Disney Pixar Cars - Target Goes on the Offensive

Target has seen the demand and decided to go on the offensive! The Haulers are HOT, and they are beating Walmart on price and meeting collector demand! You can find them this link...Target Cars Haulers Within a day, Target.com has listed three additional New Haulers, bringing the total to six New Releases they are Pre-Selling. Here are the latest...

Nitroade's Hauler is now ready to roll


Gil is a bit green around the mud flaps


Shiny Wax will brighten your day

Target is kicking Walmart's ass by pricing the Haulers at $12.99 plus shipping and handling. Target's aggressive marketing is beating Walmart by actually having them available on their website. Try this link to SAVE $5.00 on a $50 order or more Target $5 Discount. Walmart.com has been historically pathetic, never allowing you to buy the "Hot" Cars items on their site. Every time you try, all you get is, "This item is currently unavailable."

Target is also kicking Mattel's own MattyCollector.com upside the head, as they haven't had a single Cars release since the site was launched 9 months ago! Recently, they were supposed to finally release a 1:24th Scale Lightning McQueen on March 17th, yet delayed releasing it with no further info. The site has lost serious credibility with Cars collectors due to the sound of crickets being all they get.

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Disney Pixar Cars - Target.com Pre-Selling Haulers

The thing about collecting is that collectors scour the world for the best prices and supply. Today they found that Target.com is selling Disney Pixar's Cars Haulers old and NEW! I had a problem finding them on their site, so to make your life easier, I have them here at this link for you...Target Cars Haulers The URL was a mile long and I had to type every character, so I hope you appreciate the effort. It has also been brought to my attention that you can use the Target Discount Code TCMVS7RD to save $5.00. Here are the three New Haulers they are Pre-Selling...

RPM is on Pre-Sale at Target.com


No Stall is parked in a warehouse for 2 to 6 weeks


Trunk Fresh rounds out the trio of New Releases

Not a bad price at $12.99 plus shipping and handling. Target actually beats Walmart, which sells the Haulers for $13.77! Can you believe that?! Target not only beats Walmart by $0.78 cents, but actually has them available on their website. Walmart has always stunk when it comes to selling Cars items on Walmart.com. They are never available!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Haulers vs. Semis El Fin

This is my third and final installment of comparing the Haulers and Semis. Alternator Valley friend and reader Tim, has contributed some great photos once again! First, we'll compare the faces of the first three releases of Haulers and Semis...Mack, Chick Hicks and Gray.

Mack Hauler's eyes are open while his mouth is wide open
Mack Semi has eyes half open with a mouth in a half smile


Chick Hauler's Eyes are open while his mouth has a smirk
Chick Semi has the same eyes while his tongue is showing


Gray Semi has eyes straight ahead and a full smile
while Gray Hauler has eyes to side and a half smile


The Hauler on the left has the tight hookup for the trailer
The Semi lacks the same hookup and the trailer can slip apart


Both the Gray Hauler and Semi have sponsors on mud flaps


Octane Gain's box opens by a flap and keeps the box intact
Wally & Jerry's is opened via perforation & compromises it

A few final notes...Mack Semi is the only one with no hole to attach a trailer. All Semis appear to have sponsors on the mud flaps. As shown above Chick Hicks and Gray Semi have holes, but lack the white plastic piece to secure a trailer. I discussed the packaging and we'll have to see what future Semi releases hold in store for us. I've decided to continue to buy two of each Hauler and one of each Semi. How about you?

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Disney Pixar Cars - Haulers vs. Semis Part Deux

It is always appreciated when readers contribute to the community! Tim has once again sent me a great pic, and pointed out the finite differences between the Haulers and Semis. Boy, those tricky Mattel Marketing monkeys are always scheming. Take a look and you'll see subtle differences between the two.

Gray Semi has eyes straight ahead and a full smile
while Gray Hauler has eyes to side and a half smile

In addition to the eyes and smile, here's what Tim says about the hookup, "Here's the difference: the holes in the Semis don't have the little extra insert that makes it a tight fit between the trailer pin and the "5th wheel" on the truck. So, if you were going to actually play with them, the two could separate."

I think that kind of sucks! So, you can't even hook up the darn thing if you like the Semi's facial expression better than the one the Hauler has! Hey Mattel, fix this!! So, does this make you more or less likely to get both the Semis and the Haulers? I'll probably just get one Semi and continue getting two of the Haulers.

When you see the chance to contribute to the collecting discussion, feel free to send me your pics and info.

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Disney Pixar Cars - Wally the Walmart Hauler

I was supposed to have something special for you to see today, but my contact at Mattel was not able to get it to me by the end of the business day. I should have it for you tomorrow!

