NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- AutoTrader(R) Publishing, the nation's No. 1 automotive classified magazine company, is seeing significant growth in the second half of 2007 as a result of its new channel management strategy. In response to changing consumer habits, AutoTrader magazines will enter 1,300 new chain stores in key non-traditional markets, including 100 Kroger grocery stores in Georgia, Texas and Tennessee.

Automotive classified print advertising remains a powerful way to connect car dealers with people who want to buy cars. As consumers turn to drugstores, super centers and chain grocery stores like Kroger for a variety of shopping needs, AutoTrader's expansion into these markets will increase brand visibility, circulation and, ultimately, revenues.

"Millions of shoppers will now have increased access to the country's most popular and trusted brand in automotive and recreational vehicle shopping sources - AutoTrader magazines," says Alfred Hess, vice president of retail circulation for AutoTrader Publishing.

AutoTrader will also supply participating Kroger stores with new media display carts featuring improved merchandising space for AutoTrader's local and national titles. The upgrade benefits local stores as well. "Our re- racking campaigns often include carrying newspapers in a media center designed for the retailer, so the retailer can increase its return on investment in that floor space," notes Hess.

AutoTrader's new circulation strategy will continue to include convenience stores, which represent 95 percent of AutoTrader's distribution volume. "Our long-term goal is to achieve a higher sales volume generated from this broadened base of potential users through a balanced mix of retail partners," says Hess.

"We are thrilled to have Kroger carrying the AutoTrader brands," says Richard Jamin, president of AutoTrader Publishing. "The retail sales effort to implement a diversified distribution strategy makes perfect sense for our readers as well as our advertisers."

About AutoTrader Publishing

AutoTrader Publishing is a leading producer of classified automotive advertising publications. A wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Auto Trader, the company publishes 341 automobile and light truck titles for a total circulation of 3.5 million per week. AutoTrader Publishing is also a premier provider of online consumer information, garnering 4.2 million unique visitors per month through its companion Web site, AutoExtra.com. AutoTrader Publishing and parent company Cox Auto Trader are wholly owned subsidiaries of Atlanta- based Cox Enterprises, Inc., one of the nation's leading media companies and providers of automotive services.