Sponsored content on True Motion Auto is paid-for placement labeled "Sponsored" or "Partner Content" at the top of the piece and in any listing/feed that links to it. Sponsors can suggest a topic and review facts about their own product, but cannot edit our conclusions, request removal of a competitor comparison, or see or approve unrelated editorial content.
At a glance
| Aspect | Rule |
|---|---|
| Labeling | "Sponsored" or "Partner Content" tag on the article and in any feed/listing. |
| Who writes it | True Motion Auto staff or approved freelancers, not the sponsor. |
| Sponsor's editorial control | Fact-check of their own product claims only; no control over conclusions or comparisons. |
| Ratings | Sponsored articles never carry our star-rating or "Editor's Pick" badges. |
| Disclosure timing | Label appears before the reader starts reading, not only in fine print at the end. |
What counts as sponsored content
Sponsored content is any article, video or interactive piece for which True Motion Auto received payment or other consideration (free product, event access) from a brand for its creation or placement. This is distinct from affiliate links, which are ordinary editorial recommendations that happen to carry a commission on a resulting sale — see our Affiliate Disclosure for that separate arrangement.
How sponsored pieces are labeled
- A visible "Sponsored" or "Partner Content" tag appears above the headline, before a reader starts reading.
- The same label appears wherever the piece is linked — homepage modules, hub pages, newsletters and social posts.
- Sponsored articles use a visually distinct template so they can't be mistaken for standard reviews or guides at a glance.
- Sponsored pieces never carry our independent star-rating, "Editor's Pick," or "Best Value" badges, which are reserved for unpaid editorial testing.
What the sponsor controls — and what they don't
A sponsor can propose the topic, provide product information, and review a draft for factual accuracy about their own product before publication. What a sponsor cannot do: dictate the article's conclusion, remove an honest limitation or caveat, insert claims about competitors, or gain approval rights over unrelated editorial content elsewhere on the site. If a sponsor asks for changes outside factual accuracy, our compliance team reviews the request before anything is changed.
Writers and disclosure
Sponsored pieces are written by True Motion Auto staff or vetted freelancers under the same byline conventions as regular articles, with the sponsorship disclosed rather than hidden behind an unfamiliar author name. Writers are not paid a bonus tied to how favorably a sponsored piece portrays the sponsor's product.
Regulators including the FTC treat inadequately labeled sponsored content as deceptive advertising. Clear, upfront labeling protects readers' ability to judge the source of a claim — and it protects True Motion Auto's credibility, which is worth more long-term than any single sponsorship.
Reporting a concern
If you believe a piece on True Motion Auto reads like sponsored content but isn't labeled as such, email compliance@truemotionauto.com with the article URL. We audit labeling compliance regularly and will correct or add a label where one should exist.
Frequently asked questions
Can a sponsor pay to remove a negative comparison to a competitor?
Do sponsored articles get star ratings?
How is sponsored content different from an affiliate link?
Who writes sponsored articles?
Sources & further reading
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.