I want to talk about Wally the Hauler today! A friend spotted him in an Orlando Walmart yesterday, but she reported that he must have had a run in with some crazy kid. She told me his package was crushed and that he was terribly damaged. She wanted to justify buying him for me, but she said he was simply too beat up for my taste.

To date, Wally has only shown up in a very few places. Only two people have listed him on Ebay. Hopefully, we'll start seeing him appear in more stores across the country. I've recently seen the first three Haulers...Gray, Chick Hicks, and Mack starting to show up with some regularity now.

I had to laugh when I found out he was named Wally! I assumed he would just be called the Walmart Hauler. Didn't you? Me and many of my friends call Walmart, "Wally World." Now, obviously he could just be named Wally because of Wal being turned into Wally. It would be interesting to know if it was because people often refer to the store as "Wally World." Either way, he's a unique exclusive, and I 'm sure we're all looking forward to adding him to our collections!

Tomorrow, something cool! Subscribe to Alternator Valley to get the latest Cars News First!

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Disney Pixar Cars - The Mysterious Yellow Tanker and Blue Hauler

I wrote an article on January 11th about the release dates of the Haulers for 2009. At first, the list included two little known names...Yellow Tanker and Blue Hauler. I want to remind all, that I get my Top Secret info directly from undercover agents who have infiltrated the Mattel Design Studio as janitors! ;-) So, sometimes the info gets a bit messed up because they smuggle out documents in the garbage that may have gotten a splotch of ketchup, or a cigarette burn on it. Initially, the list had these two little known trucks on it. Many got excited because of the mystery surrounding these two Haulers. Their names even sounded a bit mysterious...Yellow Tanker and Blue Hauler! You do know what yellow and blue makes? Green! Could they be Chick Hicks parents?!!! We'll have to explore that at another time.

I got confirmation that these two were suddenly off the list, and collectors hopes of meeting these mystery Haulers were dashed! We may have to wait until 2010 until they make their appearance, but because of Scooby from the Netherlands (I believe this is where this secret agent is based), we have surveillance photos of both the Yellow Tanker and Blue Hauler!! So, without further delay, I give you the Yellow Tanker and the Blue Hauler!!

This photo was taken by agent Scooby while
concealed in a tumbleweed by the side of Route 66!


We see the Blue Hauler as he appears to whisper to that car
going by him. Maybe he told him where to find the Jackalope!

We'll have to wait to see where these two are sighted next. I'll report my findings when I get verified info from the janitors!

Tomorrow, I'll show you something special! Subscribe to Alternator Valley to get the latest Cars News First!

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Disney Pixar Cars - There's a New Sheriff in Town

In the last week I've seen Walmart shelves filled with the Talking, Squawking, Light-up Sheriff! I believe he is selling for $21.99. He is very cool and I almost bought him today. It is amazing what those Chinese can do with plastic, lights and sound chips!!

Still no sign of the Haulers, hardly a single Oversized anywhere, no Dustin Mellows or Case C's here in Orlando! I guess nobody wants my money or yours.

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Disney Pixar Cars - Release Schedule of the Haulers

Today is about the Release Schedule of the Disney Pixar Cars Haulers. I haven't seen a single one yet, but we know they're out there!

• Released - Mack the Hauler
• Released - King Hauler
• Released - Chick Hicks Hauler
• Released - Walmart Hauler

• 1/1/09 - Vinyl Toupee Hauler
• 2/1/09 - Tank Coat Hauler
• 3/1/09 - Tow Cap Hauler
• 4/1/09 - Shifty Drug Hauler
• 5/1/09 - Easy Idle Hauler
• 6/1/09 - Vitoline Hauler
• 7/1/09 - Bumper Save Hauler
• 8/1/09 - Retred Hauler
• 9/1/09 - Fiber Fuel Hauler
  
• 10/1/09 - Sidewall Shine Hauler
• 11/1/09 - Mood Springs Hauler
• 12/1/09 - Juan (?) or is it Pete Valdez
  

There's plenty more to come! Can't wait to see them on the store shelves.

Coming Next: Release Dates of the "Oversized!" They'll bowl you over!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Mattel Counterfeits Seized In Raid

I started writing an article last year titled, "Customs versus Counterfeits." It was about this time of year that I saw too many people making what they wanted to call "Customs," appearing on Ebay in large numbers. Honestly, there's only one name to call them...COUNTERFEITS!

I haven't finished that article because for a year I've been doing research and talking to Disney Legal, Mattel and trying to get in touch with a number of lawyers. So, the article is still in the works and may be finished soon.

