This may be one of the coolest toys I saw this holiday season. How about a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor you don’t need a license for. That’s right! You can now buy the Ford high-performance truck in the toy shop.
Raptor replicas are extremely popular when it comes to children’s choices in toys and video games. Manufacturers know how much children of all ages enjoy the pickup. In fact, Ford Motor Company’s licensing demands have reached an all-time high, replacing GM’s Hummer brand as the most sought-after licensed truck.
“We knew we had a winner on our hands when we first introduced Raptor to the toy and video game companies three years ago,” said Mark Bentley, licensing manager, Ford Global Brand Licensing. “Licensing executives from all the top brands immediately understood Raptor’s potential and moved quickly to sign agreements with Ford Global Brand Licensing. They have not regretted that decision.”
A wide range of toys from ride-ons to simulator games are available this holiday season:
- Mattel licenses Raptor for its Hot Wheels and Matchbox brands
- Fisher-Price licenses the highly popular Raptor Power Wheels Ride-On. It is one of the most popular toys at Walmart since its introduction
- Electronic Arts “Need for Speed” franchise showcases Raptor in its No. 1-selling racing video game, “Need for Speed Most Wanted”
- Microsoft Forza 4’s top-selling racing simulator game counts Raptor as one of its most downloaded vehicles
- “Raptor products can be found in nearly every major distribution channel,” said Bentley. “From toy retailers such as Toys R Us, Walmart and Target, to hobby stores such as Hobby Lobby, Michaels, smaller independent retailers, drug store chains and dollar stores, Raptor is everywhere.”
Raptor isn’t limited to toy trucks, remote-controlled trucks and video games; replicas are now available in almost every imaginable form for kids to enjoy, including 3D puzzles and sketchbooks. It is a global phenomenon licensed by companies in Canada, Germany, Japan, China and Brazil, so children all over the world can enjoy the fun of Raptor.
