The diecast model industry is vast and diverse, with numerous manufacturers producing a wide variety of models. While it's challenging to provide an exact number, here are some of the notable manufacturers in the diecast model industry.
1. Hot Wheels - Known for their 1:64 scale models, Hot Wheels is one of the most popular and widely recognized brands.
2. Matchbox - Another major player, also known for their 1:64 scale diecast cars.
3. Majorette - A French manufacturer producing a variety of scales, including 1:64 and 1:43.
4. Maisto - Known for their affordable and detailed models, ranging from 1:18 to 1:64 scales.
5. Bburago - An Italian manufacturer specializing in 1:18 and 1:24 scale models.
6. Corgi - A British brand famous for its 1:43 scale models.
7. GreenLight Collectibles - Produces highly detailed 1:64 and 1:18 scale models.
8. Autoart - Known for its high-quality and highly detailed 1:18 and 1:43 scale models.
9. Tomica - A Japanese manufacturer known for its 1:64 scale models.
10. Johnny Lightning - Produces 1:64 scale models, often with a focus on American cars.
11. Norev - A French company that makes models in various scales, including 1:18 and 1:43.
12. Kyosho - A Japanese brand known for its high-quality 1:18 and 1:43 scale models.
13. Solido - A French manufacturer with a long history, producing models in 1:18 and 1:43 scales.
14. Spark - Specializes in 1:43 and 1:18 scale resin models with high levels of detail.
15. IXO Models - Known for its 1:43 scale models and a wide range of subjects.
16. Minichamps - A German company that produces highly detailed models in various scales, particularly 1:43 and 1:18.
These are just a few of the many manufacturers in the diecast model industry. There are dozens more, ranging from large, well-known companies to smaller, niche producers that cater to specific markets or produce limited edition models. The number of manufacturers can easily exceed 100 when considering both current and past producers worldwide.
Here is a more detailed list of diecast manufacturers, including additional information about each company.
1. Hot Wheels
- Founded: 1968
- Country: USA
- Scales: Primarily 1:64, but also have 1:43 and 1:18
- Notes: Owned by Mattel, Hot Wheels is known for its wide variety of models and vibrant designs. It’s a household name in the world of diecast cars.
2. Matchbox
- Founded: 1953
- Country: UK
- Scales: 1:64
- Notes: Also owned by Mattel, Matchbox focuses on realistic and highly detailed miniature vehicles.
3. Majorette
- Founded: 1961
- Country: France
- Scales: 1:64, 1:43
- Notes: Known for their realistic models of everyday vehicles and various playsets.
4. Maisto
- Founded: 1967
- Country: USA
- Scales: 1:18, 1:24, 1:64
- Notes: Offers a range of affordable diecast models, known for their detailed larger scale models.
5. Bburago
- Founded: 1974
- Country: Italy
- Scales: 1:18, 1:24, 1:43
- Notes: Famous for their high-quality and detailed larger scale models, especially classic and modern sports cars.
6. Corgi
- Founded: 1956
- Country: UK
- Scales: 1:43
- Notes: Known for their diecast model cars and aircraft, Corgi has a long history and reputation for quality.
7. GreenLight Collectibles
- Founded: 2002
- Country: USA
- Scales: 1:64, 1:18
- Notes: Known for their high level of detail and authenticity, often producing models of vehicles from movies and TV shows.
8. Autoart
- Founded: 1998
- Country: Hong Kong
- Scales: 1:18, 1:43
- Notes: Renowned for their extremely high-quality and detailed models, especially in the 1:18 scale.
9. Tomica
- Founded: 1970
- Country: Japan
- Scales: 1:64
- Notes: A brand of Takara Tomy, Tomica is well-known in Japan and worldwide for their realistic small-scale models.
10. Johnny Lightning
- Founded: 1969
- Country: USA
- Scales: 1:64
- Notes: Known for their detailed models and often nostalgic themes, Johnny Lightning caters to collectors of American cars.
11. Norev
- Founded: 1946
- Country: France
- Scales: 1:18, 1:43, 1:64
- Notes: Produces a wide range of models with a strong focus on European cars.