The reason I am discussing this is because of the big bust made a few days ago of 125 thousand bogus toys from China! Toys created to look like Barbie and Winnie the Pooh. Toys that infringe on Mattel and Disney's legal rights.

Richard de Anda, vice president of global security and investigations for Mattel, said the company conducts raids about twice a week in Chinese factories where counterfeit products are manufactured.

Take a look at the official Mattel manufactured Haulers and compare them to this ripoff "The King" counterfeit. Tough to tell which is authentic and which is bogus. These need to be stopped dead in their tracks and the people making them prosecuted for copyright infringement.

There have also been stolen Cars items from manufacturing plants in China showing up on Ebay as well. I've said before that people should avoid buying contraband. People have over paid for these stolen goods and just encourage the illegal behavior by creating a market for the stolen items. Think about this as well...the illegal Chinese counterfeits may also be made with lead based paints. Do you want to give your child toys that could harm them?

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Disney Pixar Cars - Mack the Hauler Pulls In

"Mack the Hauler" pulled into my office recently! Lightning and Guido stopped by to greet Mack. He is smaller in size than you'd think. His package is 10-1/4 inches long by 5 inches tall. Mack is approximately 3-1/2 inches long, while his trailer is about 6 inches long. He is full of detail, a great size, and just plain cool. You are going to love Mack and the other haulers! I can't wait to get more of them! The price point will be around $13.00, and they should show up in Wal-Mart some time soon.


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Disney Pixar Cars - Race Car Haulers

We know they are coming! We know they are die cast! We know they'll be made for every racer! Now, we know what they look like in their packaging! These are some cool toys! It took two years for Mattel's design team members to get the ok to produce the haulers at a price point they could justify!

The First three we see here are Lightning, Chick Hicks and The King's haulers! They all open so you can put your 1:55th scale racer in to be hauled to the Los Angeles Speedway! God! I'm going to have to use the guest room to hold all my Cars stuff soon.

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Disney Pixar Cars Trucks - The Convoy

As I've mentioned, there are a load of Cars Trucks coming out in the future and they are going to be incredible. In fact, I've been told the plan is to eventually release EVERY single truck that hauls a racer. As was told to me, now that they've got the main mold, they can easily produce each truck.

John Lasseter wanted the "Trailers" to be big enough to carry their respective Racer. He also wanted the Trucks to be Die-Cast and of the highest quality! The ultimate thing he wants to make possible, is for any collector to be able to build the entire Motor Speedway of the South with all the Racers, Fans, Officials, Trailers and Pittys! That has certainly been what I've hoped for and envisioned.

I've also learned that exclusive groupings will be released. One of the first we should see, will be Chick Hicks, his Trailer and his Pitty. This is expected to be a Walmart exclusive.

Mattel and Disney were adamant that the trucks be produced at a reasonable price point for collectors. From what I've previewed, I can tell you that the quality and detail is well worth the $13.00 price they are expected to retail for when released!

Much more to come from Comic-Con! My next entry will be about Sarge and his expected return!

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Disney Pixar Cars Mack the Walmart Truck

First, there was a poster. Now, there will be a die-cast truck. Pixar Cars Mack will soon wear the colors of Walmart! He looks quite sharp, doesn't he? When can you get him you ask. At this point, I can't say. I can tell you he'll be a Walmart exclusive. ;-)

As Always, when I hear any info, I'll let you know the latest! Don't forget to Subscribe to Alternator Valley for the hottest News.

More on the New Disney Pixar Cars Trucks in my next entry. Still a load of News from Comic-Con to come!

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Disney Pixar Cars Peterbilt Truck

Mattel unveiled the soon to be released New Cars Trucks at Comic-Con! The first I want to discuss is the Peterbilt Truck that was voiced by the late Joe Ranft. There is a cool story about this truck that I just recently found out about. The Peterbilt was the truck that Lightning chased down Route 66 in the dark thinking he was Mack.

If you recall, you'll remember that the Peterbilt was hauling car batteries. The battery pictures on the trailer were actually done by John Lasseter's boys! I think this is such a cool fact. I didn't suspect anything like this. Matter of fact, I thought the style they were done in was similar to the cartooning we saw at the start of Monsters. This toy will certainly mean a lot to John due to Joe and his kids.

Although the Peterbilt was briefly in the film, he stuck with me because of his look and his annoyed demeanor when Lightning thought he was Mack. I believe his line was, "Mack! I ain't no Mack! I'm a Peterbilt!" Then he drove off and left Lightning there in the dark.

This is just one of the many Cars Trucks that will be released in the future! They will be die-cast and are going to retail for $13.00! More to come about the Cars Trucks.

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