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Motor Trend (TV network)

{{short description|American automotive television network}}

{{redirect|Velocity (TV network)|the Canadian channel|Discovery Velocity}}

{{Infobox television channel

| name = Motor Trend

| logo = Motor Trend.svg

| logo_size = 200px

| launch_date = {{start date and age|2002|6|17}}

| picture_format = 1080i HDTV

| parent = Motor Trend Group

| country = United States

| language = English

| headquarters = El Segundo, California

| former_names = {{Plainlist|

  • Discovery HD Theater
  • (2002–2007)
  • HD Theater
  • (2007–2011)
  • Velocity
  • (2011–2018)

}}

| website = {{URL|watch.motortrend.com}}

| online_serv_1 = Service(s)

| online_chan_1 = Philo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, Vidgo

}}

Motor Trend is an American automotive television network owned by Motor Trend Group, a subsidiary of Hearst Magazines (which in turn is a division of Hearst Communications). It primarily broadcasts automotive-themed programming, including motorsports events.

It was originally founded in 2002 as Discovery HD Theater (later HD Theater), the first 24/7 high-definition basic cable network. It featured high-definition programming from its other channels. Redundant after the introduction of high-definition simulcasts for Discovery's networks, it re-launched by Robert Scanlon, Dan Russell, Shaan Akbar, Douglas Lerner, Nicole Tong, David Lee and Kelly Mahoney in 2011 as Velocity—an "upscale male" network primarily featuring automotive programming. Following Discovery's acquisition of a majority stake in the magazine's publisher, it was announced that Velocity would rebrand as Motor Trend on November 23, 2018, as a brand extension of the automotive magazine Motor Trend.

{{As of|2023|11}}, MT is available to approximately 65,000,000 pay television households in the United States-down from its 2017 peak of 74,000,000 households.{{cite web|url=https://wrestlenomics.com/u-s-cable-network-households-universe-1990-2023-nielsen-data/|title=U.S. cable network households (universe), 1990 – 2023|website=wrestlenomics.com|date=May 14, 2024|access-date=July 28, 2019}}

History

The network launched nationwide in the United States on June 17, 2002, as Discovery HD Theater;{{cite web|url=http://www.hdtvok.com/2002/04/16/discovery-to-launch-hd-theater/|title=Discovery to Launch HD Theater|last=Sherrard|first=Kevin|date=April 16, 2002|work=HDTV in Oklahoma}} and was the first 24/7 basic cable HD network in the US.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cablevision.com/about/news/article.jsp?d=032207|title=Cablevision News Releases & Press Releases {{!}} Cablevision Cable TV|website=www.cablevision.com|access-date=2016-05-15}} The channel was rebranded to HD Theater on September 22, 2007. Programming included shows from Discovery sister networks, such as American Chopper and Animal Planet's Corwin's Quest, in addition to original programming such as Sunrise Earth (which featured footage of outdoor scenes with no narration),{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/15/arts/television/15mckn.html|title=The Sun Always Rises on HDTV|last=Mcknight|first=Jenna M.|date=2006-10-15|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2016-05-15}} and history-focused titles such as When Dinosaurs Roamed America and Before We Ruled the Earth.{{Cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/discovery-communications-inc-launches-discovery-hd-theater-tm-a-new-24-hour-high-definition-television-channel-77914282.html|title=Discovery Communications, Inc. Launches Discovery HD Theater (TM), A New 24-Hour High-Definition Television Channel|last=Inc.|first=Discovery Communications|website=www.prnewswire.com|access-date=2016-05-15}}

