Johnston Press signs Deal with Motors.co.uk

Johnston Press plc

Johnston Press signs deal with Motors.co.uk

Johnston Press plc, one of the leading multi-platform community media groups in the UK and Ireland, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Motors.co.uk through which it will launch a new local, online motors platform powered by the UK's second largest car search response network. The new motors platform will be integrated within each of Johnston's local websites and will carry the local website brand.

This partnership provides Johnston Press with a powerful motors offering for its local website audience and motors advertisers. Motors.co.uk search functionality and database of used cars for sale will be integrated into the local Johnston Press websites, giving users the ability to search over 150,000 cars for sale and motor dealers a strong locally focused platform to promote their business and car stock. 

Ashley Highfield, Chief Executive, Johnston Press plc commented:

"Motors.co.uk is one of the most dynamic players in the online motors space and this partnership gives us an exciting new platform for our local websites and great reach for our motors advertisers. It forms another step in our strategy to deliver highly engaged, local website portals across all of our markets."

Phill Jones, Commercial Director of Motors.co.uk commented "We are proud to be partnering with Johnston Press and are confident that together we can create a product that becomes a major source of sales leads for advertisers in Johnston Press areas. Our partnership will help enrich the content on Motors.co.uk and increase exposure for advertising dealers by appearing on Johnston Press's substantial network of local sites. Our partnerships with other newspaper groups have proven the value of combining local presence and online expertise and we are excited to extend this opportunity with Johnston Press."

The new JP motors sites will be launched later this year. Users of the new websites will find an extensive used car search facility, local dealer information, car road tests reviews and more. 

For further information, contact:

Johnston Press plc

Henry Faure Walker Tel: 01733 427184

Motors.co.uk

Phill Jones Tel: 0845 265 6000

Notes for editors:

About Johnston Press

Johnston Press is one of the leading community media groups in the UK and Ireland with more than 5,200 people in 175 locations around the UK, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland. We publish 238 newspapers and 223 local websites, a stable of glossy monthly lifestyle magazines and produce live events. Our websites are complemented by mobile sites and a growing portfolio of apps. Our websites reach over 10 million visitors per month. For further information, please visit www.johnstonpress.co.uk.

About Motors.co.uk

Motors.co.uk is the UK's second largest car search response network; reaching over 1.5m monthly unique visitors (source comScore January 2012) and advertising over 150,000 used cars for sale. The Motors.co.uk network includes Parkers.co.uk, Desperate Seller and Honest John. The company also boasts partnerships with regional newspaper groups including Trinity Mirror, Northcliffe Media and Archant.

Motors.co.uk is owned by Manheim, the world's largest automotive services provider, with over 20,000 employees and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia USA. Manheim Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, a $15 billion business whose automotive interests also includes the giant US Autotrader.com*, as well as a vast number of businesses involved in publishing, diverse media channels and communications.

For further information, please visit www.motors.co.uk or contact [email protected].

*Autotrader.com is based in the USA and is owned by Manheim Inc. It has no connection with the UK business of the same name

For further information, please visit www.motors.co.uk or contact [email protected].