Australian free-to-air network SBS has inked a deal with BBC Worldwide for the rights to a local version of Top Gear. Freehand Productions, BBC Worldwide’s Australasian partner, will produce eight-episode series to air on SBS in 2008. BBC Worldwide identified Top Gear as one of its top priority brands across all platforms. Top Gear Managing Director at BBC Worldwide, Adam Waddell, said, “With the UK series viewed in more than 100 countries worldwide, and BBC Top Gear magazine licensed in 19 countries, our focus is very much about expanding the brand through areas such as local production and localised online content.” SBS has also extended its commitment to the entire series of UK version. Top Gear has aired on the network since 2005 and is its highest-rated non-sport show. Matt Campbell, SBS Director of Content, said SBS plans to make the show “uniquely and quintessentially Australian”.