Hot Wheels is a brand of die cast toy car, introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. It was the primary competitor of Johnny Lightning and Matchbox until 1996, when Mattel acquired rights to the Matchbox brand from Tyco.
The original, and now famous, Hot Wheels logo was designed by California artist Rick Irons, who at that time worked for Mattel.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=O5775HI0vn4