James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Associate 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

Renault: Electric car grants needed “for some years” to come

European EV market growth is "not at the speed expected", says Renault's global sales boss

Renault: Electric car grants needed “for some years” to come
News

Dacia says Bigster success gives it freedom for the future

"Very significant" sales of brand's biggest, most expensive model yet gives it more flexibility

Dacia says Bigster success gives it freedom for the future
News

How Subaru plans to go electric – without losing enthusiasts

The Japanese firm's name evokes memories of rallying glory, but it's now fully embracing EVs

How Subaru plans to go electric – without losing enthusiasts
News

Subaru E-Outback: New name for 375bhp 4x4 estate in Europe

Off-road-ready wagon swaps Trailseeker for a more familiar name as it heads to UK showrooms

Subaru E-Outback: New name for 375bhp 4x4 estate in Europe
Car review

Hyundai Ioniq 9

Korean firm's new seven-seat electric flagship majors on practicality and long-distance refinement

Hyundai Ioniq 9
News

Christian Horner sacked as Red Bull F1 team boss

Brit, who led the squad since it entered F1 in 2005, looks to have paid the price for a downturn in form

Christian Horner sacked as Red Bull F1 team boss
News

How McLaren ended its 26-year F1 title drought

Piers Thynne, operating chief for Autocar Award winner McLaren F1, spills all on its return to glory

How McLaren ended its 26-year F1 title drought
Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH
Astons were up against Porsche, Toyota, Ferrari, Peugeot, BMW, Alpine…
News

Pride of the Valkyries: inside Aston Martin's Le Mans 24hr return

Aston Martin returned to Le Mans’ top tier after 14 years away and finished the race with plenty to feel positive about

Pride of the Valkyries: inside Aston Martin's Le Mans 24hr return
News

From Renault 5 to Panda: How François Leboine saved small cars

François Leboine has more than made his mark on contemporary motoring. We find out what inspires him

From Renault 5 to Panda: How François Leboine saved small cars
Scout EV Group 0748 wide
Terra pick-up and Traveler SUV will form the new Scout EV line-up
News

Scouting report: inside VW's new off-road brand

The Scout name is being revived as a VW Group-backed maker of off-road EVs

Scouting report: inside VW's new off-road brand
2025 Nissan Global Product and Technology Showcase   Media sessions (3)
Like the only other non-Japanese CEO did before him, Espinosa will need to forge Renault relations
News

Micra-management: Nissan boss unwraps firm's comeback plan

The Japanese firm's new CEO, 46-year-old Mexican Ivan Espinosa, shares his turnaround plan

Micra-management: Nissan boss unwraps firm's comeback plan

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