Autoweek brand is owned by Crain Communications Inc., publisher of leading industry trade publications Advertising Age and Automotive News, among others, and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

Hearst Magazines entered a multi-year licensing deal with Crain Communications to operate the digital and experiential businesses of Autoweek.

[3] Autoweek began publication in 1958 as a bi-weekly motorsports newsletter, titled Competition Press.

[8] Leon's son, Dutch Mandel, joined Autoweek in 1997 holding leadership positions culminating with his time as publisher.

At its launch, Autoweek (then titled: Competition Press) aimed to provide information for car and racing enthusiasts that was not readily available through other media outlets.