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Mattel’s toy cars, such as Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and Tyco R/C, bring the company $1 billion in sales per year. But that’s just not enough for Mattel, which says sales aren’t increasing as much as they should be. They don’t blame changing tastes, poor marketing, or made-in-China quality, but rather it’s the fault of the nation’s mothers, who don’t “get” how to play toy cars with their boys. “She doesn’t get why cars, engines, and all the shapes and crashing and smashing are so cool,” said Mattel’s vice president in charge of North American boys’ toys and games division, Matt Petersen. To help those stupid, stupid women, the company is adding play guides for mothers to its web site, and hosted a brunch with so-called “mommy bloggers” to teach them why boys like cars. “Having this conversation could be what takes the brand to the next level,” Petersen said. (RC/Bloomberg) ...If you think that’s bad, just wait until you hear why stupid fathers are to blame for lackluster sales of Barbie dolls.