You’ve heard the saying the more things change the more they remain the same? Well, one toy that my parents bought every year for my brothers is still around and in high demand, even though it changes from year to year. Do you know which toy I’m talking about? Yep, the Hess Toy Truck. This toy has been a holiday tradition for families like mine since 1964.

ABOUT THE HESS TOY TRUCK

The 2011 Hess Toy Truck and Race Car is now available! For the first time in the collection’s 47-year history, the two vehicles in the set are both packed with sounds and lights for twice the fun.

With design elements that emphasize quality and encourage imaginative play, the 2011 Hess Toy Truck and Race Car is set to speed to the top of gift lists. This year’s Hess Toy Truck and Race Car goes on sale November 11, 2011 at participating Hess and Hess Express retail stores for $26.99 plus tax – Energizer® batteries included.

Following a long tradition of craftsmanship and innovation, this year’s truck has four-wheel spring suspension and a pull-out ramp that automatically activates a hydraulic sound. The truck cab features three more sound effects and flashing lights. The truck’s flatbed trailer carries a race car modeled after an American stock car that sports a pull-back racing motor and Hess Express logo. A push of the race car’s gas cap activates flashing lights and the sound of the car’s engine. The toy set’s full lineup of fun features includes:

Truck:

• Pull-out ramp with automatic hydraulic sound
• 3 additional sound effects activated by cab buttons (ignition, horn and back-up alert sounds)
• 34 lights with all-on and flashing modes
• Flashing light mode activated by cab button, chassis switch and ramp
• Four-wheel spring suspension
• Chrome-look detailing
• 2 Energizer® ‘C’ batteries

Race Car:

• Engine sound effect activated by gas cap button
• 10 lights (all-on and flashing modes)
• Flashing light mode activated by gas cap button
• Pull-back racing motor
• Chrome-look detailing
• 2 Energizer® ‘AA’ batteries

MY THOUGHTS

I received a sample of the 2011 Hess Toy Truck. One of the things I love about the Hess Truck is that it’s a quality product. It’s well made and sturdy, no cheap materials here. As always the paint scheme is Hess green and white. The vehicles look attractive and have working lights and sound. Your little truck collector will love this toy, as will the adult collectors in the house that received these toys growing up. They’re great toys to receive, and even better ones to hand down from generation to generation.

As in past years, the truck will be sold exclusively at Hess retail stores in 16 East Coast states from Massachusetts to Florida, while supplies last. For a complete list of Hess Toy Trucks through the years or to find the nearest Hess location, please visit: www.hesstoytruck.com.

2011 HESS RACER GAME APP

Hess Corporation recently announced the release of its second edition Hess Toy Truck game app, the Hess Racer Game. Based on the 2011 Hess Toy Truck and Race Car, the game app extends the company’s 47-year old Hess Toy Truck holiday tradition online and builds on last year’s successful debut of the Hess Jet Game, which ranked within the top 10 racing category on iPad and iTunes.

The Hess Racer Game app takes gaming to a new level, providing fans with a highly engaging and easy-to-play online experience that features the best elements of gaming today. It includes the ability to play quick and short games and earn more rewards, and provides an enhanced social media and sharing experience. Now available free on iPhone/iPad and Facebook, the Hess Racer Game app will launch on Android on Dec. 2.

Players can choose from two vehicles in the Hess Racer Game: the Hess Race Truck, which offers brute strength and great handling, and the Hess Race Car, which offers speed and agility. Players have the choice of three courses – city, mountains or interstate – and can earn coins to unlock additional features for their vehicles. In addition, players can collect and give trading cards to one another that serve as an invite to play the game. An enhanced multiplayer function on Facebook allows friends to challenge other friends to beat their high score. Players can also play the Hess Toy Truck Game directly on the Hess Express Facebook page (www.facebook.com/HessExpress).

MORE INFO

Hess Toy Truck on Facebook

Hess Corporation, with headquarters in New York, is a global integrated energy company engaged in the exploration, production, purchase, transportation and sale of crude oil and natural gas, as well as the production and sale of refined petroleum, natural gas and electricity products.

Product was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review AND/OR inclusion in the holiday gift guide. This post has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. As always, please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.