Editing Model car (section)

=== Materials and markets ===

Toys in the United States almost always were simpler castings of zinc alloy (zamak), pressed steel or plastic and often castings of only seven parts (a car body, four plastic wheels and two axles) – while more complex plastic and zamak models in Europe often had precision detail with more working features.{{sfn|Ralston|2007}}{{page needed|date=April 2021}} This provides instruction on different regions of the world and their varied cultures, markets, labor and economies.
[[File:Litho tin toy Citroën Ami 6, Joustra pic1.JPG|thumb|left|[[Citroën Ami|Citroen Ami 6]] pressed tin toy.]]	

Europe quickly developed niche marketing after World War II. The greater availability of labor there generally allowed the development of relatively complex toys to serve different markets in different countries. In the United States, less labor availability would not allow for complex toys with opening doors, hoods, and complete interiors with all detail, so they were often single castings with few parts. Sophistication in America did come in the form of detailed (but simply cast) promotional models for automotive dealerships which preceded the appearance of automotive kits for assembly.