The Future Of Biante

[Gillick]

This afternoon I went to my cabinet for my daily gawk, admire and drool time and wondered about the many diecast I'm sure to add to 'the family' in the years to come. How many road Aussie Fords and Holdens do you predict we can expect to see - mainly in 18th scale - and how long will this last. Let's hope Biante are here for the long run. Unlike the majority, for sure, I won't discourage the years when I reach 'old age' as I'll reminisce and oversee all these fantastic models acquired ;) Diecast isn't the world, but it makes you think. Keep it up B&T.

[Vanpyre57]

Ok ill take a stab at this one
I would say Biante will be around for many years to come

As to models well lets see if they where to produce only Australian fords and holdens
this would give them from the 48 215 holden or FX as some of you know until last weeks commodore that was thought up at holden so im not counting but would say many hundreds of different cars in different formats IE RACE, ROAD ,DIFFERENT INTERIORS ,DIFFERENT EXTERIORS COLOURS WHEELS AND SO ON

And then theres the Australian made Fords now keep in mind Aussie Fords didnt start with XT,XR'S and the like it started a hell of a long time before this (dont quote me on this ) but many of the yank cars were assembled in Australia for the Australian market so technically this made them Australian Fords
So relistically how many Fords were made


If you can work out how many cars came out from Ford and Holden and how many different ways one car was built then thats about how many cars Biante could realy make in a model

[biante1478]

Until someone comes along with a better product at a better price !

[ferrari fan]

Originally posted by biante1478
Until someone comes along with a better product at a better price !

And then what?
Biante is by now a recognised brand with a collectability that is second to none.
Matchbox is still a very sought after collectable , never mind the Q and the $
Australia has a few lame bull-dozers amongt it's citizens
BIANTE was there first with a wanted product that a fair few of us have been waiting for.
I welcome any other company to add to the choice.
C.C. has done this but at a bigger price per model.
This does not matter as it enhances the choice.
The most wanted brand of cars are the FERRARI'S
and they are also the most expensive/exclusive/admirred.

[toad]

Originally posted by Vanpyre57
Ok ill take a stab at this one
I would say Biante will be around for many years to come

As to models well lets see if they where to produce only Australian fords and holdens
this would give them from the 48 215 holden or FX as some of you know until last weeks commodore that was thought up at holden so im not counting but would say many hundreds of different cars in different formats IE RACE, ROAD ,DIFFERENT INTERIORS ,DIFFERENT EXTERIORS COLOURS WHEELS AND SO ON

And then theres the Australian made Fords now keep in mind Aussie Fords didnt start with XT,XR'S and the like it started a hell of a long time before this (dont quote me on this ) but many of the yank cars were assembled in Australia for the Australian market so technically this made them Australian Fords
So relistically how many Fords were made


If you can work out how many cars came out from Ford and Holden and how many different ways one car was built then thats about how many cars Biante could realy make in a model


Don't forget all the Aussie made Leyland gems like P76, Kimberley, Tasman, moke, marina, even one of the 60's Farina's was Aussie specific. Can't wait for these to some out in 1:18:D

[ferrari fan]

lets not forget all the different liveries of the olden racecars.
Even just in the XW/Y there are a fair few indeed.

[mick xu1]

Originally posted by ferrari fan
And then what?
I welcome any other company to add to the choice.
C.C. has done this but at a bigger price per model.
This does not matter as it enhances the choice.
The most wanted brand of cars are the FERRARI'S
and they are also the most expensive/exclusive/admirred.

Biante produce fantastic models and i am very greatfull they do, but i would have to disagree with you regarding price of the cc cars i can buy the latest cars from my Model Retailer for the same if not less than Biante

[singer]

There is money out there otherwise these Co's wouldn't be spending the $$$ bringing out even more Aussie models

Bring it on !!!!:cool:

[biante1478]

Originally posted by ferrari fan
And then what?
Biante is by now a recognised brand with a collectability that is second to none.
Matchbox is still a very sought after collectable , never mind the Q and the $
Australia has a few lame bull-dozers amongt it's citizens
BIANTE was there first with a wanted product that a fair few of us have been waiting for.
I welcome any other company to add to the choice.
C.C. has done this but at a bigger price per model.
This does not matter as it enhances the choice.
The most wanted brand of cars are the FERRARI'S
and they are also the most expensive/exclusive/admirred.

Sorry, I don't get your point. Is there one ?