= As Velocity =

By 2011, as high definition feeds of mainstream networks had become more common, HD Theater no longer filled a unique niche.{{Cite web|url=http://www.tvworthwatching.com/post/CHANGING-CHANNELS-HI-to-H2-HDTheater-to-Velocity.aspx|title=CHANGING CHANNELS: HI to H2, HDTheater to Velocity|website=www.tvworthwatching.com|access-date=2016-05-15}} On April 14, 2011, Discovery Communications announced that HD Theater would be re-launched as Velocity later in the year; the re-launch took place on October 4, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2011/07/tca-discovery-sets-launch-date-for-velocity-adds-big-names-to-curiosity-preps-science-channels-trek-nation-151509/|title=TCA: Discovery Sets Launch Date For Velocity, Adds Big Names to 'Curiosity', Preps Science Channel's 'Trek Nation', Introduces 'Weed' Team|last=Richmond|first=Ray|date=July 29, 2011|work=Deadline Hollywood}} The network targeted an "upscale male" audience, and focused primarily on automotive-oriented programming.{{cite web|last=Gorman|first=Bill|title=Discovery Communications Introduces Velocity — A Turbocharged Network For An Upscale Male Audience|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/network-press-releases/discovery-communications-introduces-velocity-a-turbocharged-network-for-an-upscale-male-audience/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814022103/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/network-press-releases/discovery-communications-introduces-velocity-a-turbocharged-network-for-an-upscale-male-audience/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 14, 2017|work=TV by the Numbers|date=April 14, 2011}}{{cite web|title=Discovery Launches Velocity Channel, Aimed at Rich Men|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/television/discovery-launches-velocity-channel-aimed-rich-men-130717|work=Adweek|author=D.M. Levine|date=April 18, 2011}}{{cite web|last=Lawler|first=Richard|title=Discovery HD Theater is becoming Velocity, focuses on programming for 'upscale male audience'|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/04/14/discovery-hd-theater-is-becoming-velocity-focuses-on-programmin/|work=Engadget|date=Apr 14, 2011}}

=As Motor Trend=

On August 3, 2017, Discovery announced that it would contribute Velocity into a joint venture with the digital, live events, and direct-to-consumer businesses of automotive publisher TEN: The Enthusiast Network. Discovery will hold a majority stake in the venture.{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/discovery-communications-partners-ten-network-auto-portfolio-1202141715/|title=Discovery Communications Partners With TEN Network For Auto Portfolio|last=Evans|first=Greg|date=August 3, 2017|work=Deadline|access-date=September 18, 2017}}

In April 2018, it was announced that TEN had been renamed the Motor Trend Group, and that Velocity would rebrand to Motor Trend Network later in 2018. Co-branded with the automotive magazine Motor Trend, the rebranding was part of an effort by Discovery, following its acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive, to focus more on direct-to-consumer offerings targeting niche topics with "passionate" audiences. Motor Trend already operates the subscription video-on-demand service Motor Trend OnDemand, and had plotted out international expansion (including a British launch of Motor Trend OnDemand in the UK in December 2017, and a forthcoming over-the-air Motor Trend television channel in Italy.{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2018/04/discovery-rebrands-velocity-motor-trend-network-1202361557/|title=Discovery Rebrands Velocity As Motor Trend Network|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=2018-04-10|work=Deadline|access-date=2018-04-20}}{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/discovery-motor-trend-network-scripps-food-network-hgtv-upfront-1202748812/|title=Discovery Rebrands Velocity as Motor Trend Network (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=2018-04-10|work=Variety|access-date=2018-04-20}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/discovery-launches-motor-trend-demand-uk-amazon-channels-417159|title=Discovery Launches 'Motor Trend On Demand' in UK on Amazon Channels|work=Multichannel|access-date=2018-04-20}}

Velocity officially rebranded as Motor Trend on November 23, 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2018/11/discovery-velocity-network-sets-date-for-motor-trend-rebrand-1202501212/|title=Discovery's Velocity Network Sets Date For Motor Trend Rebrand|last=Hayes|first=Dade|date=2018-11-13|work=Deadline|access-date=2018-11-23}}

International versions

In Canada, Discovery Velocity launched on February 12, 2015. The channel was, originally, the Canadian version of Discovery HD Theater, and had been branded as Discovery World immediately prior.{{cite web|title=High Stakes Adventure, Precision Machines, Raw Power: Specialty Service Discovery Velocity Launches February 12|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1471569/high-stakes-adventure-precision-machines-raw-power-specialty-service-discovery-velocity-launches-february-12|website=Press release|access-date=20 January 2015}}

In some markets, Discovery operates similarly-themed channels known as Discovery Turbo (Asia-Pacific, Latin America, UK/Ireland), DTX (Europe, except UK/Ireland), and Motor Trend (Italy), which feature a similar focus on automotive-themed programs.

