Toronto auto section celebrates 20th anniversary

Dennis Morgan, editor of the Wheels section at the Toronto Star, discussed in his Saturday column the positives and negatives to writing about the auto industry.

Morgan wrote, “I knew that if Wheels was to be a success, it had to have integrity. I insisted, before taking on the new role, that Wheels should have the same high journalistic standards as any other editorial section of the paper.

“Our reports, particularly car reviews, would be fair, honest, accurate and balanced and not just ‘puff’ pieces for the manufacturers and dealers. This quickly became an issue … but more on that later.”

Later, he wrote, “That first year of Wheels was tough sledding, however. When we criticized vehicles, some dealers complained and threatened to withdraw advertising. When we praised a vehicle, some readers wrote to say we were in bed with the manufacturers.

“When Wheels was launched 20 years ago, it was an idea whose time had come. Throughout its history it has strived to be the best automotive newspaper section anywhere.”

Read more here.