[singer]

Originally posted by ferrari fan
BIANTE was there first with a wanted product that a fair few of us have been waiting for.
I welcome any other company to add to the choice.
C.C. has done this but at a bigger price per model.


FF,

I disagree, there was Micro Models ( which ceased to exist late 50's early 60's) & then you have Trax (whatever you think of their quality)

I do agree that BIANTE were the 1st to produce a detailed 1/18 Aussie car.

Cheers
:D

[goblues]

Originally posted by toad
Don't forget all the Aussie made Leyland gems like P76, Kimberley, Tasman, moke, marina, even one of the 60's Farina's was Aussie specific. Can't wait for these to some out in 1:18:D

And let's hope there is a 1:18 44 gallon (205 litre) drum to put in the boot of the P76. :D

[Gan88]

Originally posted by ferrari fan
.
C.C. has done this but at a bigger price per model.


Worth every cent!

[Hey Charger]

I Cant wait for 1:12 scale model series of the most defining vehicles of Australias motoring history....i'm frothing for a Candy Apply XW/XY GTHO's...got my GMP 69 GT40 Gulf 1:12 and its awesome...now that was a car more desirable than an Ferrari in its day!!!...

[goblues]

Originally posted by Hey Charger
I Cant wait for 1:12 scale model series of the most defining vehicles of Australias motoring history....i'm frothing for a Candy Apply XW/XY GTHO's...

I'd start saving your bikkies for a display cabinet now, because you are going to need a bloody big one, and that will be very expensive!! :eek:

[Hey Charger]

People are already paying $300 to $400 bucks for 1:18 scale XW/XY's if a 1:12 can be constructed at about $400 to $500 why not?

[Patterson]

Originally posted by Vanpyre57

And then theres the Australian made Fords now keep in mind Aussie Fords didnt start with XT,XR'S and the like it started a hell of a long time before this (dont quote me on this ) but many of the yank cars were assembled in Australia for the Australian market so technically this made them Australian Fords
So relistically how many Fords were made



I'm pretty sure some model T's were put together in Aus...and ya can't go back much further than that....

[goblues]

Originally posted by Patterson
I'm pretty sure some model T's were put together in Aus...and ya can't go back much further than that....

But weren't they American designed cars, adapted for Australia, by adding air conditioning etc?

I'd still call them American Cars.

However, the XK was a car that was designed purely for the Australian market, wasn't it, and therefore, it was the first Aussie Ford???

[Gillick]

Originally posted by Gillick
This afternoon I went to my cabinet for my daily gawk, admire and drool time and wondered about the many diecast I'm sure to add to 'the family' in the years to come. How many road Aussie Fords and Holdens do you predict we can expect to see - mainly in 18th scale - and how long will this last. Let's hope Biante are here for the long run. Unlike the majority, for sure, I won't discourage the years when I reach 'old age' as I'll reminisce and oversee all these fantastic models acquired ;) Diecast isn't the world, but it makes you think. Keep it up B&T.


Well, well, well................Seeing that there's an array pf commodores in devlopment as well as a falcon, it seems at least the immediate future will not suffer. Must start saving!!!!! $100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600.........keep going.......700, 800, 900.............


I predict I'll be a very broke once I reach old age!:D

[Patterson]

Originally posted by Gillick


I predict I'll be a very broke once I reach old age!:D

Long before that mate...

You'll be a rich man in terms of diecast though.....

[goblues]

Originally posted by Patterson
Long before that mate...

You'll be a rich man in terms of diecast though.....

And it will be a good investment if you purchase wisely.

[Monaro Maniac]

The P76 may not be such a good idea from Biante's point of view as Trax brought them out in three different colours in 1:43 scale and had to discount them heavily to get rid of them. I guess this could mean that a car that bombs in 1:1 scale can easily do this in model scales too.

[goblues]

Originally posted by Monaro Maniac
The P76 may not be such a good idea from Biante's point of view as Trax brought them out in three different colours in 1:43 scale and had to discount them heavily to get rid of them. I guess this could mean that a car that bombs in 1:1 scale can easily do this in model scales too.

There is the Targa Florio, or something like that, that might be a worthwhile model, but I can't see Biante doing it. It will be up to some other manufacturer/distributor.

[singer]

Originally posted by goblues
There is the Targa Florio, or something like that, that might be a worthwhile model, but I can't see Biante doing it. It will be up to some other manufacturer/distributor.