Programming

=As Discovery HD Theater=

=As Velocity/Motor Trend=

==Event coverage==

In 2015, Discovery acquired the broadcast rights to Barrett-Jackson's automobile auctions, previously held by Fox Sports. Chris Jacobs and Ray Evernham of AmeriCARna hosted the Barrett-Jackson Live broadcasts on Discovery and Velocity, joined by Rick DeBruhl, Mike Joy, and Steve Magnante.{{cite web|title=Discovery and Velocity Channels Name New 'Barrett-Jackson Live' On-Air Team (Exclusive Video)|url=https://www.thewrap.com/discovery-and-velocity-channels-name-new-barrett-jackson-live-on-air-team-exclusive-video/|website=TheWrap.com|date=19 December 2014 |access-date=13 February 2015}} The rights moved to A&E Networks in 2020;{{cite web |last=Golfen |first=Bob |date=January 30, 2020 |title=Barrett-Jackson switches networks, leaving Discovery and joining A+E |url=https://journal.classiccars.com/2020/01/30/barrett-jackson-switches-networks-leaving-discovery-and-joining-ae/ |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=The ClassicCars.com Journal |publisher=The Collector Car Network, Inc.}} in October 2021, Motor Trend Group subsequently reached an agreement with Mecum Auctions beginning in 2022, succeeding its agreement with the soon-to-be-defunct NBCSN.{{Cite web |last=Umstead |first=R. Thomas |date=2021-10-28 |title=MotorTrend Group Secures TV Rights to Mecum Auctions |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/motortrend-group-secures-tv-rights-to-mecum-auctions |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=Multichannel News |language=en}}

In April 2018, it was announced that Discovery and Motor Trend Group had acquired the North American broadcast rights to the FIA World Endurance Championship, beginning with the 2018-19 "super season", also replacing Fox Sports. The first and last hours of most events are televised by Motor Trend (with the entire events streaming on Motor Trend digital platforms), and there is live flag-to-flag television coverage of the 1000 Miles of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans. The broadcasts are produced by Eurosport, Discovery's pan-European sports network.{{Cite news|url=http://autoweek.com/article/sports-cars/world-endurance-championships-inks-new-broadcast-agreement-velocity-motor-trend|title=World Endurance Championship inks new broadcast agreement with Velocity, Motor Trend|work=Autoweek|access-date=2018-05-04}}{{Cite news|url=http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/velocity-motor-trend-named-new-wec-north-america-tv-partner|title=Velocity, Motor Trend Named New North America TV Partner|work=Sportscar365|access-date=2018-05-04}}

