History of Carrera Toys
Posted by John on September 28, 2008
Carrera race track and slot cars are very popular with kids and those kids at heart - most especially fathers and their sons. Carrera is a world-famous brand, and its car models are designed to meet and satisfy the taste of people all around the world. Fans from Australia to Alaska and from France to the Phillipines all enjoy Carrera slot cars. You can’t blame fans of this hobby. Players get to be drivers with the racetrack in front of them and the speed controller in their hands. They can mimic the same feeling like their favorite legendary drivers.
Have you ever wondered where and how Carrera got started?
Carrera simply means “racing” and is a Spanish word aptly coined to match the pure high speed pleasure that this hobby offers. Carrera is an Austrian company. Carrera has been based in Salzburg, Austria since Herman Stadlbauer took over the wholesale business in 1999. Let’s rewind time, trace who was the founder and follow the chronicle of Carrera.
1920s
Hermann Josef Neuhierl started manufacturing tin toys in the Franconian town of Furth, Germany. Neuhierl didn’t know at the time that his toys will mark the start of a long road to success for Carrera Toys, but his designs were setting the stage for the development of Carrera slot cars and track in the future.
1963
This year paved the way for an overnight success when Neuhierl and his son built the first electronic 1:32 scale Carrera racetrack. Fans loved it!
In 1969, the Carrera 124 boosted the sensation on the market as they released a larger scale of car. Their success during this period was due to the “excellent level of quality, the wide range of accessories and a steady flow of innovative products.”
1970s and 1980s
The Carrera racetrack added several contemporary and historical vehicles to their selection. Despite the hype in the advent of video games during 1980s and 1990s, the enthusiasm for Carrera’s type of action wasn’t dampened at all.
1985
Dr. Hermann Josef Neuhierl, the founder, passes away.
Late 1990s
The Stadblbaeur Group of Salzburg, Austria took over the family company in 1999.
The group has focused on a combination of tradition with innovative products and use of high technology. It appears they share the same commitment to quality as the founder, because Carrera Slot Car Sets continue to lead the industry in quality and craftmenship.
Since 1999:
- The “Carrera 124” line was relaunched a premium product range Carrera Exclusiv.
- Carrera Go! Action track in a 1:43 scale was launched in 2001 to introduce children and begiinners to the hobby.
- Carrera created the new Digital 132 line that permits up to six vehicles to compete on a two-lane track, with full passing and driver controlled lane changes. This track allows drivers to race against a remote-controlled car that finishes laps at pre-programmed speeds.
Today, Carrera continues to generate new products that make us drool. We’ll be looking at some of the current and upcoming offerings in future articles.
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