I've already heard that someone is going to do a code3 made from the Trax model as well as Evan Green's Rally car.

[singer]

The Trax P76 may not have been a well received model but it is quite a detailed Trax model & I have all 3 variations in my collection:)

[goblues]

Did Trax do the P76 in 1:18?

[Monaro Maniac]

No Trax only did the P76 in 1:43 and after the poor sales of it I don't think a larger scale model is likely. Also Trax don't make 1:18 models only 1:43 and 1:24.

[Silver Mink]

There's been a lot of talk in another thread about the possibillty (or likelihood) that diecast/resin prices may double by 2016.

If this does eventuate, would the amount of collectors halve? I think the number of collectors dropping out could go as high as 90%

The majority of 1:18's at the moment are in the $200-240 range now, but it will be interesting to see how people react when prices start to spike, eg. Blues Union Torana at $300 - how many of these will sell?

I am considering buying one as a one-off, but if standard prices start to climb above $300 - I don't think I will get any more. Maybe just stick to 1:43's - I don't know...

[Sandman77]

If it does go that way, the number of collectors will decline and those who will continue to collect will have to cut back on their spending to some degree. I know over the last year I've still bought a lot of cars but not as much as I had in the two years prior.

[cdg]

Trax screwed the pooch with the P76 by releasing three colours in one go, all of the Super version, and not in the popular colours. The green one looked great, the other two not so good.

They then banged on in their promotional material about what a flop it was, what a lemon, Australias Edsel etc. Really great promotion.

Then after a few months they decide to just get rid of the lot at firesale prices.

Its a flop they cried. P76 haters rejoice. We made the model you demanded and noone bought it...

But hang on....

They release a Targa Florio in metallic blue - sold out

They release a Targa Florio in metallic brown - sold out

They release a Targa Florio in metallic green - sold out

They release one in bright orange - sold out.

Force 7 in resin - over 1500 sold at $140 a pop

Can you see a pattern here ?

The P76 for Trax has done quite well when made and marketed in the right way.


_______________________________________________
My diecast blog: http://capitaldiecastgarage.blogspot.com

[return of the jawa]

i will sell my nearly 400 1/18 if the price go's up any more ,i can pay higher ,but i wont ,my guess is that the diecast business will go broke,yes a 1 off release for $300 is fine ,once a year is only when a $300 car should be made ,dont kill the collectors biante and classics

[00lowndes]

How do you suggest we keep the cost down????????

Would collector be happy to have a flat bottom on thier models Diecast or Resin if this was to cut some of the cost

Would collectors be happy with seald body Aussie cars particully the COF V8's if this was also to cut the cost.

I have an Auto Art seald body aston and I love it just as much as my opening cars as I don't open my doors anyway due to the room they take up.

Maybe this is something we all need to think about if the industry is to keep on producing the models we have become to love. Just a thought.

[Maq]

Maybe not charge quadruple of what it actually costs for a start. The profit margin is mind blowing

[Billy Bob]

Some people just don't get it do they Maq

[brad]

$215 for a 1/18 is a bit rich as it is let alone taking things out like opening doors etc. I think the detail level is really good at the moment its just the cars arriving with bits missing, paint peeling etc that is the bad part of what we get....

the 'at least be happy they are made' comment is crap and people that use it should be beaten with a rolled up newspaper or wet fish. :P

[louieate8ate]

How do you suggest we keep the cost down????????

Would collector be happy to have a flat bottom on thier models Diecast or Resin if this was to cut some of the cost

Would collectors be happy with seald body Aussie cars particully the COF V8's if this was also to cut the cost.........
I would be happy to have models like this if the cost was kept down,as I too are not bothered if they are non opening.I do realise there are a lot of people who do like opening parts and who get grumpy when things are not right when they open boots,doors and bonnets.

[return of the jawa]

i feel the passion has gone ,and now we have money hungry makers.
keep the price real and you will keep the collectors,let the collectors go out and get their cars signed and dont pay the racers a mint and you can keep price the same.

[MP4/22]

and what if you live in the bush, and cant get them signed at anytime??

[fatty]

and what if you live in the bush, and cant get them signed at anytime??
As we have seen with Ratsters success you can contact the drivers and post your certificates to get signed. Many drivers don't seem to have a problem with his stalking.:D

[group C]

I think the rat pays for the drivers silence :p

[MP4/22]

Good, so if I send my 73 French Skelton COA to say John's Car dealership in QLD would he sign it?

