Hess Toy Truck Debuts Early Thanks to Social Media

NEW YORK – A large social media effort has led fans to reveal this holiday season’s Hess Toy Truck three days ahead of schedule.

The 2012 Hess Toy Truck is a Helicopter and Rescue. It will be available Nov. 9 at participating Hess and Hess Express convenience stores, retailing for $26.99 plus tax. The price includes Energizer batteries.

For the first time, Hess Corp. announced it would accept online orders for the Helicopter and Rescue at www.hesstoytruck.com. Preordering will begin on Nov. 1.

Last week, Hess Toy Truck fans began to uncover hints and image pieces of the new Toy Truck model via 30,000 linked social actions including posting a Hess Toy Truck collectors badge on Facebook, tweeting about it on Twitter and "checking in" at Hess Expresslocations.

The white and green battery-powered Helicopter and Rescue features chrome detailing, motorized rotors, sounds and lights and retractable landing gear. More specific features of the toy include motorized main and tail rotors, authentic ignition, takeoff and fly by sounds, real working lights and a push-button activated cargo bay door release.

Hess normally announces its newest Toy Truck on Nov. 1. The Hess Toy Truck has been a holiday tradition since 1964.