AutoWeek Becomes Bi-Weekly But Still Calls Itself Autoweek

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

Whether or not you like to read car magazines on the throne, it looks like the only paper with a future is rolled up beside the bog. Starting with the January 5, 2009 issue, AutoWeek will switch from a weekly to a biweekly magazine. According to the pub’s press release, less is more. “This change gives us the opportunity to grow as a brand,” opines brave-faced publisher Keith Crain, “and increase our reach to enthusiast consumers, making AutoWeek much more than just a weekly.” (Or, in fact, less.) Needless to say, AutoWeek will not become AutoBiWeek (although one wonders if that name might open-up new profit opportunities). “Modifying the frequency of the magazine’s distribution allows us to focus on more comprehensive editorial features and vehicle reviews. We look forward to providing lengthier and more comprehensive pimpatorials, although our paper quality will go down the toilet. So to speak.” I just made the last two sentences up, obviously. But not this: “I’m thrilled to be able to make a great brand better,” said AutoWeekEditor and Associate Publisher, Dutch Mandel. “The changes demonstrate our commitment to evolve in an ever-changing world. Our readers now demand news the moment it happens, which we provide to them at autoweek.com. These changes will allow us to deliver more in-depth coverage in our products. Our readers will be excited and pleased.” In fact, they already have a new strapline with which they can take delight. “AutoWeek is America’s only fortnightly automotive enthusiast consumer magazine.”

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Bozoer Rebbe Bozoer Rebbe on Nov 10, 2008
    The only columnists I was still reading were Farley & McCluggage. Denise is a classy broad. Can drive rings around most guys.
  • Lokki Lokki on Nov 10, 2008

    Unfortunately, Mrs. Lokki just renewed my Autoweek subscription for me without looking. All car mag subscriptions are the same to her. I'd been seriously pondering canceling ever since that cute vegetarian started vapidly writing a regular column....why do I care what she thinks about cars? Anyhow, to tell the truth, I'd been thinking about dropping them once a week for most of a year now. As everyone is saying here, no one says anything in Autoweek any more. They're not testing or comparing cars (enough to catch my attention anyway) and except for NASCAR there isn't a lot of depth in their race reporting. As for Detroit's problems? What problems? Detroit ain't got no stinkin' problems. So why do I care what they think about cars? I can read the press releases in the free newspapers that the Dallas Morning Times is dropping in my driveway. I want them sneaking around the Ferrari garages finding out what Masa intends to do about Hamilton next year. Now they're going to biweekly? Unless they change the content, I'm not even going to notice that I'm missing every other week. Perhaps their theory is that I'm only going to think about canceling every other week now. So now, I'm pondering the idea about paying for TTAC content. I don't usually like to pay for web content, but if I look at it in terms of what I'm paying Autoweek without having to bother to recycle the rag after I read it... maybe that IS a better use of funds.

  • Essen Essen on Nov 10, 2008

    Can anyone out there recommend another auto mag? I guess I'm naive - I gave up Motor Trend years ago for Autoweek, and I like my weekly fix of carmag. I wonder if they are going to double the remainder of my subscription.

  • I_Like_Pie I_Like_Pie on Nov 10, 2008
    essen Winding road is my favorite. They are the best in the business right now.
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