So after Saturdays realization that Ertl was with Tomy now, I did some more digging. And after I did some research, I found out some fascinating stuff. So I made a timeline to show you what I've learned.
The timeline isn't complete, I'm missing some dates. But I still doing some research, and have even reached out to the companies for answers.
Sources: Ertl, Johnny Lightning, Auto World
1945 - Ertl Company is founded.
1958 - Auto World founded as a small mail order hobby business.
1969 - Topper Toys launches Johnny Lightning cars.
1971 - Topper Toys closes.
1989 - Racing Champions founded.
1994 - Playing Mantis was founded by Thomas E. Lowe, who resurrected the Johnny Lighting brand.
1996 - Racing Champions Corporation is formed.
1999 - Racing Champions acquires the Ertl Company.
2003 - Racing Champions Ertl acquires Learning Curve, changes name to RC2 Corporation.
2004 - RC2 acquires The First Years and Playing Mantis.
??? - Round 2 is founded by Thomas E. Lowe (same guy as Playing Mantis).
??? - Round 2 purchased the rights to the Auto World name and logo.
??? - Tomy acquired RC2 (or did they always have them?).
2013 - Tomy decides to stop production of JL cars.
Not sure if you noticed, but Mr. Lowe is an important figure, he bought the JL brand, then purchased the rights to use the AW name. It honestly looks like AW is the spiritual successor to the JL brand.
Upon realizing this, I realized the construction and quality is very similar, and so is the minute details. I mean, The JL & AW cars are the most impressive out of the ones I own.
So, did I blow anyone's mind?
Edit: Round 2 website -http://www.round2corp.com