Challenge Accepted: Mattel Reminds Parents that Hot Wheels are More Than Just a Toy...

Monday, September 11 2017 22:57

Challenge Accepted: Mattel Reminds Parents that Hot Wheels are More Than Just a Toy...

Written by James Zahn

As we speed toward the holiday season, Mattel's Hot Wheels division is on fire. With loads of new product offerings hitting stores, the team at Mattel has revved-up their new "Challenge Accepted" initiative to remind parents (and show new ones) that "Hot Wheels are more than just a toy - they're a tool that helps kids develop life skills." Already knowing that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) is at play in the world of Hot Wheels, Challenge Accepted breaks down how skills and traits like problem solving, creativity, sportsmanship and confidence can get a boost from those famous 1:64-scale diecast cars. Check out the new commercial below to see what happens when a mother and son take off for some action in a real-life Redline...

"Hot Wheels has remained a beloved brand for nearly 50 years. Car play is an intuitive play-pattern which has contributed to Hot Wheels' success as the number-one selling toy in the world," said Chris Down, Senior Vice President and Global Brand GM, Hot Wheels, "We aim to nurture the 'Challenger Spirit' in all kids by encouraging them to try, fail, and repeat to achieve success. Our 'Challenge Accepted' campaign does exactly this in an unexpected and exhilarating way."

Look for icons like these on Hot Wheels packaging to see what skills they promote:

Hot Wheels

For more Hot Wheels action, check out HotWheels.com/ChallengeAccepted

Published in Rock Father Rides

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James Zahn

James Zahn is not a journalist, nor a blogger, though he may be credited as such by others, or even accept the title... depending on the circumstance. Instead, he considers himself largely to be an "entertainment and lifestyle writer," bringing 25+ years of experience in the entertainment and publishing industries into the family realm as THE ROCK FATHER™.

As a media personality, commentator, adventurer and raconteur, James now finds himself raising a pair young girls - The Rock Daughters™ - along with his wife from their Illinois home.

He is a member of The Toy Insider Parent Advisory Board, has contributed to The Toy Book and writes a regular Star Wars column - Transmissions from a Galaxy Far, Far Away for The Pop Insider. He also regularly serves as a Brand Ambassador and spokesperson for several Globally-recognized pop culture and lifestyle brands in addition to consulting for a number of toy manufacturers.

Creatively, James has directed/edited music videos, lyric videos, and album trailers for bands such as FEAR FACTORY, has appeared as an actor in feature films and commercials, written comic books, and performed in bands. He currently serves as an artist manager and video director for PRODUCT OF HATE, whose debut album was released by Napalm Records in 2016, distributed by ADA/Warner Music in the U.S. with Universal Music handling global.

James and/or his work have been featured in/on CNN, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, WGN, G4, The Chicago Tribune, BusinessWire, Babble, Fangoria, Starlog and more. He's appeared as a music expert on CNN's AC360 alongside Anderson Cooper, and has been interviewed by Larry King. In the past he served as a writer for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family and PBS KIDS, penned articles for Sprout and PopSugar, and was a contributor to Chicago Parent.

Learn more here.

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