[Damage]

the 'at least be happy they are made' comment is crap and people that use it should be beaten with a rolled up newspaper or wet fish. :P

Oh so true. Always agreed with that, but there will always be people who say 'ergh, jarst be greatful its out'. Cods-wallop!!

Back on topic, If the prices go up the numbers produced will have to drop because punters will vacate the retail market. I really don't see a big increase in the bottom line for Biante or CC Surey that's a unit of Commerce 101? Not sure what qualifications they guys who run the two big Aussie model makers have, but common sense should prevail.

On the flipside, diecasts are a luxury item (especially the larger scales) and 2016 is still 5 years away by my math.

[sleepy]

i will sell my nearly 400 1/18 if the price go's up any more ,i can pay higher ,but i wont ,my guess is that the diecast business will go broke,yes a 1 off release for $300 is fine ,once a year is only when a $300 car should be made ,dont kill the collectors biante and classics

Why would you sell the ones you already have if the price of new releases goes up wouldnt that be more reason to hang onto the ones you already have?

[yap]

Back on topic, If the prices go up the numbers produced will have to drop because punters will vacate the retail market.

I think punters have already vacated it now with the 1:18's being over $200 and the quantities produced being lower (and even then still available for purchase on the website for months afterwards)

[brad]

problem is they are both trying to get one over the other and they are killing the market - CC and Biante. personally I don't buy 'new' cars anymore, I stick to Ebay - unless it's something I know will be hard to get - The CC 2010 bathurst winner for instance. $215 is hard enough to justify...

[return of the jawa]

the i collect diecast models is complete a collection,i know it wont be finish prob ever but,they are making it harder to complete that collection

[Graeme]

Somebody once suggested that I need to embrace change :

http://www.hgl.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/senior-management-changes.pdf

[Billy Bob]

I can embrace change no worries but these guys are asking us to embrace a kick in the nuts

[edy]

Wasnt Chris CEO of Leutenegger was well?

But now Andrew Mills is CEO

[Graeme]

Wasnt Chris CEO of Leutenegger was well?

But now Andrew Mills is CEO

Chris Roche has a long history with Leutenegger and was to my understanding more or less groomed for the CEO position by previous incumbent, Ian Garrow. It was only a month ago that both Chris and Ian attended a formal Cocktail Party to celebrate Leutennegger's 120th anniversary in business. Here's a link to images from the event, courtesy of Leutenegger brand Country Threads :

http://www.countrythreads.info/Images/Newsletter%2 026.pdf

For a little insight into HGL, Leutenegger, and the purchase of Biante, here's a link to an article in 'The Age' from May 2007 :

http://www.theage.com.au/news/property/from-little-things-big-things-grow/2007/04/30/1177788050847.html

[lachlan]

I liked this part of the artical:

"However, that means loyal staff may loose their jobs"

Gee, that would never happen would it :rolleyes:

[fatty]

It appears Biante may not be with us within a couple of years. :( Maybe large profits has overtaken the passion of the previous owners.

[lachlan]

Gee, how to loose 8.25 Million dollars!!

Maybe Bev might pick it back up for a song?? lol

[skaifeyfan2]

It appears Biante may not be with us within a couple of years. :( Maybe large profits has overtaken the passion of the previous owners.

Lost their direction haven't they, and this is shown completely in that new 1 43rd car. I can see they are attempting to appeal to new consumers but have they done research? Do they know what their existing customers value and want?

[El Cheapo]

Do they know what their existing customers value and want?

Sounds like you already know the answer to that lol :rolleyes: ;)

[Billy Bob]

I just hope they are listening

[VE II]

in recent times they've invested in an unprecedented amount of new molds with very little return. The v8supercars were the most detailed models in their history yet were sold in very limited runs. QC, rising prices and the teams involved are to blame. Then there are the remake molds - which are being unnecessarily built from scratch taking up resources and factory time with tiny potential return as the main cars have already been sold.
On the flip side, cars that collectors have been calling for, for years have been ignored. Possum Borne cars which would have a world wide appeal, or the VN/VP Commodores in race and road format.

