moving parts mean more expense and it is happening again with larger scale more "collectible" producers like AUTOart.
This discussion, however, includes only one line of AUTOart. Many models are exquisitely detailed showing that the company goes the extra mile in execution of their cars. For example in the AUTOart on-line Bulletin, one customer lauds the detail of the company's Mclaren F1, saying that "the price differences between the [other brands] and AUTOart are reflected in the quality and execution of the models" (Lizardo 2011). Such details include, for example, that "each of the doors and panels have functional struts like the real F1; the wiring harnesses and engine plumbing is more realistic; the replicant (sic) gold engine bay lining actually looks like gold foil; the "glass" looks like glass; the screen mesh is actually on the rear fascia is patterned after the real car's" (Lizardo 2011).
). Paul's Model Art claimed that it had rights to the sole distribution of certain models in Germany and that UT Models had used Gateway for new offerings to circumvent this deal (see Johnson 1998, p. 241 for more on UT Models' relationship with Paul's Model Art). At this time the lawsuit between AUTOArt's parent company (Gateway Global) and Paul's Model Art is still ongoing, but seems to be leaning in Gateway's favor. Court documents are available for viewing here:
CACV000139/2005 PAUL'S MODEL ART GMBH & CO KG v. UT LTD AND OTHERS
HCA001501/2000 PAUL'S MODEL ART GMBH & CO KG v. UT LTD AND OTHERS
Die-cast toy
The term die-cast toy here refers to any toy or collectible model produced by using the die casting method. The toys are made of metal, with plastic, rubber or glass details. Wholly plastic toys are made by a similar process of injection moulding, but the two are rarely confused...
model car
Model car
A model car or toy car is a miniature representation of an automobile. Other miniature motor vehicles, such as trucks, buses, or even ATVs, etc. are often included in the general category of model cars...
line sold by AA Collection Ltd. The company was formerly owned by Gateway Global Ltd. based in Costa Mesa, California.
History
AUTOart was established in 1998 (AUTOart website). Other lines of diecast vehicles made by Gateway are Gate and UT ModelsUT Models
UT Limited was a company which manufactured 1:18 scale model cars in the 80's and 90's, trading as UT Models. They were typically of good to high quality and were a bit more expensive than their direct competitors. The company closed at the end of the 1990s, but the essence of the brand is now...
, originally a German company with diecast cars made in China and associated with Paul's Model Art which produces Minichamps
Minichamps
Minichamps is a die-cast car producer founded as Paul's Model Art GmbH in 1990 in Aachen, Germany, best known for its 1:43 scale models. The company grew out of the Danhausen trade catalog of miniature vehicles and specially made Danhausen releases during the 1970s.-The Danhausen Legacy:Danhausen...
. AUTOart makes Die-cast model cars, slot racing cars
Slot car
A slot car is a powered miniature auto or other vehicle that is guided by a groove or slot in the track on which it runs. A pin or blade extends from the bottom of the car into the slot...
, and diecast motorcycles. Radio controlled cars
Radio-controlled car
Radio-controlled cars are self-powered model cars or trucks that can be controlled from a distance using a specialized transmitter...
are planned for the future. AEROart is another division producing aircraft models
Model aircraft
Model aircraft are flying or non-flying models of existing or imaginary aircraft using a variety of materials including plastic, diecast metal, polystyrene, balsa wood, foam and fibreglass...
.
Series and Models
AUTOart has produced more than 45 different car marques in 9 different scales, though 1:18 seems to be the most popular. All models are of high precision quality, but are on the pricey side, with limited edition 1:12 scale models at about . Models at 1:18 scale usually range between and . Editions in 1:431:43
OPM pop group 1:43 has released their debut slambook-album titled “Time for Love” that features trivia about and exclusive photos of its members, and a collection of feel-good original Pinoy pop songs, including their minus one versions....
scale usually sell for about which is about normal pricing for quality diecast vehicles these days. AUTOart models have very precise detail and very accurate proportions to the cars replicated. Wheels & tires, carpeting, seat belts, door handles, engines, suspension, even sun visors and door/hood/trunk lid dampers are all faithfully reproduced.
In price and detail, AUTOart cars generally fall between Exoto and CMC
CMC
- Certifications :* Certified Management Consultant, an international professional certification for professional management consultants* Certified Mortgage Consultant, a professional certification for mortgage professionals...
at the high end, and Ertl
Ertl Company
The Ertl Company is an American toy company best known for its die-cast metal alloy collectible replicas of farm equipment and vehicles. The company is based in Dyersville, Iowa, home of the National Farm Toy Museum...
, Maisto
Maisto
Maisto International Inc. is a popular toy brand of the May Cheong Group . Maisto manufactures die-cast models of automobiles, aircraft, and motorcycles...
and Bburago
Bburago
Bburago is an Italian model car manufacturer, that was based in Burago di Molgora, Italy, which made mostly diecast cars from 1976 to 2005, and then under the May Cheong group since 2007.-Early years:...
at the low end.
