Primedia Launches GR8Ride for Automotive Enthusiasts

Posted on April 26, 2000

Primedia Inc. has launched GR8Ride, an online resource for the hardcore automotive enthusiast which will provide content, ecommerce and community features. Primedia currently reaches 21 million enthusiasts through its 31 automotive publications and industry events. Primedia also announced the appointment of George Vrabeck as CEO for GR8Ride and Sal Chiovari as newly appointed CTO.

``We clearly recognized a $20 billion untapped market in the enthusiast automotive aftermarket industry,'' said Daniel McCarthy, president and CEO of the Primedia Enthusiast Group. ``We have 31 magazines which serve this enormous enthusiast population that is totally devoted to customizing their vehicles. It's a lucrative yet highly fragmented industry, with 3000 manufacturers, 1000 distributors and 4000 retailers all over the world. This is absolutely the largest and most comprehensive marketplace for specialty automotive information, community and product, and we're the best people to put it all together.''

``We plan to leverage our leading print content and develop additional Internet businesses that support our brand,'' said McCarthy. ``Everything is here for a winning site - a huge market, high margins and a completely fanatic audience.''

Update 5-7-15: The GR8Ride site is no longer available.

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