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

Lancia's big electric car comeback!
By James Cleary · 11 Nov 2023
Over its close to 120 years as a carmaker, Lancia has been through significant ups and downs. From leading the world as an engineering and design innovator in the 1920s to the ignominy of having its badge applied to a variety of Chrysler models just 10 years ago.
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Maserati's MC20 Notte Edition night rider
By James Cleary · 10 Nov 2023
Just over two years after the global launch of its mid-engine twin-turbo V6 MC20 supercar, Maserati has introduced the MC20 Notte, a limited edition version featuring a range of cosmetic and specification upgrades.
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Merc CLA upgrades lift spec and prices
By James Cleary · 09 Nov 2023
Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed pricing and specification for upgraded versions of its CLA compact four-door coupe models, including performance-focused Mercedes-AMG variants.
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Ferrari says internal-combustion lives on!
By James Cleary · 04 Nov 2023
Petrochemical giants including ExxonMobil, Petrochina, Sasol and Shell, not to mention carmakers like BMW, Porsche and Toyota are making substantial investments in the development of carbon-neutral synthetic fuel to keep the internal combustion engine (ICE) alive.
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Porsche Taycan’s “overwhelming success”
By James Cleary · 03 Nov 2023
When Porsche introduced the Cayenne SUV just over 20 years ago the world was knocked off its axis for many devotees of Zuffenhausen’s finest. But that was only a small tremor relative to the seismic disruption that accompanied the arrival of Porsche’s first pure electric vehicle, the Taycan, in 2019.
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Elfin Sports Cars poised for a comeback!
By James Cleary · 01 Nov 2023
After a 10-plus year hiatus Elfin Sports Cars, a name familiar to Australian racing and sports car enthusiasts, is poised to make a production comeback thanks to purchase of the brand and its assets by Melbourne-based classic car specialist Young Timers Garage.
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Aussie pricing confirmed for new Ford Mustang
By James Cleary · 26 Oct 2023
Ford has confirmed local pricing for the seventh-generation of its iconic Mustang sports coupe, scheduled to arrive in Australian showrooms in the second quarter of next year.
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Porsche's eFuel strategy gaining momentum!
By James Cleary · 26 Oct 2023
When HIF Global, Porsche’s partner in the production of synthetic fuel, announced its intention to establish a large-scale production facility near Burnie in north-west Tasmania, it represented a significant step in the company’s plan to produce over eight billion litres of ‘eFuel’ per year.
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The Honda Prelude returns!
By James Cleary · 25 Oct 2023
After a more than 20-year hiatus what appears to be the precursor to a sixth-generation Honda Prelude has debuted today at this year’s Japan Mobility Show.
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Buying a Ferrari might be about to get easier
By James Cleary · 24 Oct 2023
Longtime Ferrari President and Chairman, Luca di Montezemelo wanted acquiring one of the famous Italian brand’s products to be a challenge.
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