samotor to sa move
The first samotor magazine, or South Australian Motor as it was called at the time, was published in 1913.
Back then RAA was solely a motoring club, but as the 20th century progressed it evolved to include mapping, travel services and even insurance. Since then, the magazine has had several redesigns and its name tweaked.
Now, in the 21st century, RAA is entering the world of electric vehicle (EV) charging, while providing South Australians with a range of home and commercial solar and battery options. The organisation’s travel service is expanding, and our focus has grown from just motoring to other forms of mobility.
With this in mind, the samotor team set about deciding on a name to better reflect the magazine’s content. Our new name, sa move, embodies RAA’s future direction,
You’ll still find all your favourite content – albeit in a slightly different format.
As we move into the future, let’s look back at a few of the past editions.
1913
South Australian Motor is published independently, with RAA news included among other motoring information from around the state.
1934
RAA buys South Australian Motor in the early 1930s and prints its first true RAA publication in November 1934. It was printed monthly in a newspaper format to save on printing costs following the Great Depression.
1935
Local and international celebrities, including cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, appear on the front cover of South Australian Motor throughout the 1930s.
1936
Even in the early days, South Australian Motor was publishing road rules and safe driving techniques.
1942
It was common for South Australian Motor to advocate for lower registrations and reduced petrol taxes.
1954
South Australia’s vehicle registration had increased by 89 per cent since 1946 and RAA’s membership had tripled to 77,000 in the same amount of time. South Australian Motor was RAA’s main communication method with its members.
While RAA continued to advocate for motorists, it was also a source of information for new road rules that were being created as South Australia’s roads grew bigger and busier.
1969
RAA had its say on South Australian legislation relating to road rules and motoring, including the introduction of a demerit points system for motorists.
1973
In 1973, South Australian Motor reported on the introduction of breathalysers in SA as the dangers of drink driving were realised.
1986
In May, South Australian Motor was shortened and officially became known as samotor. With the introduction of a new name came a new “editorial flavour” with more lifestyle and travel content.
1999
As the world entered the new millennium, samotor celebrated with a futuristic Y2K-themed cover.
2017
samotor went through another redesign to modernise the publication and highlight travel and lifestyle as well as motoring.
2023
samotor becomes sa move to better reflect the travel, lifestyle, community and motoring content in the publication.
