Ebersohn, Mpyane to edit AutoWeek, Cars in Action

"Action Publications enters a thrilling new era with AutoWeek alongside our 15-year old magazines Cars in Action and Bakkie & Truck," says CEO and publisher Michele Lupini. "We're looking forward to our new members fast becoming an integral part of the family."

Veteran motoring journalist Ebersohn was more recently in charge of public relations at both BMW and Mercedes-Benz SA. An avid motor enthusiast, Ebersohn relishes the challenge of launching a brand new aspect in local motoring media, saying, "AutoWeek is completely different to anything else out there and a hugely exciting prospect."

Mpyane, who is described as a capable driver, able wordsmith and a well-proven editor, is allegedly South Africa's first black motoring magazine editor.

Comments Mpyane, "I have always been a huge fan of Cars in Action so it's a massive honour for me to take responsibility for the title. We have great plans - look forward to an exciting new ride while we still deliver on everything our loyal readership expects."

Under Ebersohn's leadership, AutoWeek will offer a typical blend of focused motoring, and a little more lifestyle is expected to infiltrate Cars in Action.

"In line with our plans for the title"

"Cars in Action turns 15 in May and Phuti's appointment [is] directly in line with our plans for the title," notes Michele Lupini. "We also have two of SA's finest rising motoring journalist stars in David and Andrew, backed up by a team of foremost experts in the various fields we will be covering."

Michele Lupini is still CEO and publisher; Mario Lupini continues as the group's technical editor; Andrew Walker is AutoWeek PLUS - the paper's retail motoring editor, Steve Wicks joins as motorsport editor at AutoWeekSport; Dave Fall is BikeWeek editor; and Peter Burroughes is contributing editor.

Leonardo Lupini remains as art director, assisted by Rigel Andreoli and David Silberbauer. On the photography front, David Taylor and Eric Buijs are Action's lensmen.

Split across Gauteng and Cape offices

Action's team will be split between its Gauteng office in Northcliff and its Cape studio in Franschhoek, with Ebersohn, Taylor, Silberbauer, Fall and Michele Lupini working out of the Cape and the rest in Johannesburg. According to a press statement, Action's team remains much as it was at the beginning of 2011, with the new appointments taking up additional roles at AutoWeek.

The more focused, more regular monthly Bakkie & Truck magazine will be on the shelves this week. The March issue of Cars in Action March 2012 issue will be on sale a week after; the first issue under Mpyane will be a month later. AutoWeek goes on sale every Thursday from 15 March.