Petersen Publishing Company was an American publisher known for its focus on automotive and motorcycle magazines. Founded in 1948 by Robert Petersen, the company gained popularity with titles like Hot Rod and Motor Trend, which catered to car enthusiasts and motorsport fans. In addition to magazines, Petersen Publishing also produced books and other media related to the automotive industry. The company played a significant role in shaping automotive culture in the United States until it was sold in the late 1990s, marking the end of an era for many of its iconic publications.