Toy Cars Get Eco-friendly Makeover to Inspire Children

LONDON - Matchbox is launching a new series of toy cars based on real-life electric and hybrid vehicles, in a bid to make its miniatures more sustainable and to raise awareness among children of the environmental impact of motoring.

The first model off the production line is a scaled-down version of the Tesla Roadster, which will be joined by toys based on cars made by Nissan, Toyota and BMW. Electric charging stations will also go on sale this year. "We are unveiling a concept car, just like the real car industry does," said Nuria Alonso, head of Matchbox marketing for Europe, Middle East and Africa. She added that it would be the first die-cast model made of 99% recycled materials.