James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar’s associate editor, and has more than 20 years of experience of working in automotive and motorsport journalism. He has been in his current role since September 2024, and helps lead Autocar's features and new sections, while regularly interviewing some of the biggest names in the industry.

He joined Autocar in 2017 and worked as digital editor, deputy editor and executive editor before taking on a new challenge in 2021 as the launch editor of Move Electric, Haymarket’s website that covers all forms of e-mobility. He returned to Autocar in 2023 for a stint as acting magazine editor.

Before moving into automotive, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalism, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, editing the latter title for three years. During that time he covered everything from club rallies to top-level international events, and interviewed many of the true greats of the sport. That included Porsche sportscar great Richard Attwood, who James is slightly disappointed to note is no relation.

James has also made regular media appearances on the BBC and other television and radio outlets. 

James graduated from Keele University with a degree in English and International Politics. Through covering the machinations of the car industry, the latter bit is often the most useful.

James is an expert in:

  • Global automotive industry news
  • Electric car news and reviews
  • Executive interviews
  • New car news
  • Micromobility, including e-bikes and e-scooters
  • Motorsport
  • New car reviews
  • Volkswagen currywurst

James Attwood Q&A

What was your biggest news story?

While I’ve unearthed plenty of big news and scoops over the years, it seems my journalistic legacy will be the time I secured world exclusive access to make Volkswagen currywurst – the car giant’s legendary in-house sausage – for an Autocar feature. It geuinely took months of effort to secure access and a strong stomach to experience, but it resulted in a unique and memorable story. 

What’s the best car you’ve ever driven?

Clearly it was my first car, a Peugeot 206 1.4 GL. At least that’s what my nostalgic memory insists. More seriously, I’m not sure I could name a singular ‘best’ car – it’s all about what your purpose is. Of recent drives, the Porsche Taycan stands out as particularly impressive. And I’ve got a serious soft spot for the Citroën Ami (which technically isn’t a car).

What will the car industry look like in 20 years?

It won’t be the car industry, for one thing: it’s the mobility industry. Don’t dismiss mobility as a trendy buzzword: it reflects the truth that in the age of electrification the car world is increasingly part of a wider ecosystem, with shared technology and more. There’s a reason Porsche is investing heavily in e-bikes, you know. But don’t fret that such moves will mean the end of the car: private mobility will remain a key requirement for many, and there will still be car that are designed to be fun to drive.

News

Crucial Volvo EX60 to start testing this year ahead of 2026 launch

Electric equivalent of best-selling XC60 SUV will provide a 'huge boost' to Swedish firm's EV ambitions

Crucial Volvo EX60 to start testing this year ahead of 2026 launch
News

Volvo sets sales record in 2024, but warns of 'severe tests' ahead

Potential trade war and Chinese market changes could hit the industry this year, says Volvo boss

Volvo sets sales record in 2024, but warns of 'severe tests' ahead
News

Nissan set to withdraw from Honda merger talks, says report

Deal to unite the two Japanese giants is in doubt after tension during negotiations

Nissan set to withdraw from Honda merger talks, says report
EV Handling Test 2023 173
The government will only allow new zero-emission cars to be sold from 2035 onwards
News

Autocar's view on the planned 2030 ICE phase-out

Our response to the UK government consultation on plans to ban the sale of new non-zero emission cars and vans

Autocar's view on the planned 2030 ICE phase-out
Ferrari EV front three quarter
The EV will be revealed late this year before going on sale in 2026
News

First electric Ferrari to be revealed on 9 October

Ferrari's CEO said the firm will unwrap its future at its Capital Markets Day, hinting at debut for EV

First electric Ferrari to be revealed on 9 October
Aston Martin Valkyrie front tracking
Vibrations from Valkyrie's V12 engine could be simulated in future Aston EVs
News

Aston Martin EVs could get vibrating bodies for V12 feel

New Aston boss outlines plan to make future EVs as thrilling to drive as current combustion cars

Aston Martin EVs could get vibrating bodies for V12 feel
Autocar Aston Martin EV render
Aston's first EV – here imagined by Autocar – was previously planned for 2027
News

Aston Martin to launch first EV by 2030 after hybrid model blitz

New boss Adrian Hallmark outlines plans for the future, including mid-engined investment

Aston Martin to launch first EV by 2030 after hybrid model blitz
BMW iX 2025 xDrive 60 M Sport front qtr tracking
New line-up comprises 402bhp 45, 536bhp 60 and 659bhp M70 models
News

BMW iX facelift brings 426 miles of range for £92k

Extensive revisions give flagship EV up to 659bhp and a big range boost

BMW iX facelift brings 426 miles of range for £92k
Xpeng AeroHT Land Aircraft Carrier wide front
Aircraft folds up and automatically loads into the rear of the 'mothership'
News

Xpeng Land Aircraft Carrier with 'flying car' on track for 2026

Six-wheeled 'mothership' with range-extender electric powertrain is used to transport folding six-rotor aircraft

Xpeng Land Aircraft Carrier with 'flying car' on track for 2026
Car review

KGM Actyon

A coupé-SUV reworking of the Torres is the ex-Ssangyong brand's first car developed under new ownership

KGM Actyon
Long-Term Review

Used Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo long-term test

Can a brilliant EV also be a brilliant used buy? Here’s what we learned

Used Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo long-term test

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