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To celebrate Hot Wheels’ 40th anniversary, Mattel did something it’s never done before. It asked outside designers to come up with designs for its miniature toy cars.

Hot Wheels invited major automakers to submit ideas that would be turned into a line of 1/64 scale toy cars. Six car companies sent at least three designs apiece, which were judged by a panel that included Hot Wheels executives and designers as well as editors from the Los Angeles Times, Car and Driver magazine, and Men’s Journal magazine.

Since these weren’t going to be made into real cars, there were few restrictions (wheels don’t need room to steer, for instance, and drivers don’t actually need to see out).

There were a few guidlines, however. The designs had to reflect Hot Wheels’ “Power, performance and speed” credo. The final cars would also have to go around “the loop,” the classic circle of Hot Wheels track. (more…)

The car insurance industry is being hit by extra customer claims - thanks to a spate of “Grinch-style” thefts.

This is the main finding of new data from car insurance provider the AA. The thefts occur when people go Christmas shopping and leave valuables and new purchases in their vehicle as they move from shop to shop.

Due in part to the “Grinches”, AA Insurance expects break-in claims from drivers to increase by ten percent over December and January - and the firm’s director Simon Douglas said that the rise in claims was already “noticeable” as the festive shopping season gets under way in earnest.

“We’re urging shoppers to be extra vigilant when doing last minute shopping to make sure they are not inviting thieves, for whom the season is about anything but goodwill,” he added. “By taking extra care about how and where you park and not leaving valuable items on display you can greatly reduce the risk of falling prey to Grinch-style thieves who will not hesitate to steal your Christmas.” (more…)