Motor Age, the nation's oldest automotive trade publication, was formed in 1899 and has had a YouTube channel since 2010. Of all the auto repair channels out there, we think it's the only one that has been, as we say, "Advancing the automotive professional with accurate and up-to-date technical information." Its popularity with viewers was recently proven as it surpassed 100,000 subscribers.
It's through the hard work of Pete Meier, who began his tenure with Motor Age as technical editor and later transitioned to the position of creative director, technical, as his time became more consumed by video projects, that the YouTube channel and other social media channels have been able to flourish.
“As a working technician prior to joining Motor Age, I knew how hard it was to access the training I needed to stay current," Meier said. "I wanted to do everything I could as the technical editor to make training and related resources available to the men and women trying to earn their living as professional automotive techs. That gave birth to our social media efforts; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and, of course, YouTube."
So, what makes Motor Age video content different?
"Over the past dozen years, I’ve tried to produce video content (for YouTube and in our live webcasts) that would help our viewers tackle the challenges of the rapidly changing technologies they face," Meier continued. "And rather than focus on fixing a certain problem on a certain model vehicle, like so many other YouTube channels do, I wanted to focus on the underlying skills and knowledge needed to accurately diagnose and fix whatever rolled into their bays. Simply put, 'Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.' On our channel, I prefer to teach our viewers the why behind the how-to."
Staying engaged with readers and viewers is another area where Meier has differentiated himself...and the YouTube channel.
"I want our readers and viewers to know that I am committed to their success, and I spend each morning answering their questions and comments. And I will continue to do so, even as my role changes here at Endeavor Business Media. Finally, thank you to everyone who subscribes to our channel. We wouldn’t be where we are without you!”
Subscribe to updates from Pete Meier, Technical Editor Brandon Steckler, Contributing Editor Scott Brown, and more, at Motor Age - YouTube.