==Original==

  • All Girls Garage
  • American Icon: Muscle Car
  • Ant Anstead Master Mechanic
  • The Auto Firm with Alex Vega
  • Auto/Biography
  • Barrett-Jackson Live
  • Biggest And Baddest
  • Bitchin' Boot Camp {{cite press release|title=MotorTrend Greenlights First Reality Competition Series "Bitchin' Boot Camp"|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2019/10/22/motortrend-greenlights-first-reality-competition-series-bitchin-boot-camp-233312/20191022motortrend01/|publisher=Motor Trend|via=The Futon Critic|date=October 22, 2019}}{{Cite web|last=Scott|first=Jordon|title=Bitchin' Boot Camp Friday Watch Party!|url=https://www.hotrod.com/articles/bitchin-boot-camp-watch-party/|work=Hot Rod|date=April 30, 2020|access-date=September 9, 2020|language=en}}
  • Bitchin' Rides
  • Cafe Racer
  • Car Fix
  • Chasing Classic Cars
  • Dallas Car Sharks{{cite web|last=Bibel|first=Sara|title='Dallas Car Sharks' to Premiere Tuesday, July 23 on Velocity|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/06/27/dallas-car-sharks-to-premiere-tuesday-july-23-on-velocity/189417/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702114453/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/06/27/dallas-car-sharks-to-premiere-tuesday-july-23-on-velocity/189417/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 2, 2013|work=TV by the Numbers|date=June 27, 2013}}
  • Drift This
  • Engine Masters
  • FantomWorks
  • Faster with Newbern and Cotten
  • Fastest Cars in the Dirty South
  • Inside West Coast Customs
  • Iron Resurrection starring Joe and Amanda Martin{{cite web|last=|first=|title= MotorTrend TV Renews Three Most Watched Series - Bitchin' Rides, Iron Resurrection, and Texas Metal|url=https://corporate.discovery.com/discovery-newsroom/motortrend-tv-renews-three-most-watched-series-bitchin-rides-iron-resurrection-and-texas-metal/|date=2020-08-11|accessdate= 2021-07-09}}
  • Garage Squad
  • Junkyard Empire
  • Kings of Crash
  • Life Size
  • Mike Brewer's World of Cars
  • Miracle Ball{{cite web|last=Bibel|first=Sara|title=Documentary 'Miracle Ball' to Premiere Saturday, September 29 on Velocity|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/09/07/documentary-miracle-ball-to-premiere-saturday-september-29-on-velocity/147807/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504154218/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/09/07/documentary-miracle-ball-to-premiere-saturday-september-29-on-velocity/147807/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 4, 2014|work=TV by the Numbers|date=September 7, 2012}}
  • Motorhead Garage TV
  • MotorTrend: Working from Home
  • NASCAR 2020: Under Pressure
  • NASCAR All In: Battle for Daytona
  • One of a Kind
  • Patrick Dempsey: Racing Le Mans{{cite web|title=Patrick Dempsey Chases the World's Best Drivers and Past Racing Legends in 'Patrick Dempsey: Racing Le Mans' on Velocity|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/press-releases/patrick-dempsey-chases-the-worlds-best-drivers-and-past-racing-legends-in-patrick-dempsey-racing-le-mans-on-velocity/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814054953/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/press-releases/patrick-dempsey-chases-the-worlds-best-drivers-and-past-racing-legends-in-patrick-dempsey-racing-le-mans-on-velocity/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 14, 2017|work=TV by the Numbers|date=June 20, 2013}}
  • Pikes Peak: On the Edge
  • Restoration Garage
  • RMD Garage
  • Roadkill
  • Roadkill Garage
  • Saw Dogs
  • South Beach Classics
  • Speed Is The New Black
  • Super Turbo Story Time{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2022/06/motortrend-taps-titmouse-for-first-animated-series-super-turbo-story-time/|title=MotorTrend Taps Titmouse for First Animated Series 'Super Turbo Story Time'|first=Mercedes|last=Milligan|website=Animation Magazine|date=June 10, 2022}}
  • Tech Toys 360
  • Texas Metal
  • Top Gear America (Reboot){{cite press release|title=MotorTrend and BBC Studios Announce the Coproduction of a Brand-New U.S. Format of "Top Gear America" (wt) Series, and MotorTrend Will Be Streaming "Top Gear UK" in the U.S. and Canada!|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2019/04/10/motortrend-and-bbc-studios-announce-the-coproduction-of-a-brand-new-us-format-of-top-gear-america-wt-series-and-motortrend-will-be-streaming-top-gear-uk-in-the-us-and-canada-385005/20190410motortrend01/|publisher=Motor Trend|via=The Futon Critic|date=April 10, 2019}}{{cite web|title=REVEALED! Meet the Hosts of Top Gear America|url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/top-gear-america-hosts-revealed/|work=Motor Trend|date=December 3, 2019}}{{cite press release|title=Join the Joy Ride! "Top Gear America," Starring Dax Shepard, Rob Corddry and Jethro Bovingdon, Premieres January 29 on the MotorTrend App|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/12/09/join-the-joy-ride-top-gear-america-starring-dax-shepard-rob-corddry-and-jethro-bovingdon-premieres-january-29-on-the-motortrend-app-138211/20201209motortrend01/|publisher=Motor Trend|via=The Futon Critic|date=November 10, 2020}}
  • Turn n' Burn
  • Unique Rides
  • What's In The Barn?{{cite web|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|title=Velocity Launches Two Original Series Beginning in June|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/06/04/velocity-launches-two-original-series-beginning-in-june/185820/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818173302/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/06/04/velocity-launches-two-original-series-beginning-in-june/185820/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 18, 2013|work=TV by the Numbers|date=June 4, 2013}}
  • What's My Car Worth?
  • Wheels That Fail

==Acquired==

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

  • {{Official website|watch.motortrend.com}}

{{Motor Trend Group}}

{{VOD services}}

Category:Motor Trend Group

Category:Television channels and networks about cars

Category:English-language television stations in the United States

Category:Television channels and stations established in 2002

Category:2002 establishments in the United States

Category:Hearst Communications assets