Thesis (MPhil)--University of South Africa, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study deals with the history and development of motoring publications in South Africa since the start of the twentieth century. An important aspect of the study is the examination of the profitability of specialist motoring publications that are in direct competition with motoring sections in newspapers, radio and television. The ability of the motoring media to draw advertisements - especially from the car manufacturers - is also scrutinised. In this study the problems encountered by journalists seeking information or feed-back from certain car manufacterers, are highlighted. The study also covers new technical developments such as the Internet and the numerous new motoring websites and closes with case studies of two new ventures; one which was successful, another which failed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie handeloor die ontstaansgeskiedenis en ontwikkeling van die verskillende motortydskrifte en ander motorpublikasies in Suid-Afrika vanaf die begin van die twintigste eeu. 'n Belangrike aspek van die studie behels die ondersoek na die winsgewendheid van spesialispublikasies wat direk met motorbylaes in koerante, die radio en televisie kompeteer. Die vermoë van spesialispublikasies om advertensies te genereer, veral advertensies van motorvervaardigers, kom onder die soeklig. In die studie word ook gewys op die probleme waarmee motorjoernaliste te doen kry wanneer hulle inligting of terugvoer van sommige motorvervaardigers verlang. Die studie betrek ook nuwe ontwikkelings soos die Internet en die talle motorwebwerwe wat feitlik daagliks verrys en sluit af met twee gevallestudies van 'n suksesvolle en onsuksesvolle onderneming.