Toy Gun, Album Are Top Sellers (Press, 26 November 1986)

On 26 November 1986, it was reported that the Hyundai Excel auto from South Korea has been recognised as “the fastest-selling import in history” and has made it onto “Fortune” magazine's list of the top 10 products of the year in the United States. Among the other notable products featured in the list are a toy laser gun, Bruce Springsteen’s popular five-record album, and a dental rinse. “Fortune” magazine praised the innovators behind these items for their boldness and creativity. Leading the list is the American Eagle, the first gold coin minted by the United States since 1933. This initiative yielded a profit of more than US$245 million (approximately NZ$475.3 million) within two days from the initial run of 845,500 coins, which is expected to last a year. Bruce Springsteen’s album, titled “Live — 1975-1985,” achieved tremendous success, becoming the best-selling boxed album set on its release day, retailing between US$25 and US$30 (NZ$48.50 to NZ$58.20). The magazine highlighted Lazer Tag as the year's biggest toy phenomenon. The game kit, priced at US$40 (NZ$77.60), includes a light-emitting pistol and sensors to track hits, with Worlds of Inc. forecasted to generate US$40 million (NZ$77.6 million) in sales by year’s end. The Hyundai Excel is described as a “little dazzler” that is selling at a remarkable rate of about 20,000 units per month. The car is available in three models, with prices ranging from US$9,995 to US$12,445 (NZ$12,503). Hyundai anticipates selling nearly 150,000 Excels by the end of the year, rivaling sales of Ford's Thunderbirds. In the soft drink sector, Pepsi Slice emerged as the hot new product. Originally launched as a lemon-lime drink in 1985, it expanded into various flavours in 1986, achieving sales of US$1 billion (NZ$1.94 billion). Other notable products on the list include the AIDS inhibitor AZT, a drug from Burroughs Wellcome, which is currently being tested for managing the effects of the disease, and Polaroid’s Spectra instant camera, noted for its improved focus and picture quality. Additionally, there is Compaq's Deskpro 386 personal computer, Kodak's new Ultralife lithium-powered battery, and Plax, a dental rinse designed to remove significantly more bacterial plaque than traditional brushing.

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