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

Toyota's space age modular EV van revealed!
By James Cleary · 18 Oct 2023
Toyota previews a sub-HiAce electric van ahead of the Japan Mobility Show.
Read the article
Toyota MR2 & Subaru Vortex or Celica & SVX?
By James Cleary · 17 Oct 2023
Toyota and Subaru look set to extend their model sharing partnership with both brands displaying battery electric sports car concepts at this month's Japan Mobility Show.
Read the article
Has the Nissan X-Trail just been updated?
By James Cleary · 17 Oct 2023
Nissan USA has revealed images and details of an updated 2024 Nissan Rogue, North America’s version of the X-Trail mid-size SUV, with a revised nose and tail treatment as well as a suite of Google services built into higher grade models.
Read the article
Has Toyota built a RAV4 Rugged?
By James Cleary · 13 Oct 2023
If you like the idea of Toyota’s flagship RAV4 Edge grade, but would love some specialised additions to toughen it up for off-road adventure, a new edition just released in Japan could be the answer to your 4WDing prayers.
Read the article
VW ID.4 / ID.5 SUV EVs upgrade before launch
By James Cleary · 11 Oct 2023
Lucky us! Volkswagen's upcoming ID.4 and ID.5 have been updated with more equipment and grunt before they've even arrived in Australia
Read the article
2024 SsangYong Musso and Rexton upgrades
By James Cleary · 11 Oct 2023
Upgraded multimedia, dynamic tweaks, extra colour choices and a new model grade are the headline changes for the 2024 SsangYong Musso 4x4 dual-cab ute and Rexton seven-seat SUV.
Read the article
Will an electric Porsche 718 hit or miss?
By James Cleary · 11 Oct 2023
Confirmed for a "mid-decade" arrival by Porsche global CEO, Oliver Blume, the all-electric 718 sports car is closing in on the end of its development program.
Read the article
The Ferrari Index is rising!
By James Cleary · 06 Oct 2023
What some financial analysts see as a solid indicator of an economy's overall health, 'The Ferrari Index', is pushing strongly into positive territory, with the famous Italian marque's local year-on-year sales up close to 20 per cent to the end of September, 2023.
Read the article
2024 Lexus LS luxury sedan flagship upgraded
By James Cleary · 06 Oct 2023
While the German ‘Big Three’ have embraced the EV age with large luxury four-doors like the Audi e-tron GT, BMW i7 and Mercedes-Benz EQS, the Lexus LS continues with (primarily) internal combustion power for the 2024 model year.
Read the article
Upgraded 2024 Outlander coming for RAV4
By James Cleary · 05 Oct 2023
After two years in the local market Mitsubishi has upgraded its already popular Outlander mid-size SUV with additional standard convenience features, updated safety tech and fresh colour options across the range.
Read the article