One of the key aspects of the T-Lugz™ category is the vehicle, and Maisto has selected two extremely popular new titles: The 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT, and the 2006 Dodge Challenger Concept. Both vehicles have a modified look to them, and both feature entertainment systems by Audiobahn, the leader in car entertainment. The Audiobahn systems are actually removable, adding to the customized aspect of the product. But the key to the product is the graphics created by the Maisto PD department.
“We gave our designers complete freedom to create,” says Ralph Benitez, Art Director and originator of the T-Lugz™ line. “A lot of our guys are artists, either by training or just on their own. And all of us are collectors and huge fans of vinyl collectibles – so the line just seemed to make sense. We’re definitely feelin’ the graphics on the first wave of products, and can’t wait for round two.”
T-Lugz™ is expected to be on store shelves by May of 2007.
Maisto, registered in 1990, is part of the May Cheong Group of companies, a vertically integrated manufacturer based in Hong Kong. The company has been manufacturing die cast replicas for over 30 years, have over 10,000 employees worldwide and manufacturing facilities covering over 5,000,000 square feet. They were recently awarded the prestigious Hong Kong Top Brand Award, which recognizes outstanding brand names established by Hong Kong companies. 2007 marks the 40th anniversary of May Cheong.
