May Cheong Group
Maisto is a brand specializing in scale model vehicles, introduced in 1990 and owned by the May Cheong Group, a Chinese enterprise established in 1967 in Hong Kong by siblings P.Y. Ngan and Y.C. Ngan. With its headquarters in Hong Kong, May Cheong maintains branches in the United States, France, and China. The group also controls other model car labels, including the former Italian marque Bburago (acquired in 2006) and Polistil.
May Cheong has produced licensed Tonka merchandise for Hasbro, with Maisto concentrating on die-cast scale model cars.
Company history
| File:Maycheong group logo.png | |
| Formerly | May Cheong Toy Company |
|---|---|
| Company type | Private |
| Industry | Manufacturing |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong |
Key people |
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| Products | Die-cast model cars |
| Brands | |
| Subsidiaries |
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| Website | maycheonggroup.com |
Originating as "May Cheong Toy Company" in Hong Kong, founded by P.Y. and Y.C. Ngan, the firm initially sold products under the "MC Toy" label. Early offerings from MC Toy included replicas of Matchbox vehicles alongside original designs, later expanding to include European models not covered by Matchbox or Hot Wheels. This strategy positioned MC Toys as an affordable option with quality comparable to established brands.
During the mid-1980s, Intex Recreation introduced MC Toy products to the US market, occasionally branded as Intex. By the late 1980s, MC Toys enhanced realism and precision, distinguishing themselves from more toy-like alternatives. The "Maisto" brand was launched in 1990. Throughout the 1990s, Maisto functioned as the US branch of Master Toy Co. Ltd., based in Thailand, while May Cheong operated as its Hong Kong subsidiary.
Manufacturing primarily occurs in China and Thailand, with models ranging from 1:12 to 1:64 scale. Most are officially licensed replicas of well-known vehicles; some feature custom designs inspired by Hot Wheels. The US distribution is managed through Maisto International Inc., located in Fontana, California.
In 2006, May Cheong broadened its brand portfolio by acquiring assets of the Italian company Bburago, followed by obtaining the rights to the Polistil brand after its bankruptcy in 1993.
Automobiles
Maisto has predominantly competed within the 1:18 scale segment alongside Italian brands Bburago and Polistil, as well as upscale producers like Franklin Mint Precision Models. By the year 2000, competition intensified with brands such as Yatming, Ertl, AUTOart, and Mattel's Hot Wheels entering this space. Post mid-2000s, many low-cost 1:18 scale manufacturers exited the market, allowing Maisto to face limited rivalry as it elevated its offerings with the Exclusive line—featuring greater detail than its Premiere and Special Edition ranges.
Typical 1:18 scale Maisto models include fully opening components with detailed engine bays and interiors. While their bodies are proportionally accurate and well-researched, mass production results in occasional imperfections such as uneven paint applications, painted chrome accents instead of real chrome plating, irregular panel fits, unrealistic lighting elements, and thick trim pieces. Muscle Machines magazine observed that certain models omit features like gear shifts. Collectors desiring superior craftsmanship at this scale often prefer premium brands such as AUTOart, CMC, or Exoto.
In the 1/64 scale category, Maisto's quality is on par with Matchbox, Hot Wheels, and Johnny Lightning; however, new releases are relatively scarce. Some die castings are reused from older Matchbox and Hot Wheels molds. Newer series like AllStarz and Pro Rodz showcase customized wheels, unique paint schemes, lowered suspensions, and enhanced interiors—directly competing with Jada Toys' Dub City and Big Time Muscle lines that popularized flashy styling trends.
Around 2010, Maisto products retailed at Wal-Mart were rebranded under the 'Adventure Wheels' nameplate featuring distinctive red-orange and yellow gold packaging accented with black trim.
Maisto holds official licensing agreements with prominent companies such as Harley-Davidson and Chrysler. Chrysler often utilizes Maisto for promotional models—for example, PT Cruiser variants initially distributed to automotive journalists prior to mass retail release. Additionally, Maisto enjoys visibility at Sam's Club locations where exclusive editions with unique paint finishes not available elsewhere are frequently offered.
Vehicles
- Exclusive Edition - High-end models showcasing photo-etched emblems, multiple paint layers, operable doors with side windows, and intricately crafted interiors and engine compartments.
- Special Edition - Mid-range replicas presented on plastic display bases.
- Premiere Edition - Comparable to Special Edition but enclosed in transparent plastic cases; identical in quality.
- Assembly Line - Diecast kits designed for assembly, including various Ferrari models.
- GT Racing - Scale models replicating race cars from the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters and 24 Hours of Le Mans competitions.
- AllStars - Scale models featuring lowered suspensions, oversized wheels, customized interiors, and unique paint finishes; previously known as Playerz.
- AllStars Red - A collection exclusive to Target, comprising 100 distinct models.
- Pro Rodz - American muscle cars with tailored wheels, interiors, and paint schemes; certain models available as assembly kits in 1:18 and 1:24 scales.
- Pro Rodz Pro Street - Drag racing-modified muscle cars equipped with enhanced engines and wider tires.
- TLUGZ - 1:24 scale plastic vehicles paired with 2½" block-style character figures.
- Hummer World - A dedicated series featuring Hummer vehicles exclusively.
- Muscle Machines - Since 1999 (originally by Funline), these exaggerated yet detailed muscle cars sport oversized wheels and engines, offered in 1/18, 1/24, and 1/64 scales.
- Show Stoppers - 1:18 scale sets that include towing vehicles, trailers, and the units being towed.
Motorcycles, bicycles, and aircraft
- Motorcycles - A range including officially licensed Harley-Davidson models, MotoGP racers, Vespa scooters, standard motorcycles, and the concept Dodge Tomahawk bike.
- Wild Rides - Custom chopper motorcycles accompanied by matching helmets.
- Tour de Maisto - Bicycle replicas at a 1:12 scale.
- Fresh Metal - Tailwinds - Diecast military helicopters and airplanes in 1:87 scale from both historical and modern periods; includes plastic stands labeled with aircraft names. Also features approximately 1:550 scale diecast commercial airliners.
- Tow and Show - Sets at 1:18 scale consisting of licensed Harley-Davidson motorcycles paired with trailers.
Railroad
- Maisto On Track - Railroad locomotives and cars modeled at a 1/131 scale ratio.
- Maisto Power On Track - .
Smaller scale
- Tonka Classic – Replicas of vintage Tonka vehicles.
- Chuck & Friends – 3-inch cartoon-style vehicles included in the Tonka Collection.
- Fresh Metal - Power Racers – 4.5-inch diecast vehicles equipped with pull-back motors.
- Gascaps – Super-deformed style vehicles similar to Jada Toys' Chub City series.
- Need for Speed: Undercover – Promotional diecast cars that unlock cheat codes for their in-game counterparts.
Radio-controlled vehicles
- Custom R/C Shop – Radio-controlled versions derived from the AllStars and Pro Rodz collections.
- Street Troopers: Mobilized Attack Vehicles – R/C models capable of transforming and firing foam projectiles.
- Monster Drift RC – Remote-controlled vehicles featuring hard plastic tires and four-wheel drive, designed specifically for drifting.