TMS to Distribute Columns by Acclaimed Auto Writer Jim Mateja

Tribune Media Services (TMS: 11.73, -0.37, -3.05%), the content-licensing unit of Tribune Company, today announced the introduction of two syndicated weekly columns by award-winning automotive writer Jim Mateja to print and online publishers and other media.

The column "Test Drive" takes a comprehensive look at "the good, the bad and the ugly," in Mateja's words, of new cars for consumers seeking advice before buying or leasing. The 700-word column reviews new vehicles for the current model year, including those just introduced such as the Smart Fortwo and Chevrolet Malibu. It also assesses those significantly updated, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Taurus. The column includes a graphic with a snapshot of the car's specifications, plus the pros and cons of overall performance.

The second column, "Auto Letters," provides straightforward answers to readers' questions about specific vehicles, industry trends, shopping, owning, leasing and taking care of cars. The 700-word column helps readers avoid problems, gives tips on what to do if problems occur and how to determine if dealers are following through correctly. Mateja is equally blunt in his replies if consumers have failed to do their homework, such as take a test drive or read a contract carefully.

Mateja is a renowned name in the automotive media field and has been writing about cars and the industry for nearly 40 years. The first car he reviewed was the Ford Pinto, after becoming the Chicago Tribune's automotive writer in 1970. Mateja has won numerous awards and was the founding president of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. He authored a book "Used Cars: Finding the Best Buys."

The columns will move on the McClatchy-Tribune Information Services wire and be available for purchase through TMS.
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TMS to Distribute Columns by Acclaimed Auto Writer Jim Mateja