Motoring magazines fire up on iPad

(Apple)

Two major automotive publications announced new iPad editions November 23, as the industry struggles with falling sales of traditional magazines.

The new apps from Car and Driver and Motor Trend offer enhanced functionality designed to reinvigorate interest in speciality motoring publications, which have been hit by the growth of free content available online.

Car and Driver's app features up to the minute news feeds, embedded videos, interactive graphics and charts and a link to the magazine's reader community, with the magazine's editor Eddie Alterman saying that it allows readers to "engage more deeply with our content."

Motor Trend's app features bonus material such as audio commentary from editorial staff and new ways of comparing data in the magazine's head-to-head tests.

"This is more than just the magazine in another format; it represents a richer, deeper, more immersive Motor Trend experience for readers," said Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie.

This year has seen a flurry of automotive publications launched for iPad as editors look for new ways to keep readers loyal and engaged.

Popular Mechanics won considerable acclaim at its launch in July and Auto Bild, Europe's largest car magazine, followed suit with its own app in October.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/car-and-driver-for-ipad/id389029706?mt=8

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/motor-trend-magazine/id399144468?mt=8