Chris Evans' Top Gear may have been a ratings flop in its native UK - but across the world it's proving to be a bigger hit than Jeremy Clarkson’s version of the BBC show.
In recent years, Top Gear has become the UK broadcaster's biggest global brand. Sales of the TV show, DVDs, books, live shows and other merchandise is believed to be worth more than €60m a year.
Today the head of its commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, has said Top Gear remains on an upward trajectory internationally.
"I am very happy with programme sales," said the BBC Worldwide chief executive, Tim Davie. He added that, compared to the last Clarkson season, Chris Evans's Top Gear "has sold into over 130 territories which is very strong and marginal growth versus the previous season".
"It is absolutely the case I think that Top Gear remains in very good health. It is a work in progress and we will have to see how it goes. I remain optimistic about Top Gear and its growth potential over the coming years", he added.
It's a small consolation for Chris Evans who last week announced his departure from the revamped Top Gear after just one season as host of the motoring show.
The 50-year-old announced his departure from Top Gear on Twitter, writing that he had given it his "best shot" but "sometimes that's not enough".
His departure came after the last episode of the new series finished up in the slow lane, drawing dismal ratings of just 1.9 million viewers - considerably lower than anything during the Jeremy Clarkson era.
