Zentropy Partners to Create Websites for Emap USA's Automotive Publications

Posted on March 29, 2000

Emap USA, (formerly Petersen Publishing) has hired Zentropy Partners to create, build and market Internet sites for each of its 26 automotive publications including Hot Rod and Motor Trend. Emap USA is aiming to bring its automotive readers to the Web to create an interactive auto community where car enthusiasts and consumers can go to find articles and information, and research and purchase car-related products and services.

``This is an exciting project for us because it involves bringing a company away from its traditional business strategy and into the world of e-commerce,'' said John Connors, chief executive officer of Zentropy Partners. ``We're helping bring emap USA closer to its readers and customers through content, community and commerce.''

The sites will feature easy-to-navigate and interactive formats, geared to provide detailed and in-depth information and reviews that are not in the print versions of the respective publications. Readers will be able to go to the sites and find news, event updates, lifestyle tips, special purchasing opportunities and links to automotive services such as Carparts.com.

``After an extensive review process, it was clear that Zentropy Partners is at the forefront of driving and building digital businesses,'' said John Cobb, vice president general manager of new media for Emap USA. ``We have a dominant position in the automotive market, and the strength of our magazine brands, coupled with our extensive customer database, provides a strong foundation for online ventures.''