12. Kyosho
- Founded: 1963
- Country: Japan
- Scales: 1:18, 1:43
- Notes: High-quality models with a focus on both modern and classic cars.
13. Solido
- Founded: 1930
- Country: France
- Scales: 1:18, 1:43
- Notes: One of the oldest diecast manufacturers, known for their detailed and affordable models.
14. Spark
- Founded: 2000
- Country: Macau
- Scales: 1:43, 1:18
- Notes: Specializes in resin models, known for their high detail and quality, often focusing on racing cars.
15. IXO Models
- Founded: 2001
- Country: China
- Scales: 1:43, 1:18
- Notes: Produces a wide variety of diecast and resin models with a focus on detail and historical accuracy.
16. Minichamps
- Founded: 1990
- Country: Germany
- Scales: 1:43, 1:18
- Notes: Known for their high-quality models, particularly Formula 1 cars and European vehicles.
17. Welly
- Founded: 1980
- Country: Hong Kong
- Scales: 1:18, 1:24, 1:64
- Notes: Offers a wide range of models at affordable prices, known for good quality at lower cost.
18. Ertl
- Founded: 1945
- Country: USA
- Scales: 1:18, 1:64
- Notes: Known for their farm equipment models and diecast cars, especially those linked to movies and TV shows.
19. Dinky Toys
- Founded: 1934
- Country: UK
- Scales: Various
- Notes: One of the original diecast toy manufacturers, known for their vintage models.
20. Road Signature
- Founded: N/A
- Country: USA
- Scales: 1:18, 1:24, 1:64
- Notes: Focuses on American classic cars with good detail and affordability.
21. Revell
- Founded: 1943
- Country: USA
- Scales: Various
- Notes: Primarily known for their plastic model kits, but also produces diecast models.
22. Jada Toys
- Founded: 1999
- Country: USA
- Scales: 1:18, 1:24, 1:64
- Notes: Known for their stylized and themed models, including movie and TV show replicas.
23. Schuco
- Founded: 1912
- Country: Germany
- Scales: 1:43, 1:87, 1:18
- Notes: Produces a wide range of high-quality models with a focus on historical accuracy.
24. Oxford Diecast
- Founded: 1993
- Country: UK
- Scales: 1:76, 1:43
- Notes: Known for their detailed models of British vehicles and historical subjects.
25. Brooklin Models
- Founded: 1974
- Country: UK
- Scales: 1:43
- Notes: Specializes in hand-built models of American cars from the 1930s to the 1960s.
26. Ebbro
- Founded: 1998
- Country: Japan
- Scales: 1:43, 1:18
- Notes: Ebbro was known for its detailed models of JGTC/Super GT and JDM cars before its recent bankruptcy.
27. M2 Machines
- Founded: 2007
- Country: USA
- Scales: 1:64, 1:24
- Notes: M2 Machines is recognized for its highly detailed American classic cars in 1:64 scale.
28. Auto World
Founded: 1958
Country: USA
Scales: 1:64, 1:18
Notes: Auto World is known for its accurate replicas of American muscle cars and vintage vehicles.
29. Mini GT
- Founded: 2018
- Country: Hong Kong
- Scales: 1:64
- Notes: Mini GT produces high-quality 1:64 scale models, particularly popular for JDM and exotic cars.
30. Poprace
- Founded: 2017
- Country: Hong Kong
- Scales: 1:64, 1:43
- Notes: Poprace specializes in limited-edition diecast models, often focusing on racing cars.
31. Inno64
- Founded: 2018
- Country: Hong Kong
- Scales: 1:64
- Notes: Inno64 is known for its detailed 1:64 scale models, especially JDM vehicles.
32. Tarmac Works
- Founded: 2015
- Country: Hong Kong
- Scales: 1:64, 1:43
- Notes: Tarmac Works produces high-quality racing car replicas in 1:64 and 1:43 scales.
33. TSM (TrueScale Models)
- Founded: 2006
- Country: Hong Kong
- Scales: 1:43, 1:18
- Notes: TSM is known for its premium 1:43 scale models with exceptional detail.
This list represents only a fraction of the many diecast manufacturers out there. The industry continues to grow, with new companies and niche producers emerging regularly to cater to the diverse interests of collectors worldwide.