Note: Our special thanks to Tony Flemmings of Ensemble 1:87 for providing us with an update from the Nuernberg Toy Fair from Nuernberg, Germany.

AWM (formerly AMW) announces the Volkswagen Bora (Jetta in the U.S.) and the Volkswagen Lupo.

Albedo displayed a Kenworth T2000 in 1/87 scale. Although no plans have been announced (yet) to produce it, speculation is that they may produce this model late this year or early in 2000. Announced are two trailers decorated to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Schenker transport tractor pulling a flatbed trailer with ABB electric turbine load, and a Shell Petroleum van tractor-trailer combination. Automobiles include the European versions of the Volkswagen Passat and Dasher. We'll certainly keep you posted on that T2000!

Brekina is producing a 1966 Opel Rekord C sedan, Opel Olympia P1 sedan, Wartburg 311 sedan, 1961 Volkswagen 1300 sedan, 1961 Volkswagen Variant-wagon, 1965 Volkswagen 1600 TL hatchback, and the Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit from the 1970s (in various versions).

Burt Industries, formerly a make of only N scale vehicles, has announced the following vehicles in 1/87 scale: 1975 American-La France Pumper, 1975 American-La France Ladder, Mack CF 800 GPM Pumper, Mack CF Ladder, 1956 Mack B Model Pumper, 1965 Ford Pumper, 1956 Mack B Model Water Tanker, 1965 Ford Water Tanker, 1992 International Pumper, and 1966 GMC Water Tanker

Busch is announcing a Mercedes Benz W196 racing car, 1990 Voyager (FINALLY, a Chrysler minivan), 1997 Chevrolet Blazer, a stake body version of the 1950 Chevrolet pickup, Mercedes Benz Smart Coupe, and a 1998 Mercedes Benz M-class sport utility vehicle. Check out these on Busch's web site.

EVRAT 87 announces the following models: Renault Clio II, Renault Kangoo (coming soon), Peugeot 206 (coming soon).

Herpa is announcing a BMW 3-series coupe, Opel Zafira minivan, Mercedes Benz S-class, and a 1985 Wartburg 353 (former East Germany).

Noch, the long time producer of scenery materials, is marketing vehicles produced by Rietze under their own brand. The goal is to provide hobbyists with another route to obtain HO scale vehicles. Color runs will match, and in some cases differ from, the color offerings from Rietze. Some of these are catalogued in the 1999 Walthers HO Trains "wishbook".

Reitze will produce the Ford Focus in 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and 5-door wagon styles (the Focus will replace the current Escort in North America in 1999). An Audi A3 5-door wagon is coming later in 1999.

SDV Model is producing a variety of 1:87 scale modern Czech replicas highlighting Soviet and post-Soviet era trucks and buses. Prototype brands include: Tatra, Praga, Terrier, and Karosa.

Wiking is producing the New Beetle from Volkswagen (available in German hobby shops in March). The Mercedes Benz S-class sedan arrived recently in German hobby shops and should reach North America soon. The imminent availability of the New Beetle is certainly welcome news!