borealis

Imho they began to drop quality long ago, since the 'SuperSherman' joke.
And I can imagine the amount of work needed to put out a completely new model (design, molds, electronics, building, painting, etc.), not easier than a Japanese model kit.
And Tongde has put on the market many new models in the past 2 years, while Japan stands still.

Fsttanks

So if you don't like the modeling quality that Tamiya has chosen then why do you care if they bring out new tanks each year to compete with TD (and HL)?

Tamiyas target market is very different than TD (or HL). Tamiya is aimed at the adult model builder and hobby enthusiast. TD is aimed at the childrens toy market and those under 14. That is not speculation it is right from TD (and HL). This allows them to take a lot more shortcuts and bring a product to market faster and at 1/3 the cost of a Tamiya.

borealis

I don't care about them competing with each other, but I care for the hobby's sake that every model company does its best in what is supposed to be their business. And releasing the infamous supersherman just to spare money in molds through recycling sherman parts is not, as well as re-releasing the 'anniversary' sherman howitzer with the same low detail parts of the '70s release (hey, but with a photo-.etched plate!). That is not the 'quality' they are able to delivery, we all know that.