[murf]

Biante has lost its way but this is from not keeping it simple in collecting . When i was involved at Biante we looked at what was the best thing to do like not doing the v8 put the investment into the old cars to be done. Doing possums cars licencing is the trouble there as well some of the moulds arent there cost is the main factor as Chris Roche has said in the past.
I think Biante can come back but it will change in some form ,hate to see it go it has been a big part of are family and have meet some good friends in Bev & Trevor.
thankyou
Geoff

[sleepy]

Its usually the begining of the end when the number crunchers are running a company. Its all about the bottom line its happening all over the place now companys being run into the ground then the directors walking away with millions while the workers battle to get their entitlements.

[Billy Bob]

I noticed Chris "the boss" Roche was on here earlier hopefully he was reading this thread and was taking notes

[<Jonboy>]

For a little insight into HGL, Leutenegger, and the purchase of Biante, here's a link to an article in 'The Age' from May 2007 :

http://www.theage.com.au/news/property/from-little-things-big-things-grow/2007/04/30/1177788050847.html
that picture looks distinctly like the cabinet at the bottom of the stairs at MC2! ;)

[Buffalo]

Here's a change in future for Biante announced today .....



Biante senior management change

Andrew Whittles has been appointed Acting Chief Executive of Biante. Andrew will continue in his role as Chief Financial Officer of HGL. We thank Chris Roche for his contribution as Chief Executive since 2007 and wish him all the best as he pursues new business interests outside Biante and HGL.
The appointment of this senior HGL executive will assist Biante improve operational and financial performance. Andrew has been working with the management team of Biante since 2007 and is looking forward to adding his experience to that of the existing Biante team to continue improving the business and the brand.
The strategy of each HGL business unit is to grow through lifting operating and strategic standards whilst broadening product offerings.
For further information please contact:
Michael Mahoney, Chief Executive 02 9221 7155

[William Hall]

Buffalo, there is a sticky on this subject.

http://forums.biante.com.au/showthread.php?t=16659

[Brasha]

Following on from the excellent presentation Chris gave at the DME, I am very surprised at this move.

[Graeme]

Finally good to read something potentially optimistic regarding the future of Biante Model Cars ... I only hope it's not too late to turn things around.

[Minno]

Wow, didn't really see this coming.

So long, Chris, and good luck, mate.

Welcome Andrew, glad to have you as the new leader! Hopefully a seemingly sinking ship is righted.

[<Jonboy>]

did he go or was he pushed?

[VE II]

Might be reading too much into it, but sounds like a financial move (especially having the financial officer now in charge to "assist Biante improve operational and financial performance").
My guess biante wasnt making much money/losing heaps and this is an attempt to turn that around.
The only way they're going to make money is if they have a car-minded person in charge. someone who understands the hobby and the collector and can build the right models.

Anyway, all the best to Chris with what he'll be doing for now.

[Rob]

Finally good to read something potentially optimistic regarding the future of Biante Model Cars ... I only hope it's not too late to turn things around.

Gee, Graeme, nice to see you don't hold a grudge.....much:)

[Graeme]

Gee, Graeme, nice to see you don't hold a grudge.....much:)

Yeah ... things are still tender ... and ironically it's now two years to the month that Chris told me I didn't fit in with his future plans for the company.

[skywalker]

chris roche, Thanks God you are gone, Good bye, Hes direction for Biante was in the Toilet from the day he took over, just like hes first statement he sent to the dealers years ago, What a Joke, I'm sticking my head out here, As they say- for things to get better they have get Worse,
I'm no expert in Biz as i failed year 8,9 & 10,
Hope they can turn things around,
Biante's B Factory is a Joke, models coming out from there are way below std, they should stick with there A factory ( A/A ) consistent detail & price,

Luke Di Nardo

[azzaford17]

Hopefully our new leader will answer all questions posed to former leader re new models and release dates:)

[wayno]

I just hope the new boss is active on here. This is a great resource for Biante if they want to use it as we are the people that keep this hobby going.

[Graeme]

Hopefully our new leader will answer all questions posed to former leader re new models and release dates:)

It should be noted that Andrew Whittle has been appointed CEO in an acting capacity.

It should also be noted that William Hall has opened a forum 'sticky' thread on the subject of "Biante senior management change" and if you look above, the thread is definitely open for comment.

[commanderwhite]

I would like to pass on my thanks to Chris Roche for all of his hard work & for looking after us forumites,

Good luck for the future Chris - I hope you are successful in whatever you do.

[Road Runner 72]

Bring back Richard ;)

[Silver Mink]

Sister Thread-

http://forums.biante.com.au/showthread.php?t=16761