MotorTrend Join Forces with Hearst in Mega Automotive Media Deal, Merging Powerhouses in Car and Driver, Road & Track

Car Mag Consolidation: Hearst Acquires MotorTrend Group in a Major Move

The automotive media world is abuzz with the news that Hearst Magazines, the publisher of Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Popular Mechanics, among other legacy publications, has acquired MotorTrend Group. This massive consolidation brings together an impressive array of titles, including MotorTrend, Hot Rod, Roadkill, and Automobile, among others.

But what does this mean for the readers and the industry as a whole? The answer is still unclear, but one thing is certain: this is a significant development in the world of automotive media. In a press release, Hearst described its purchase of MotorTrend Group as a "diversified portfolio of automotive digital, direct-to-consumer, social, print, and live-event brands." This suggests that the offline aspects of the operation, such as events like Roadkill Nights, will continue in some form.

The acquisition comes as no surprise, given the struggles faced by Warner Bros. Discovery, the previous owner of MotorTrend Group. However, it’s interesting to see legendary outlets like MotorTrend, Hot Rod, and Roadkill come together under one roof.

The Move: What It Means for Readers and the Industry

As Car and Driver’s editor-in-chief, I’m excited to see what this new era holds for our readers and the industry as a whole. While the future is uncertain, one thing is clear: we’ll be keeping a close eye on developments and sharing our thoughts and insights with you.

Your Thoughts Are Welcome!

Got a take on this massive consolidation of car media? Reach out to me at [email protected] and share your thoughts!