James is Autocar’s acting magazine editor, and brings more than 20 years of experience of working in automotive and motorsport journalism. He has been in his current role since June 2023, and is in charge of overseeing the day-to-day running of Autocar magazine, while regularly interviewing some of the biggest names in the industry to secures news and features
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.
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.
He 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.
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
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 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.
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