Since 1969, DHL began its parcel service. Originally based in San Francisco, the company who became interested in offshore and intercontinental deliveries, would entice Deutsche Post by buying shares of the company in 1998 and pretty much acquired all shares of the company by December 2022.
So, the American-founded German logistics company continues to be one of the world’s well-known courier, package delivery and express mail.
People like myself who deal with international shipments are quite familiar with DHL and as a Tomica collector, I was quite pleased to see a DHL truck being released as no. 109 for Tomica.
Because in Japan, DHL utilizes an Isuzu Elf, which is a medium duty truck produced since 1959 and it’s probably one of the most popualr vehicles that one would see in Japan.
いすゞエルフDHLトラックとエルフコカコーラボトルカー#いすゞ#いすゞ自動車#エルフ#DHLトラック#DHL#コカコーラ#アルミバン#ボトルカー#飲料輸送#トラック#働く車 pic.twitter.com/T5YQqKO9xS
— 全日本トラック好き連盟（4月からハンドル握る。) (@zentrackrenmei) April 7, 2021
It’s a workhorse of a vehicle, used in many operations throughout the Japan for generations (with the fifth and sixth generation being most common to see on the roads), that it’s recognizable and for Tomica, it’s a vehicle that sells very well.
And the seventh generation is the next generation as the Elf has now gone EV.
But as far as the Tomica DHL truck is concerned, let’s take a look at the vehicle!
So, the first thing some may ask, how can you tell it was an Isuzu Elf. It’s printed on the bottom of the vehicle. As for the detail, you do get the DHL “Excellence. Simply Delivered” and the Deutsche Postal DHL group name on the side panels of the doors.
The livery is quite simplistic, but for DHL trucks or any parcel trucks, no need to go for splash. If anything, you know when you see this yellow truck with red lettering, it’s DHL!
Front windows are clear, but you have to dig that the windows look tinted.
The rear truck doors open as like most Tomica Isuzu Elf trucks. So, children will like this because it could carry things inside the truck.
Otherwise, a positive gimmick for this vehicle.
The plastic wheels are typical Tomica wheels (this is not going to change with red box regular vehicles).
Overall, I got the Tomica no. 109 DHL Truck being an Isuzu Elf (Again, Isuzu Elf’s are tough to find in Japan, because they are so popular). I was unable to get a box version (which I prefer), but I was able to get a blister pack version, so no complaints. I’m just glad I was able to get this DHL truck.
And a wonderful truck to add for Tomica collectors, especially those who collect the Isuzu Elf!
