Bauer Media has announced the closure of TopGear Australia magazine and its companion website, with the magazine ceasing publication from the October 2015 edition.
Bauer Media chief executive officer David Goodchild said, “TopGear Australia magazine has entertained and delighted many hundreds of thousands of readers over the years with its irreverent take on the motoring genre. However TopGear’s skew towards international content meant it no longer fitted Bauer Media’s evolving motoring strategy.
“TopGear is a unique and much loved brand and we’re proud to have been the Australian partner of this global publishing phenomenon,” Goodchild said.
Ewen Page, TopGear Australia associate publisher, said, “The title has reinvigorated and expanded the Australian motoring media market, attracting readers and advertisers to a brand considered both men’s lifestyle and motoring. I would like to thank past and present editorial, advertising and support teams for their commitment and outstanding work on TopGear Australia.”
Alistair McEwen, SVP, commercial development for BBC advertising Asia, Australia and New Zealand, said, “We have decided to focus our efforts on our recently relaunched global TopGear website, but thank the team at TopGear Australia magazine and Bauer Media for their expertise and hard work on the local edition.”
Goodchild added, “We remain Australia’s largest publisher of specialist motoring titles, with iconic brands such as Wheels, Motor, Street Machine, Unique Cars, 4×4 Australia and Auto Action reaching hundreds of thousands of readers in print and online each month.
“While we bid farewell to TopGear Australia magazine, we remain committed to delivering Australia’s most comprehensive motoring coverage, and in fact have recently launched a specialist new car comparison website, WhichCar, a brand that represents a significant investment and a huge vote of faith in the future of our motoring group.”
The closure of TopGear Australia magazine encompasses all platforms: print, website and social media assets and will take effect on Friday, 11 September, with the BBC Worldwide continuing to manage topgear.com and all other global assets.
TopGear Australia launched in June 2008 and is a product of Park Publishing – a joint venture between BBC Worldwide ANZ and Bauer Media.
Source: Bauer Media