Articles by James Cleary

James Cleary
Deputy Editor

James Cleary is CarsGuide's Deputy Editor, with over four decades’ experience across automotive editorial, marketing, product planning and creative advertising.

He has written for national and international titles including Wheels, Drive, Carsales, Motor and Top Gear Australia providing everything from new product assessment and feature writing to industry analysis, news content and expert advice.

He’s spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas.

James worked in the PR and advertising/sales promotion teams at Mercedes-Benz Australia and has managed the Marketing Communications and Product Planning functions for Peugeot Australia. He also directed advertising client service for Hyundai Motor Company Australia and Volvo Australia.

James has a Bachelors Degree in Communications from Macquarie University and driving qualifications from multiple advanced schools, including Ian Luff Motivation.

He has been a member of the CarsGuide team for 10 years and as Deputy Editor manages everything from sub-editing to back-end platforms while creating written and visual content.

Expertise

  • New product assessment
  • Industry analysis
  • News content
  • Expert advice
  • Feature writing

Experience

  • BMW Performance Driving School
  • Lamborghini Winter Accademia
  • Master Maserati Driving School
  • Mercedes-AMG Snow Performance School
  • Porsche Level 4 Master training
  • Volkswagen Driving Experience program

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts (MassComm) | Macquarie University | 1981-1984

Featured publications

2024 Hyundai Kona scores four ANCAP stars
By James Cleary · 15 Jan 2024
Independent safety body ANCAP Safety has awarded Hyundai’s recently released, second-generation Kona SUV a four- out of five-star rating for models sold in Australia and New Zealand.
Read the article
Chinese cars outselling Koreans in Australia
By James Cleary · 13 Jan 2024
In a sign of the automotive times, the number of new vehicles produced in China and sold in Australia in 2023 exceeded the number of cars coming from South Korea, now placing the manufacturing powerhouse in third position behind Japan and Thailand.
Read the article
Lexus LBX Morizo RR is a hi-po SUV concept
By James Cleary · 12 Jan 2024
Lexus has unveiled a high-performance concept version of its LBX compact hybrid crossover inspired by Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman, Akio Toyoda.
Read the article
New GWM Haval H9 4x4 coming for Prado!
By James Cleary · 12 Jan 2024
Fresh reports out of China have confirmed the imminent arrival of an all-new second-generation version of the full-size, seven-seat GWM Haval H9 SUV, with production scheduled to kick off in March this year and export sales commencing in August.
Read the article
Used cars selling faster for less!
By James Cleary · 11 Jan 2024
Easier stock availability in the Australian new car market appears to be impacting used car demand and values with new data from used car ‘B2B intelligence platform’ AutoGrab and the Australian Automotive Dealers Association (AADA) showing the average time it takes to sell a used car slightly decreased in December, 2023 with average retained value edging lower.
Read the article
BMW knocks off Merc in Aussie sales race!
By James Cleary · 10 Jan 2024
While Chevrolet, Chrysler and Ford constitute the USA’s traditional ‘Big Three’, the three-way battle for premium market supremacy between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz is the current German equivalent, on a global scale.
Read the article
First-generation Amarok gets a second life!
By James Cleary · 08 Jan 2024
As part of its commitment to grow its business in South America, Volkswagen is set to upgrade the first generation Amarok ute with a design refresh, improvements to key media tech and expanded safety systems.
Read the article
More than 25 models hit by ANCAP expiry date
By James Cleary · 08 Jan 2024
In line with ANCAP’s six-year lifespan for its new vehicle safety assessment ratings, more than 25 vehicles currently on sale in the Australian new car market were reclassified as ‘Unrated’ on January 1, 2024, many previously carrying a maximum five-star rating.
Read the article
Porsche 911 2024 review: Carrera T
By James Cleary · 01 Jan 2024
It was a hit in the '991' series Porsche 911 and it's back for the '992' generation. The Carrera T is a lightened and tweaked version of this iconic two-door sports coupe with a focus on a pure, enjoyable driving experience. Has it hit the bullseye again?
Read the article
CarsGuide's top 10 reviews of 2023 revealed
By James Cleary · 30 Dec 2023
EVs are on the rise, emerging brands from China are stealing a lot of the headlines and head-to-head comparison tests hit the mark for many, as reflected in the Top 10 most popular reviews we published this year. Here’s the countdown from 10 to one.
Read the article