The 4×4 Australia masthead has been acquired by the management and editorial team behind the brand.
Under the newly established company, 4×4 Media, 4×4 Australia will continue to be a reference point across Print, Digital and Video platforms for 4×4 vehicles, aftermarket reviews and a dedicated travel hub.
WhichCar, an automotive platform focusing on all car buyers and enthusiasts, has also been acquired by 4×4 Media.
Itwill continue to be – in partnership with Motoring Media Network – the digital hub for both Wheels and 4×4 Australia. The online destination will look to build on the 900,000 Unique Users it reaches each month in a collaboration that will see the site continue as usual until the implementation of advancements due later in the year.
“The 4×4 Australia and WhichCar team are thrilled to embark on this new chapter as an independent publisher,” says 4×4 Media managing director Christian Clark.
“This move allows us to maintain our commitment to loyal magazine buyers, online audiences across WhichCar, and brand advertisers. Currently, we look forward to a business-as-usual transition with some truly exciting updates due later in the year.
“4×4 Australia itself has evolved considerably over the last few years by building an enhanced connection between Australian buyers online and the 4×4 cars and the accessories they dream of,” says Clark.
The custom content agency and the publisher of Evo Australia, Motoring Media Network, have acquired Wheels. This marks a pivotal moment in the history of Wheels as it returns to ownership under an independent publisher delivering automotive content and advice to consumers in Australia and New Zealand.
“Wheels is one of the most renowned and trusted brands in Australia. It really is as simple as that,” Motoring Media Network founding owner Matthew O’Malley says. “Having previously been involved with the brand a decade ago, I knew of its untapped potential, particularly on the digital front.
“We established Motoring Media Network 11 years ago to launch evo Australia, but it’s no secret that I’ve held a strong interest in acquiring the Wheels brand for a long time, always with the view of re-establishing its rightful position at the top of Australia’s automotive landscape,” said O’Malley.
Clark and O’Malley are working closely on a seamless transition and look forward to building on these established brands.