Many AUTOart models are of exotic racing, sports, or super performance vehicles like the striking white, red, and blue BMW 3.0 CSL 1973 winner at Spa, but more mundane vehicles like the New Beetle or the Chrysler PT Cruiser are also produced. The AUTOart line favors, but is not limited to, European vehicles. Both new and vintage vehicles are featured, including a number of Can Am and Grand Prix cars from the 1960s and 1970s. The earliest vehicles produced date from about 1938, like the BMW 328 Mille Miglia. American Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptors and British "Humberside Police" Subaru Imprezas along with a Mercedes-Benz E220 Berlin taxi are examples that show the company's breadth - producing many types of vehicles. Not to be overlooked are several Italian Vespa scooters, so the company is not limited to cars only. Australian Holdens and Chryslers are also featured showing a global emphasis of the company's offerings.
AUTOart models marketed under the Gateway/Gate label are often of more common brands and more likely to be found in retail stores or as dealer promotionals. For example, when the Saturn VUE SUV was introduced mid-2002, AUTOart was selected to provide a detailed 1:18 scale promotional to be sold at dealerships. It was handsomely packaged in Saturn logo boxes, usually in metallic burnt orange - a color available on the actual car. Hood, tailgate, and front doors all opened.
More recently AUTOart has also produced TV and Movie tie-in vehicles, like the Mad Max Road Warrior 1973 Australian Ford Falcon Interceptor driven by Mel Gibson, the Gulf Porsche 917 driven by Steve McQueen in the movie LeMans, or even the popular Toyota Trueno from the anime show Initial D. All of these, as one would expect, are offered in 1:18 scale. The Mad Max cars are also offered in 1:43.
Single Casts vs. AUTOart Detail
One might think that AUTOart models singly cast, would be cheaper, but retail prices between racing car models that do have opening parts, and their other lines, are not very different. Purportedly, in 2006, a letter was sent to customers from AUTOart stating that sealed cars were in part due to restrictions placed on them by Motorsport Teams, and that visibly improved outer details and manufacturing processes unique to the "Motorsport Division" would make up the difference.
No matter. It is a process that has been seen repeatedly in the diecast car industry, as global competition pressures companies to reduce costs. Smaller Matchbox cars originally had opening doors, hoods, and trunks. Most of their moving parts disappeared during the 1980s. Few Matchboxes or Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels is a brand of die cast toy car, introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. It was the primary competitor of Matchbox until 1996, when Mattel acquired rights to the Matchbox brand from Tyco.-Models:...
cars today have moving parts. European 1:43 scale models where everything opened, such as Corgi Toys or Polistil
Polistil
Polistil was a toy company headquartered in Milan, Italy, with production center in Chiari, Brescia. Polistil specialized in diecast metal and plastic vehicles of all sizes. The company also made toy and model tanks, dolls, robots and TV tie-ins...
gave way to single casting cars with brighter paint jobs and lots of decals. Toys made in the United States have never had opening parts. Consider lines from humble Tootsietoy to the more sophisticated promotionals of AMT
Aluminum Metal Toys
Aluminum Model Toys, or AMT for short, was a Troy, Michigan based company that manufactured various pre-assembled plastic promotional models starting in 1948, when attorney West Gallogly, Sr. started it as a side business. Later, a variety of kits became very popular. Most of the company's vehicle...
or Jo-Han
Jo-Han
Jo-Han is a manufacturer of plastic scale model car promotionals and kits originally based in Detroit. The company was founded there in 1947 by tool and die maker John Hanley - a year before West Gallogly's AMT and about the same time as PMC...
. The thinner labor climate and stricter business attitudes in the U.S. could not support such production complexity. More moving parts mean more expense and it is happening again with larger scale more "collectible" producers like AUTOart.
This discussion, however, includes only one line of AUTOart. Many models are exquisitely detailed showing that the company goes the extra mile in execution of their cars. For example in the AUTOart on-line Bulletin, one customer lauds the detail of the company's Mclaren F1, saying that "the price differences between the [other brands] and AUTOart are reflected in the quality and execution of the models" (Lizardo 2011). Such details include, for example, that "each of the doors and panels have functional struts like the real F1; the wiring harnesses and engine plumbing is more realistic; the replicant (sic) gold engine bay lining actually looks like gold foil; the "glass" looks like glass; the screen mesh is actually on the rear fascia is patterned after the real car's" (Lizardo 2011).
Legal issues
In 2004, a lawsuit in Hong Kong courts was initiated against UT Models and Gateway Global and Gateway Hong Kong by the plaintiff, Paul's Model Art of Germany (known mostly for marketing MinichampsMinichamps
Minichamps is a die-cast car producer founded as Paul's Model Art GmbH in 1990 in Aachen, Germany, best known for its 1:43 scale models. The company grew out of the Danhausen trade catalog of miniature vehicles and specially made Danhausen releases during the 1970s.-The Danhausen Legacy:Danhausen...
). Paul's Model Art claimed that it had rights to the sole distribution of certain models in Germany and that UT Models had used Gateway for new offerings to circumvent this deal (see Johnson 1998, p. 241 for more on UT Models' relationship with Paul's Model Art). At this time the lawsuit between AUTOArt's parent company (Gateway Global) and Paul's Model Art is still ongoing, but seems to be leaning in Gateway's favor. Court documents are available for viewing here:
CACV000139/2005 PAUL'S MODEL ART GMBH & CO KG v. UT LTD AND OTHERS
HCA001501/2000 PAUL'S MODEL ART GMBH & CO KG v. UT LTD AND OTHERS