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

Why speed isn't the key road safety issue

By James Cleary · 22 Aug 2021

In the context of road safety in Australia, I’m about to say something outrageous. So repugnant it’s the equivalent of promoting smoking as a healthy pastime, positioning a gambling addiction as ‘just a bit of fun’, and endorsing a bad relationship with alcohol as something to be encouraged, especially in teenagers.

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Great Wall Haval's march to the top continues

By James Cleary · 17 Aug 2021

Great Wall Motor (GWM), arguably the most powerful of China’s ‘Big Four’ automotive brands, has released its latest production and sales numbers, and the likes of Toyota and Volkswagen will surely be taking even more notice than usual.

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Will a fully autonomous Tesla ever arrive?

By James Cleary · 15 Aug 2021

Within the confines of a teenager’s darkened bedroom (what’s so bad about an open window?), beta testing ‘Age of Empires IV’ could see Genghis Khan and his mongol hordes jeopardise the lives of more than a few Chinese peasant farmers.

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Cracking the 'green' hydrogen code

By James Cleary · 11 Aug 2021

Kia and Hyundai have confirmed their determination to bring hydrogen fuel cell power into the automotive mainstream, signing a memorandum of understanding with Canada’s Next Hydrogen, the goal being large-scale, economic production of ‘green’ hydrogen.

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Niki Lauda: 17 things you didn't know about the F1 champion

By James Cleary · 11 Aug 2021

Although the 2013 feature film Rush brought the name of three-time Formula One world champion Niki Lauda to the attention of a wider, younger audience, he’s been one of the most recognisable figures in the world of motorsport since his Formula One debut in the early 1970s.

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VW Caddy takes a holiday

By James Cleary · 11 Aug 2021

Volkswagen has launched a new version of its Caddy light commercial van, the California Maxi camper, adding a timely, lifestyle-focused dimension to the compact workhorse’s personality.

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Guess who's buying a Genesis!

By James Cleary · 24 Jul 2021

Although Genesis is still establishing itself at the premium end of the Australian new-car market, sales are beginning to steadily build.

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Genesis going full send on electric

By James Cleary · 10 Jul 2021

Already challenging established luxury brands with its tech, safety, and feature-laden sedans and SUVs, Genesis is set to broaden its Aussie market presence with the launch of three new all-electric models in early 2022.

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BMW M3 Competition 2021 review

By James Cleary · 17 Jun 2021

If the BMW M3's twin-turbo six-cylinder performance isn't enough for you, Munich's finest has another option. The M3 Competition adds more power, more torque, and $10K to the price tag. Could you settle for a 'base' M3 knowing this machine is available?

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Genesis G70 2021 review

By James Cleary · 11 Jun 2021

Genesis, a newcomer to the luxury car market, is a classic challenger brand. Its updated entry-level G70 is a sleek design, bristling with standard tech and features, wrapped up in a no-stone-unturned ownership package. Question is, are you ready to leave the established players behind, and take the plunge?

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