AUTOart
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Scale model manufacturing |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
| Products | Scale model car replicas, automotive-themed accessories |
| Parent | Gateway Autoart Ltd. |
| Website | www |
AUTOart is a line of scale model car replicas produced by Gateway Autoart Ltd., a company based in Hong Kong, with distribution handled by AA Collection Ltd.
History
Established in 1998, AUTOart's portfolio once included other diecast brands such as Gateway, Gate, and UT Models—the latter being a German label associated with Paul's Model Art (Minichamps). The brand transitioned from purely diecast metal models to hybrid constructions combining ABS plastic and diecast elements to improve precision in detailing while keeping production costs down. Its offerings encompass multiple collections like Millennium, Performance, and Signature series, as well as automotive-themed accessories including 'shock absorber' pens, carbon fiber tissue holders, and clocks styled after disc brake rotors.
Models
AUTOart presents more than 45 automotive brands across nine different scales, ranging from 1:64 (approximately 2–3 inches) up to 1:12 (12–14 inches). Their models are distinguished by meticulous attention to detail such as realistic carpeting, functioning seat belts, door handles, accurately replicated engines, suspension systems, sun visors, and shock absorbers. For instance, the 1:18 scale version of the 1971 Mustang features genuine engine wiring and interior textures; similarly, the 1941 Willys military Jeep includes authentic weld rivets and period-correct accessories. The collection covers an extensive spectrum from exotic racing and sports cars to everyday vehicles like the New Beetle and Chrysler PT Cruiser.
The brand caters to diverse markets with European classics like the 1970 Lamborghini Espada 2+2 coupe—providing alternatives to commonly reproduced Countach or Diablo models—as well as modern cars such as the Chevrolet Corvette C7 and Lamborghini Veneno. It also includes historic race cars from the 1960s-70s Can-Am and Grand Prix circuits. Some of the earliest models depict vehicles like the 1938 BMW 328 Mille Miglia. The range further extends to professional-use vehicles including the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor and British Humberside Police Subaru Impreza, along with Italian Vespa scooters.
In Australia and New Zealand, distribution is overseen by Biante Model Cars, which has partnered with AUTOart to create exclusive Australian car models from GM-Holden, Ford, and Chrysler. Founded in 1992 by Trevor and Bev Young, Biante maintains this collaboration despite changes in ownership following Trevor Young’s death in 2006.
AUTOart has also produced officially licensed replicas from television and film franchises such as the Mad Max Road Warrior’s 1973 Ford Falcon Interceptor (available in both 1:18 and 1:43 scales), the Gulf Porsche 917 from Le Mans, and the Toyota Trueno featured in Initial D, predominantly in 1:18 scale.
By adopting composite plastic bodies combined with diecast components, AUTOart has enhanced model detail quality—achieving crisper panel lines—while offering these products at more competitive prices compared to models made solely from diecast metal.
Promotionals
Models sold under the Gateway or Gate brand generally showcase more mainstream automotive brands and are commonly available through retail outlets or as dealership promotional items. For example, when General Motors introduced the Saturn VUE SUV in mid-2002, they commissioned AUTOart to manufacture a highly detailed 1:18 scale promotional model for dealerships. These were packaged in Saturn-branded boxes and typically finished in metallic burnt orange—the same hue as the production vehicle—with functional features including opening hoods, tailgates, and front doors. This marked a departure from earlier promotional models produced by Detroit-area plastic manufacturers by offering larger metal models equipped with multiple opening parts.
Although many promotional models include several movable components, AUTOart’s 1:18 "Motorsports" series has been criticized for lacking such openings while maintaining comparable prices. The company cites that racing teams are increasingly protective about revealing interior layouts, suspension setups, and engine details to competitors. Furthermore, promotional models for motorsports must be designed and manufactured on accelerated timelines. As a result, these items feature sealed bodies with minimal or no opening parts.
Legal matters
In February 2000, Paul's Model Art of Germany—recognized for distributing Minichamps—initiated legal action in Hong Kong courts against UT Models and Gateway Global, the parent company of AUTOart. The plaintiff asserted exclusive distribution rights for specific models within Germany and accused UT Models of collaborating with Gateway to circumvent this agreement. As of August 2013, the litigation between Gateway Global and Paul's Model Art had not reached a resolution.