Csaba Csere, the longtime editor of Car and Driver, is leaving after 28 years at the magazine.

The news comes amdist rumors that CaD will move to California and combine some operations with Road & Track, and that Csere was unhappy with the direction of his pub.

In a statement announcing the news, Alain Lemarchand, President & CEO, Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., said "We thank Csaba for his contributions at this magazine and wish him all the best in the future." And don't let the door hit you on the way out.

The full release is after the jump.

CSABA CSERE, VICE PRESIDENT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, CAR AND DRIVER WILL BE LEAVING HACHETTE FILIPACCHI MEDIA U.S. AT THE END OF THE YEAR

John Owens, Senior Vice President, Group Editorial Director for the Men's Titles, Named Acting Editor-in-Chief

New York City (December 16, 2008) — Alain Lemarchand, President & CEO, Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (HFM U.S., www.hfmus.com) announced today that Csaba Csere, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Car and Driver, will be leaving the company at the end of the year. Senior Vice President, Group Editorial Director John Owens will be Acting Editor-in-Chief until a permanent replacement is named.

"Csaba is widely respected as one of the top authorities on cars and the automotive industry, making regular appearances on national television programs like The Today Show, NBC and CNN to comment on new models as well as the business of the automotive industry. We thank Csaba for his contributions at this magazine and wish him all the best in the future," commented Lemarchand.

Car and Driver's expert editorial team is recognized by car enthusiasts and automotive manufacturers as credible journalists who practice to the highest standards. The magazine is published by Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (www.hfmus.com) twelve times each year delivering an audience of over 10 million readers monthly (source: MRI Fall 2008). With a circulation of over 1.3 million copies (ABC Jan-June 2008), the Car and Driver is the world's largest monthly automotive magazine. The magazine is a leading publication for in-market buyers, and the Car and Driver brand extends to many platforms including websites, mobile sites, radio, custom marketing programs and an integrated marketing database.