As we approach the arrival of a new set of Victor E. Vans this fall, we thought we'd ask you what you think of these cars. How do they fit or not fit into your collections? Do you consider them equivalent to the other cars? Is any one of them your favorite car? Has it really been impossible to find one that you really wanted? What's your favorite lucky story about finding one?

Some issues can be addressed up front. We are very sorry about those cars not available on the site. This was due to contractual issues with the teams Chevron could not avoid. Despite the protests from some about this, others have been thrilled about finding cars celebrating their favorite sports teams. Many have also asked for cars to be made in the name of specific teams. There will in fact be 6 new team cars this year. It is a complex process to make a team car, however. Clearly the number of teams that will be involved will always be very limited. Many of you will be disappointed. For that, we sincerely apologize.

We welcome your thoughts and suggestions about these cars and what they might mean to you and fellow collectors.

A lot of you - hundreds in fact - have been asking whether there will be new Chevron Cars this year and whether Chevron is planning to continue manufacturing new Chevron Cars. Some of you have even been wondering whether it makes sense to go on collecting Chevron Cars.

We are delighted to let you know that there will be new cars this year and next and Chevron remains committed to these popular and fun products collected by young and old alike.

In the fall of 2008 we expect a new series of sports Victor E. Vans. Some but not all of these cars will be available on the website. We apologize for the one or two Victor E. Vans that will not be available but this is due to contractual reasons we have no control over. Rest assured that most of the new sports Victor E. Vans will become available on the site, in limited quantities. We expect a new Breast Cancer Awareness car this fall as well.

For the holidays we are looking forward to a brand new Chevron Car, one of the best ever and one thousands of you have been requesting for years. Stay tuned, it will be fabulous.

Finally, we hope that certain out-of-stock cars will be brought back into stock this year or next, although nothing is firm yet. The best way to remain informed about new cars is to check this blog, or subscribe to our newsletter at http://www.chevroncars.com/user/newsletter_subscribe.php

A nice note and interesting question recently came in from Maria in San Francisco: "I have been a casual Chevron Cars collector since they were first released; recently, my interest in these adorable cars has been revived. I'm torn between keeping my cars in their cute packaging and taking them out so that I can enjoy the cars themselves fully."

"Would you please post a blog entry asking the community how they enjoy their collections - in our out of the packaging?"

Well, what do you do? Maria and many others would love to hear. Most collection images we receive show cars without the packaging. Is this really the way the majority of your collections are kept? Do tell us!

One Chevron Cars fan, who goes by the name of Frankie, has his own idea for the next Chevron Car. He writes: "Here's a car for all the Disney fans out there! I had to think of all the best 'D' names, at last I picked Danny. Chevron, when will the next car come out? I would want it!!!!!!"

So would we Frankie! In fact, we hear rumors that a fabulous new car is due this holiday season. A car, in fact, that fans like you have been demanding for years. Alas, we can't say more - yet . . .. Thanks again for your imaginative contribution Frankie. Keep on being creative.

Once in a while, one has to just take one's hat off and salute a truly dedicated and imaginative Chevron Cars fan. Daniel's re-creation of Della is one such moment. Daniel is a 6 year old in northern California. An avid car collector, he found himself with an old Della in bad shape. With his Dad's help he re-painted it silver. Wow! Now that's a great idea for a car. Daniel calls it the Silver Bullet.

A most enthusiastic collector he is too. When he goes back to Mexico for a visit, he gives his extra cars to friends and relatives. Way to go Daniel. You are a true Chevron Cars star. The classy picture of your Silver Bullet 'n Roses is priceless.

A Chevron cars fan called Christian sent us this nice letter. He would like to see the Chevron Cars on PBS Sprouts TV program. That's a wonderful idea Christian, and we thank you for the kind thought. It may not be feasible and practically impossible, but we are glad you like the cars that much. In the mean time, do check our Drive In Theater where we have two car commercials available. And later this year, we hear that a brand new car commercial may be sprout on a TV set near you . . ..

