Bandai to sell transforming toy cars


The Presidents of Bandai and Mattel hold their signature toys at a 1999 press conference announcing an alliance

TOKYO, Japan -- Japanese maker Bandai is about to release toy cars that transform into robots in Japan and Europe, according to the Nihon Keizai business daily.

The "Robo Wheels" have been developed as a joint venture between Bandai and U.S. toymaker Mattel. They combine Japanese transforming robots and American toy cars.

The car designs are based on Hot Wheels, but when the upper portion is removed they become robots.

Bandai, which is releasing the toys this month in Japan and next month in Europe, expects to sell four million worldwide by March 2003.

The toys, manufactured in China, have sold two million units since their debut in the United States last year.

The 14-model range will sell in Japan for 750 yen each ($6.38).

Bandai and Mattel have a long-standing relationship. They announced a global business alliance in 1999 in which Mattel bought a minor stake in Bandai.