Proton Saga coming in Hot Wheels edition

Hot Wheels toy car manufacturer Mattel Inc has announced a partnership with Malaysian carmaker Proton to produce a 1:64 scale model of the country’s first national car, the Proton Saga.

Mattel Inc president and chief commercial officer Steve Totzke said the partnership was to commemorate its 40th anniversary in Malaysia.

"This is an exciting licence partnership as we join to develop a Hot Wheels car, modelled after the original Proton Saga, the first model manufactured by Proton, which will now become a part of Hot Wheels’ singles collection. 

"This licence partnership aims to uphold the proud legacies of both Mattel and Proton to continue providing high-quality vehicles to fans of all ages worldwide," he said in his speech at the celebration of Mattel’s 40th anniversary in Bukit Mertajam today.

Totzke said the Proton Saga was the first car from a Malaysian automotive brand and therefore played a pivotal role in the growth of Malaysia’s economy as it was the car that put Malaysians on wheels.

The new Hot Wheels model is expected to start shipping with worldwide sales by the end of 2023.