Advanstar launches "multimedia brand," including magazine.

Advanstar Communications (New York) has launched a new brand for the automotive aftermarket segment, describing the products as a multimedia brand for the specialty parts industry, including "Styling & Performance" magazine. The new title debuts with a July issue and will be published monthly. The new products are designed to connect manufacturers with the entire aftermarket distribution system, including traditional and specialty warehouses, jobbers, retailers, service providers and new car and truck dealers. The brand includes three components: Search-AutoParts.com, a destination news information site for the aftermarket and featuring Catalograck.com, a specialty parts sourcing system; "Styling & Performance" magazine; and, the Project Parts Chaser, a launch vehicle sweepstakes truck.

A part of Advanstar's Automotive Aftermarket Group, the magazine has an initial controlled circulation of 50,000, including 25,000 wholesale distributors, jobbers and independent service providers who are currently selling specialty/high margin parts, 15,000 specialty part jobbers, and 10,000 auto dealers who sell specialty/high margin parts. Advanstar said that editorial focus will provide information and data from industry experts, information on new and innovative sales and marketing techniques, and coverage of the distribution channel.

Initial online and print content includes articles on smart systems, collision repair, maintenance and repair training, green manufacturing, licensing, performance v. safety, hybrid technologies, and product reviews.

The web site is designed both as an information and aftermarket distribution center and as a central location for shared information among readers of all the Group's titles, including "Aftermarket Business," "ABRN," "Motor Age" and the supplement "Hot Auto Products."