Here is a unique way of displaying a large collection - using the Y-wing fighter shape of a fighter jet! We especially like the way proud Henry has put the fuel tanker in the back. The horse up front is a nice twist too - first there were horses, then there were cars. Horses were used for thousands of years, cars hardly a hundred.

We salute Henry for his clever display and wish him the best as he goes on collecting. How will he shape his next collection?

There is a new word game on Chevron Cars! Silly Stories lets you create your own wacky, funny, ridiculous or totally unexpected stories. Just fill in a dozen or so types of words when prompted, and they will be woven together into a story you never knew existed. You can then print them out, share them with friends or try another version. There are 6 types of stories to choose from, with themes like visiting a doctor, finding dinosaur bones or sending a postcard from camp. Or would you rather tell a story you never remembered from summer vacation? It's all up to you and your imagination with words with our brand new game.

Check out Silly Stories and tell us what you think.

We just received news about which Chevron stations in southern California have ordered the new Victor E. Van Lakers. This car will only be available at select Chevron stations in southern California such as the ones listed here. They will unfortunately not be available for purchase on the ChevronCars.com website. Contractual requirements restrict the sale of these cars to a very specific marketing territory, and we are legally bound to limit sales to that area. We apologize for any disappointment this causes.

That said, if you're in SoCal, and you're revved up to track down a Victor E. Van Lakers, take a look at this Google map. (It might take a little while to load, so give it time.) Then cruise on over to one of the stations to see what they've got! You may want to call first because although all these stations had the Victor E. Van Lakers at some point, they could be sold out already!

All orders, of any car or bundle, over $40 will receive an automatic 25% off at checkout until December 31st, 2007.

Any order over $70 in products (after the 25% off discount) receives FREE SHIPPING as well (this is worth at least another $14.40). Please enter the FREE SHIPPING code in the Coupon Code field as you check-out (instructions are on the page).

Note: There are no 50% off cars during this promotion. Shipping costs are applied based on product total without discounts. Check out the discounts at Chevron Cars Store!

Mike intends the side buttons to make the sweeper brushes come out. He has made the soap and water tanks removable so that they be re-filled while Sammy is working. Sammy's eyes move across the road so that he can be sure to sweep all the dirt away and deposit soap and water where it is most needed. We applaud Mike for his intelligence and clever design.

Mark writes, "Annie Animal Care is Sally Schoolbus' cousin. She comes with a dog, cat, and bone. Her eyes move side to side, all doors open, side mirrors work, the roof of the trailer opens, and the tire treads are pet themed. In the trailer you can put a small animal like a crab or bug. Annie is as long as Sally Schoolbus, and tall as Cary Carrier's cab."

Best of all, Mark has thought of all the important details. The roof flips open to place animals, and Annie Animal Care is fully equipped with side vents so that they can breathe. (Click on the drawing to see the special details).

Wow Mark, we can tell that you truly love animals! We'd love to see your idea turn into reality and thank you for sharing this precious drawing with our many blog readers.

Alex writes, "I really love all 41 of my Chevron Cars. My Uncle Curt has more than that!". Keep up the good work and thanks for your great ideas!

Let us know what you think of their ideas or submit your own.

No, lead based paint is not used in the production of Chevron toy cars. All pigments used in the production of the toy cars are tested for lead before and after they are used.

**50-car animation courtesy of one of our collectors, Sasha. Thanks Sasha!

Pictured here are the Leahy brothers with their cars. The boys have their Chevron Cars set up on a little town layout of Boston, Massachusetts. You can see Maddie Mudster, Patty Patrol, Chandler Chip and Summer Scoop!

They love playing with these cars and cannot wait to see what other Chevron Cars they get this Christmas!

Thanks for the pictures guys, you're off to a great start!!

Do you have a photo to submit? Send us a photo of your collection to post to the Chevron Cars Blog!