This is what he had to say:
With souring sales of BinalTech in Japan, the PTB at Hasbro are planning to cut back drastically on the money expended on the Alternators line, since any new molds will be totally on their dime.
After Prowl there will be only one additional new mold this year, which Hasbro has plans to release in three different paint styles throughout this year and into early 2006 before the movie line is
launched. (They will unveil the mold at one of the Wizard World Comic Cons this Summer. Assuming it doesn't end up on eBay first.)
There will be multiple repaints of existing molds:
As well as the newer stock:
These along with the new mold & Prowl makes over a dozen figures in 2005b & early '06. This will keep the line going thru the year while they focus on Cybertron, the Movie line and other projects coming in 2006. The latter two of which will be unveiled at
the San Diego Comic Con this fall.
Personaly, I'd be inclined to disbelieve this. We've known of Shockwave, Wheeljack and Ravage for ages. All have been released in the U.S. Several of the other characters do not jib with their supposed vehicle mode. Plus "Hotshot"? In a G1 line? I think not.
Plus, it was impossible to return mail to Tommy C and request backup info. Usually this means the rumour is nothing more than hot air. I certainly hope this is a nonsense rumour but time'll tell.
