Media Release
25th January 2005
Fairfax NZ Purchases New Zealand Autocar Magazine
Fairfax New Zealand has announced the acquisition of the country’s number one automotive publication, NZ Autocar
Magazine.
Autocar managing editor, Mark Petch, who launched the publication 13 years ago, will continue to manage it under the
Fairfax Magazines Specialist Titles division, publisher of a number of leading magazines including Boating New Zealand,
NZ Fishing News and NZ Trucking .
Brian Evans, chief executive officer, Fairfax New Zealand, says Fairfax was attracted by the quality of Autocar and its
strong standing in the automotive industry.
“It has been the cornerstone publication for the automotive industry for a number of years and fits perfectly alongside
other Fairfax publications that are also number one in their respective areas, such as Cuisine and NZ House & Garden.”
Mark Petch says, “whilst it is always difficult to let go of something you put so much time and effort into, I am really
excited about the future opportunities I will have with the Fairfax stable. I like their culture and look forward to
working with Brian and his team.
“As part of Fairfax Magazines we will have the resources to further develop the magazine and explore other opportunities
within the industry.
“The inclusion of the Autocar section in the Sunday Star-Times puts Autocar in overdrive in the market. Following the
soft launch of this section in December we have received a lot of favourable feedback from readers. Automotive
advertisers are realising the unique opportunities afforded by the Sunday Star-Times to reach a truly national audience
on a weekly basis.”
Industry reaction to the purchase has also been extremely positive.
Bob Field, Managing Director of Toyota New Zealand stated that “Mark Petch and his team have done a great job in
building New Zealand Autocar magazine into a world class publication over the past 13 years. It is fitting that Mark has
been rewarded for this achievement by the recent sale of the magazine to Fairfax New Zealand Ltd. The motor industry and
the motoring public will be pleased to know that Mark and the current editorial team will continue under the new
ownership.”
“Mark has done a sterling job in bringing New Zealanders a truly world class motoring magazine over the last decade.
It’s got to be good news for the industry and readers alike that he has agreed to stay on with both the magazine and the
new Autocar on Sunday motoring section …. with Fairfax’s muscle things can only continue to improve,” commented Mark
Gilbert, BMW New Zealand’s Managing Director.
Andrew Clearwater, Mazda New Zealand’s general manager sales and marketing said, “Autocar is a well respected
publication and the new Autocar on Sunday section in the Sunday Star-Times has given the industry a far stronger voice
which is something that has been lacking. Fairfax and Autocar are to be applauded for making this happen and we look
forward to other initiatives they bring to the automotive sector.”
ENDS