• by Ray Schultz , December 12, 2024

Hearst Magazines has acquired MotorTrend Group, a Warner Bros. Discovery business that includes MotorTrend, Hot Rod, Roadkill, Automobil and a portfolio of digital, social, print, direct to consumer and live events. 

The terms were not disclosed. 

The MotorTrend  team will continue operating out of offices in El Segundo, CA, and Detroit, MI.

MotorTrend Group reaches over 30 million users per month, while drawing 500,000 enthusiasts to live events such as Hot Rod Drag Week, Roadkill Nights and the Japanese Automotive Invitational at Pebble Beach. 

“The acquisition of MotorTrend represents a strategic investment in our business — one that enables us to expand our digital offerings, reach an even broader and more diverse community of automobile enthusiasts and bring the most innovative opportunities to the market,” says Debi Chirichella, president of Hearst Magazines.

Alex Wellen, chief executive officer and president of MotorTrend Group, comments that over the past 75 years, MotorTrend has become one of the most “influential automotive multi-media companies in the world. Joining Hearst, a business I’ve long admired, will ensure that our beloved collection of brands continue to serve and entertain automotive fans for years to come.”