The July 2011 issue reflects a strong editorial slant on retail. Features include an exposé of the insurance sector, an in-depth interview with industry icon and retired CEO of the McCarthy Motor Group, Brand Pretorius, and a lead story that reveals the wheels sector is under threat.
"Our vision for the magazine is to broaden its appeal to members and to underpin the RMI's key message of 'belonging is better business,'" commented publisher Neal Farrell. "The content will provide information and guidance to its members on all aspects of running a successful business - everything from finance and marketing to legislation, sales and HR, as well as high-level issues relevant to the industry as a whole."
The publication will highlight people in the industry through interviews with prominent opinion-makers and a new careers page, while other editorial elements include green issues, the impact of new legislation and a technical column by Jake Venter.
The cleaner, contemporary design gives it a more consistent brand identity, with easily identifiable pillars - news, labour, the environment, people, products and technology. Top-notch photography is another key design element.
Readers will be encouraged to interact with the brand through prompts, with similar options on the revitalised website, www.automobil.co.za, relaunched at the beginning of July with a daily dose of automotive news and in-depth opinion.
The brand's digital strategy already includes social media, with a presence on twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. Additional apps, a webletter and mobile are among the multi-platform opportunities in the pipeline.
"Our role is to ensure that the magazine continues to lead from the front, touching members and consumers in a place, and at a time, that suits them best," concluded Farrell.
