Matchbox goes green
YOUNGSTERS will soon get up to speed on the impact of motoring on the environment with a new set of eco toy cars.
Matchbox’s range of electric and hybrid vehicles includes the Tesla Roadster, complete with charging station.
Not only will the packaging be eco-friendly, the models will be made mainly of recycled materials.
Nuria Alonso, of Matchbox, said: “We wanted to work with Tesla to inspire kids as the future drivers of tomorrow.
“We think their parents will love to see how their kids play with cars that encourage environmental consciousness, like electric cars.”
She added: “We are unveiling a concept car, just like the real car industry does.”
The new mini Tesla Roadster will be the first of its kind. It will be made of 99 per cent recycled materials. The die-cast will be made of 62 per cent reused zinc, one per cent stainless steel and 37 per cent recycled plastic.
It goes on sale next year, to be followed by toy BMWs, Nissans and Toyotas. But this will be before the
real Tesla Roadster as production has been delayed.
The American electric vehicle company founded by Elon Musk in 2003 has yet to set a launch date.
Matchbox, introduced by manufacturer Lesney in 1953, sells more than 40 million cars a year.
The iconic British brand is currently owned by US giant Mattel.
It says it intends to pave the way to sustainability in the toy car industry with the ultimate goal of using 100 per cent recycled materials across all its toys, playsets and packaging by 2030.