Not sure about that. I am not an expert, but from what I continue hearing, the major profits in the industry are made with the RTR items, not the proper race stuff. My guess would be that taking over the distribution of AE paired with the uncertain situation of HPI may have something to do with it.
RC is a small niche, and competitive racing even more so. As much as I regret it, I doubt that on the long run a quality company can compete with Chinese manufacturers, support their racing branch, and satisfy their non-hobbyist investors. Tamiya decided to reduce racing, Kyosho struggles on the continent, and even the bunch if former racers who founded Xcite RC focus on the cheap stuff. Alas, these seem to be no good times for the industry and the hobby.
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