CAR Magazine, Ramsay Media’s biggest selling title, has recently launched its exciting new Android app aimed at motoring enthusiasts, available exclusively in South Africa at the Samsung online apps store. In a move that marks a first for this country’s smartphone market, the CARmagApp will also be pre-loaded onto all new Samsung tablets from the second quarter of this year. The application is now available on Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablet devices.
CARmagApp provides the latest motoring news, launch information, road tests, driving impressions, extensive photographic and video galleries, all at the touch of a button on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1” and Galaxy range of Android smartphones. Favourite content can be saved in the “My Garage” area and shared on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter. The app also introduces CARmagDealer – a ground-breaking new research tool and market place for those looking to buy or sell a vehicle. Through this portal, users will have access to over 25,000 pre-approved used cars in their detected geo-location.
The new app has already enjoyed tremendous success and it was the most popular application downloaded from the Samsung apps store in February. With 16,000 downloads in the first two weeks following its launch date, CARmagApp shot straight to the number one position on the Samsung app list.
In bringing to the Samsung market what the publishers describe as the best of CAR, wrapped around the “lean-back” app user experience, CAR Magazine continues its impressive legacy of digital firsts and has created a new platform and revenue stream in the process.
“This really is the definitive motoring portal for South African car enthusiasts,” says CAR’s digital manager, Wendy Lucas. “Up to 70 per cent of the content we are providing on the app is so fresh it is not available yet on any of CAR’s other platforms, so users will have access to the most exclusive information out there. We’ve filled it to the brim with rich media content, and users can purchase the latest videos and photography seamlessly through the app as well.”
Dean Dicks, CAR’s associate publisher, believes that succeeding in the digital era is all about bravely creating context and new platforms for the magazine’s audience.
“We know we need to move where our readers are moving, and to do this we need the courage to stay one step ahead of consumer expectation, listen to our market and adjust our strategy day in and day out.”
Dicks maintains that everything CAR does in both the traditional and new media space ultimately aims to deepen engagement with and add relevance to its audience.
“Our readers have a different mind-set and approach to how they consume information in the digital era, but they still want the authoritative, reliable content that CAR has been providing for over 50 years. Our job is to consistently find innovative ways of delivering this to them.”
2012 will see the launch of the CARmagDealer (www.carmagdealer.co.za) portal online. CAR’s website, CARmag.co.za will also be re-launched with a brand new look and functionality this year.
Author: Jane Belchers
Website: http://www.carmag.co.za
