(26 February 2008 5:30 pm)

MUMBAI: AOL has launched a dedicated web destination in Mexico, http://www.aol.com.mx.

This combines safety features with free e-mail, instant messaging and localised content in Spanish.

AOL has partnered with Alestra to provide distribution and Grupo Editorial Expansión for content. It also will leverage its worldwide distribution partnership with HP to deliver a co-branded local language portal and search solution for Mexico. AOL will continue to add content and features over the coming months.

In association with CNN and Expansión magazine, Grupo Editorial Expansión operates CNNExpansion.com, an online project for business people who need reliable and up-to-the-minute business news and insightful analyses. Through this partnership, access to CNNExpansion.com articles and RSS feeds will be made available on the AOL Mexico portal. Grupo Editorial Expansión will also act as the in-country advertising sales support team.

AOL International executive VP Maneesh Dhir says, "Mexico is an important market in the Latin American region and we're committed to delivering a strong local offering that meets the needs of Mexican online consumers.

"This launch also advances AOL's global strategy to bring great products and services, along with customized content, to more countries in Latin America and around the world."

AOL Latin America VP, GM Ralph Rivera says, "One major goal is to connect people and their passions. No matter if they're fans of fútbol, Kate del Castillo or Maná, we want to make it easy for our users to find whatever they're looking for all in one place. By offering content and distribution from world-class partners such as Alestra Telco, Grupo Editorial Expansión and HP, we're well positioned to achieve this goal."