Excitement is what it is all about! HPI cars and trucks are renowned for their exceptional durability, innovative designs and high quality, but most of all they are FUN!
HPI products are enjoyed by hobbyists of all ages, from beginners to enthusiasts, with an eye for something special.
It all started in 1986: with a small investment and a lot of hard work, Tatsuro Watanabe began Hobby Products International in Southern California, the world’s biggest hotspot for RC (Radio Control) models and products. The initial product range included car accessories like graphite parts for existing race cars, wheels for off-road and on-road vehicles and motors. The Uno motors even won a World Championship title in 1987, proving that the company had what it takes to compete with the top companies in the world! This early success allowed HPI to grow the product range quickly and eventually release the first car kit designed by HPI, the Super F1.
More sales success led to HPI substantially increasing the size of the design team, and more kits and options soon followed. From here things went fast, rapidly shifting HPI's focus from being an accessories company to being one of the most prolific RC companies in the world. From the initial electric-powered car kits, the HPI product line expanded into fuel-powered RC with the Nitro RS4, off-road with the RS4 MT, small-scale RC with the Micro RS4 and eventually into bigger and bigger kits like the legendary Savage monster truck and Baja 1/5th scale buggy and truck series of vehicles. Along the way, HPI cars and trucks won plaudits and awards from RC media and fans alike, with web pages and fan groups helping to spread the word about HPI Racing.