Revell: Remote-controlled toys reimagined – soft, safe, and suitable for everyday use

Many people initially associate Revell with classic model kits, airplanes, tanks, or detailed RC vehicles. However, at the toy fair, it became clear that the company has long been addressing other target groups – and is consciously breaking new ground in the process. A good example of this is the plush remote-controlled car presented here.

An RC vehicle you can cuddle

At first glance, the basic idea seems unusual: a remote-controlled car made entirely of plush. Technically, it is a fully-fledged RC vehicle, but functionally it is also a cuddly toy. It was precisely this combination that made it one of the most striking new additions to the range last year and it was recognized as such – among other things, with a nomination for the Toy Award and a place in the top ten new toys. The special appeal lies in the change of perspective. Classic RC cars are robust, but hard. They bump into furniture, leave marks on cabinet edges or table legs, and are often viewed with skepticism by parents. This is where the plush vehicle comes in: instead of inventing protective films for furniture or restrictions for children, the vehicle itself becomes the protection.

Suitability for everyday use as a central development goal

Another detail shows that the product is designed not only to attract attention, but also for everyday usability. The figures in the vehicle are not sewn in place, but attached with Velcro. They can be removed, played with separately, and even washed if necessary. This may sound trivial, but it is a real advantage in everyday life with small children. Especially in the target age group of around two to five years, toys are rarely permanently clean. Revell openly addresses this issue and integrates the solution directly into the product design. The remote-controlled car is thus not a delicate technical toy, but a companion that can easily withstand intensive play.

Safety, feel, and early play experience

The choice of plush as the outer material not only changes the look, but also the feel of the toy. The vehicle appears less technical, less “remote control-heavy,” and more accessible. Children can touch it, press it, throw it, cuddle it—without immediately feeling like they are breaking something. At the same time, the technical function remains intact. The vehicle can be steered, moves in a controlled manner through the room, and provides initial experiences with cause and effect: press the button, the vehicle moves. This is an important learning step, especially for younger children, which is possible here without frustration or potential danger.

Licensing theme as an additional amplifier

It is no coincidence that the model shown features Peppa Pig. The brand has been one of the most successful formats on German children's television for years. Almost every second child in the relevant age group is familiar with the characters, their world, and their stories. For Revell, this means a clear connection between technology, materiality, and emotional familiarity. The remote control seems less abstract because it is embedded in a familiar universe of characters. This lowers the barrier to entry – for both children and parents.

Revell beyond classic model making

The plush RC vehicle is an example of a development that has been evident at Revell for some time. In addition to highly detailed models for adult hobbyists, products are increasingly being created that deliberately appeal to new target groups. This is not about simplification at any price, but rather about adaptation to real-life usage situations. In the early childhood segment in particular, factors other than scale accuracy or technical performance play a role. Safety, feel, ease of care, and emotional attachment are crucial here. The vehicle presented shows that these requirements are perfectly compatible with remote control and movement.

• Remote-controlled vehicle made of soft plush material
• Combination of technical toy and cuddly toy
• Washable, removable figures for everyday use
• Designed for children aged approximately two to five years

A product with a clear function – and a clear target group

The plush RC car is not a gimmick or an ironic break with the brand's own identity. It is a logical response to a familiar everyday problem and shows what product development can look like when it is based on actual usage behavior. Revell thus proves that innovation does not necessarily require complex technology. Sometimes it is enough to rethink an existing concept – in this case, making it softer, quieter, and significantly more family-friendly.