The E.T.A. Thread

[Damage]

Just thought I would start this as there seems to be a lot of questions / speculations scattered throughout the forum.

I for one would like to know when the 1:18 VL #05 will be reaching the members.

Additionally, I would like to know when the 1:43 1978 #05 is due and if it will be Biante or Autoart.

I'm sure there are a lot of others who would like to know about thier particular favorite's ETA.

Too much to ask?

[Graeme]

Sorry ... it probably is too much to ask at present.

We haven't yet received any prototype VL race cars in model form ... we are otherwise concentrating on getting the VK range sorted and completed.

As for Biante and Autoart, the brand confusion seems to be a source of confusion for many.

Autoart is a product brand of Gateway Global Limited and they produce a very diverse range of diecast model cars for worldwide distribution.

Biante is the Australian distribution agent for the Autoart brand, but we also have an arrangement in place whereby Autoart is one of a few manufacturers of a range of model cars - mostly Australian - exclusively commissioned by and supplied to Biante Model Cars.

[Damage]

Then perhaps review is needed regarding release dates because I have seen a flyer for the VL in Stanbridges that says November 2007. Wouldn't it be better to overstate rather than have collectors disappointed?

Also re the 1:43 78 #05, will it be Autoart or Biante?

[Graeme]

Autoart manufacture for Biante all the LH / LX Torana moulds in 1:18 and 1:43 scale.

[brchi17]

so Graeme, why are some Autoart & other Biante ?

[Graeme]

Brad,

It likely makes better business sense not to invest all your product with one manufacturer.

A spread of manufacturers gives you a safety net and as with Biante and CC, a little competition also helps control complacency.

Autoart is a special case in which the brand is also the manufacturer ... Autoart is proud of its name and reputation, and that goes part way to explaining why their name appears on all their manufactured product, including that which is exclusively made for and distributed by Biante Model Cars.

[Kashmir]

are any more modern hsv's going to be made

[brchi17]

thanks for the response Graeme ;)

[Graeme]

Holden VE and HSV 'E Series' are not on the current diecast model agenda.

[minh427]

Sorry if im a bit slow, Holden and HSV road cars are in Autoart boxes and the Falcon and FPV road cars have Biante Premium boxes. May i ask why?

[HDTHSVHRT]

what about the red XU1 Graeme?

[Graeme]

minh427,

Autoart does not manufacture all Holden model car product for Biante, and the same goes for our Ford product. Autoart produces some Holden and some Ford items for Biante.

But, in the examples mentioned by you, Autoart did indeed manufacture the 1:18 scale VT, VX, and VY Commodore (Holden and HSV) road car product, whereas another manufacturer was engaged by Biante to produce the 1:18 scale BA Falcon (Ford and FPV) product. Each of these manufacturers does their own packaging to designs agreed between themselves, Biante and Holden / Ford.

We are likely to review packaging designs in the near future, whilst the confusing nametags of Biante Classics and Biante Premium have already been rationalised to give way to the familiar logo of Biante Model Cars.

[brchi17]

.....We are likely to review packaging designs in the near future, whilst the confusing nametags of Biante Classics and Biante Premium have already been rationalised to give way to the familiar logo of Biante Model Cars.

Please, please, please dump the open window boxes on the 1/18's & adopt a clam-shell type box like CC, Exoto, GMP, etc, use.

[minh427]

I second that, they can be easily crushed. And why for example the VT Clubsport, why is that some are in window boxes and some are in closed? Dealer edition?

[Damage]

Apologies Graeme, I wished only to provide a thread in which ETA's are discussed. I was curious about the Biante/Autoart issue with the 78 A9X because I do have 1 spot left for a red 1:43 box in my cabinet.

[hobby]

Holden VE and HSV 'E Series' are not on the current diecast model agenda.

bugger