Kokomo FD used for new Hot Wheels car

KOKOMO, Ind. (WISH) - Kokomo, Ind. is now part of Hot Wheels history.

Our partners at the Kokomo Tribune report, the toy cars, produced by Mattel, have recently come out with the “HW Main Street 2012” series. The series features ten cars from the communities of Roanoke, Va.; Monroeville, Pa.; Kootenai County, Idaho; Cranston, R.I.; Oshkosh, Wis.; and Austin, Texas.

The Kokomo Fire Department logo and colors is now featured on the white 1970 Chevrolet Camaro. Mattell sent 100 of the toy cars to the city of Kokomo. Each member of the Kokomo Common Council received one on Monday.

Brad Myers, deputy chief of the Kokomo Fire Department, said he was contacted by Mattel about the toy car a year ago.

"I was surprised," Myers said. "They were doing a series of those type cars from different communities. Some how we were included in the mix." He was told that the logo would appear on a Camaro.

Lawrence McCormack, Kokomo city attorney, said the city received a blue print of the toy car about a year ago. He was not told why they chose the 1970 Camaro for the model.

For compensation, the city of Kokomo received the 100 free cars and priceless recognition.

"It's good publicity for the city," McCormack said.

McCormack was told that Mattel wanted to target an area with a large number of collectors and Hot Wheels enthusiasts. According to demographic research by Mattel, there is a high number of Hot Wheels collectors in the area. There are Hot Wheels clubs located throughout the nation - including the Kokomo Hot Wheels Club, which has 20 members and meets locally.

The city of Lafayette has also been featured on two Hot Wheels cars.