Motor Trend Classic - New Publication Targeted To Classic Car Enthusiasts

LOS ANGELES May 23, 2005; PRIMEDIA the country's leading targeted media company, today announced it will launch Motor Trend Classic, a new magazine aimed at the classic car enthusiast. As the leading publisher of automotive magazines, PRIMEDIA is leveraging the expertise and appeal of its venerable Motor Trend brand with a bi-monthly magazine that captures the passion, drive and zeal of classic car enthusiasts. The new publication will be led by Motor Trend's current editor-in-chief, Angus MacKenzie and group publisher Steven Rousseau.

With an inaugural issue in August, Motor Trend Classic will have aspirational yet accessible editorial coverage, offering readers revealing personality pieces, untold stories and unique vehicle comparisons. Focusing on post-war cars from 1949 - 1989, the magazine will also feature a broad cross-section of cars from 50s Chevys to 70s Lamborghinis and everything of interest in between.

"The few magazines that cover this category feel old and unimaginative," said MacKenzie. "Motor Trend Classic will bring a sharp, modern and exciting editorial approach that is unlike any other magazine in this category. We are taking design cues from the current Motor Trend format and combining them with real stories about people and their classic cars. We want to take this segment by storm."

Motor Trend Classic is attracting upscale advertisers looking to connect with an affluent enthusiast audience. Advertisers for the inaugural issue will include Land Rover, Maserati and Bentley.

"Land Rover is pleased to be a part of the launch of Motor Trend Classic. The Land Rover brand has a rich heritage and we feel that the readers of Motor Trend Classic will appreciate the history and legacy of our products," said Natalie Bow, advertising/media manager, Land Rover North America.

"As the media company with the most comprehensive portfolio for automotive enthusiasts, we are extremely well positioned to extend our expertise to key growth markets," said Steve Parr, president of PRIMEDIA's Automotive Group. "The most recent auction for classic cars demonstrated both the size and the growth of this market, with $61 million in sales, up from $38 million last year.

"Motor Trend Classic will appeal to this audience, led by baby-boomers seeking to re-connect with the cars they loved in their youth," Parr continued. "Now that they have the discretionary income to match their interests, the market for nostalgic, classic cars is booming. Our publication will provide this growing audience the best source of both information and inspiration."

Motor Trend Classic will publish two issues in 2005 with an initial circulation of 200,000, and will increase frequency to bi-monthly in 2006. The magazine will be oversized with high production quality and a cover price of $5.99 USD.

About Motor Trend

Motor Trend, a PRIMEDIA publication, was founded in 1949 and has a circulation of 1.1 million and a total readership of 7.1 million. Internationally recognized as the world's number one automotive authority, Motor Trend is one of the leading brands in automotive publishing. The Motor Trend brand is comprised of motortrend.com; Motor Trend Television; Motor Trend Radio; Truck Trend; Motor Trend International Auto Shows; Motor Trend en Espanol; and the renowned Motor Trend Car, Sport/Utility and Truck of the Year Awards program.