Fairfax NZ Purchases New Zealand Autocar Magazine

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

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