Advanstar Converts Aftermarket Business Magazine Into a 'Real-Time' Communications Format

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - October 19, 2009) - Advanstar Communications, a leading provider of integrated media solutions to the automotive aftermarket, off-road, and powersports industries, announced today that it will convert its leading distribution magazine, Aftermarket Business, into an electronic medium that delivers immediate content to its readers and real-time leads for its advertisers.

"In order to do this properly, we have developed a new state-of-the-art digital format that far exceeds the print experience," says Jim Savas, vice president and general manager of Advanstar's Automotive Group. "In this day and age, it is the next logical step to enhance our 73-year history as a leading magazine in the marketplace. As a print product, we were bound to a circulation of tens of thousands of readers. In our new electronic format, we will reach the entire distribution audience consisting of more than 140,000 decision makers and influencers, as well as provide access to an extended total market of more than 1 million unique readers via our exclusive Web portal, SearchAutoParts.com."

Savas further stated, "Delivery of the right content in real time to an all-inclusive audience is what today's readers and advertisers expect and we're the only communications company in the position to do that."

The new Aftermarket Business digital format will include a monthly e-magazine with a regular focus on exclusive research generated by Advanstar Automotive. In addition to the monthly delivery of research and information, readers will receive electronic delivery of alerts and twice weekly e-newsletters. Savas says the monthly electronic version of Aftermarket Business will be enhanced with the latest technology to improve navigation and readability to better fit the size of today's computer screens.

The new digital format will begin in January 2010. The last print edition will be published in December 2009.

"Over the years we have set the standard for quality distribution information through our continual improvement process," says Larry Silvey, Editor-in-Chief of Aftermarket Business. "This is just the next phase of that process, which will include all of the same hard-hitting content that we are known for. Additionally, we will play on another one of our leadership positions in market research by offering broader and deeper research in all phases of the automotive market. As we transcend from one format to another, the main difference in my mind is that we will deliver content more deliberately and more timely so that readers can process it and act on it immediately if so desired."

Savas says Advanstar Automotive has invested heavily over the past year to enhance its database of readers to ensure that advertisers have access to even more leads delivered in real time. Plus, he says the new format will result in reduced advertising rates.

Advanstar Automotive is asking readers to provide their e-mail address by December 31, 2009 to ensure that there is no disruption in their service. "Even those who have provided us with their email address in the past should reconfirm that we have the right email address for them," said Savas. Visit http://www.aftermarketbusiness.com/RealTime to register for electronic access.

For more information on Advanstar Automotive, visit www.SearchAutoParts.com.

If you'd like to schedule an interview with Savas or Silvey, contact Mike McClelland, group marketing director at (949) 954-8614 or e-mail Mike at mmcclelland@advanstar.com.

Fueled by Advanstar

Advanstar Communications (www.advanstar.com) is a leading provider of integrated media solutions to the automotive aftermarket, off-road and powersports industries, offering a portfolio of 5 industry leading magazines including titles Dealernews, 2 Wheel Tuner, Aftermarket Business, Automotive Body Repair News and Motor Age; 15 targeted supplements and buyers guides; 15 consumer events including leading brands Off-Road Expo, the largest off-road consumer show series in the country and the International Motorcycle Shows, the largest consumer motorcycle event series in the world; Dealer Expo, voted a 2005 Tradeshow Week Fastest 50 tradeshow winner; 12 websites including Search-Autoparts.com, the automotive aftermarket's largest B2B website, and 42 training manuals for vehicle industry professionals, trade buyers, and enthusiasts.

Through a multi-media approach, Advanstar reaches nearly 9 million original equipment and aftermarket manufacturers, distributors, service & repair professionals, retailers, and consumers. Advanstar drives insightful news analysis, research and trends, entertainment, new product information and buying opportunities to customers at their office, home, and race track -- keeping them passionate, competitive, and connected.

Contact Information: Contact: Mike McClelland Group Marketing Director Tel. 949/954-8614 Email: