Still making progress on my book about the history of the UK company car and the policies that shaped it. Last week I had a fascinating lunch with Ashley Martin, who edited Fleet News through much of the 1990s – and appointed me as a reporter in 2000.

The story about the phrase “throwing one’s name into the ring” reminded me of my pet hate of people saying “the proof is in the pudding”, when the correct phrase is “the proof of the pudding is in the eating”. I’m not a violent man, but I have worrying moments when I hear the former.

I support the semantic reclamation of the word ‘humbled’, which is now routinely used incorrectly by people accepting awards or accolades. Humbled comes from the Latin ‘humus’, meaning earth or soil. It literally means being pushed into the dirt – a description of defeat, or punishment, not success.

First issue as editor of Fleet World.

Just letting those interested know I am now posting on Substack from time to time.

New Substack: how some car brand spin-offs work better than others.

I’m now on Substack delivering occasional automotive insights. If you like that kind of thing delivered to your inbox, go there and hit subscribe.

New test car: Kia EV4 GT Line.

Probably an illustration of shrinkflation, as well as gouging by Kraft/Cadbury and supermarkets. Three years ago the standard bag of Mini Eggs weighed 90g and cost £1. Now, it’s 74g and costs £2. The ‘family pack’ weighed 296g three years ago and costs £3. Now it’s 256g and £5.50.

Week one at Fleet World complete. Busy, messy, creative – and plenty of fun reminding myself why I’ve loved this industry for more than 25 years.

I’m looking at the calendar counting down to the end of 2025, which feels like a good moment to take a breath. To be honest, the period of sudden unemployment I went through this year was a bit of a shock to the system. It’s a strange, unsettling place to be.

What a fantastic night at The Guild of Motoring Writers Awards. It was a pleasure to see so many friends, colleagues and supporters come together to celebrate the very best in automotive journalism. 📸 Jakob Ebrey

Very pleased to have won Business Writer of the Year at the Guild of Motoring Writers’ awards last night…many thanks to the Guild and the judges. Congrats to all the other winners!

100 days ago, I discovered my role was being made redundant. Many of you will be familiar with that feeling of dread and upheaval that comes with career uncertainty. 1/4

Introduce yourself with 5 cars you’ve owned 1973 Jensen SP auto 1988 Bentley Turbo R 2006 Jaguar XJ6 2007 Seat Ibiza FR TDI 1993 Jaguar XJ12

Pitstop.

Reskeet with a time you looked cool.

Me, remembering how to sell stories this week.

I was very happy to offer my car market insight in this interview with Ennis & Co, on the importance of keeping residual values in focus for new brands entering the UK.

Four weeks since my previous post here. I think I’ve learned from M*sk that my life doesn’t depend on social media.

Bsky has been brought to you today by the letters X and J, and by the number 12. Last pic by @andrewbrady.bsky.social.

Rapture is tomorrow. Finally, some good news.

From an era when excess came as standard. #JaguarXJ12

After four years in a role I cared deeply about, I’ve reached an unexpected full stop. It’s hard to step away from something you’ve built, but I’ve always believed that every ending carries the seed of a beginning. I don’t yet know what the next chapter looks like, but I’m ready to find out.

My Mini notified me about a “surprise” to be found in the apps section.

When choice leads to confusion: how range complexity can undermine residual values. We all know variety can help a model appeal to more customers. Equipment grades, powertrain choices, and option packs can capture a wider audience, and this can also translate to stronger appeal as a used car.

Wondered about posting a version of a LinkedIn rant here. What’s the etiquette?

I am on “8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown” tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm. Tune in using UHF frequency 471.25 MHz. I’m in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent, which according the dictionary definition, is not actually in a ‘corner’.

Top 10 banger tv themes when I was a kid (1970s edition): 1. The Adventures of Rupert the Bear Sung by actual pop star Jackie Lee, it charted at No 14 in the UK. Rating: 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

Sometimes I write out a long comment rebuttal and then just delete it because I realize I don’t care. Do recommend

Washed ready for my first meet with Spalding and East Elloe Classic Car Club tomorrow. #Caturday

Arriving at yesterday’s Festival of the Unexceptional, like a boss.

Coming on September 12th: The Re-Henge of Spinal Tap. youtu.be/hxkZ7krBzA8?...

Anyone heading to Festival of the Unexceptional tomorrow?

Discovered my village is getting a milk round. EVs and recyclable glass bottles are all a bit zeitgeisty, but I’ll play along and see how it goes.

XJ12 is visiting the workshop today for a health check from a specialist. Feels almost where it should be mechanically, so not unduly worried. Cosmetic attention comes next.

If you’ve gone back to the other site, I think I’m owed an explanation.

More unintended consequences? If the purpose was to encourage the purchase of non-Chinese brands, it has a far wider impact. The Mini Aceman and electric versions of the Mini Cooper are currently only built in China. Probably a few more brands affected by it.

German-registered XJ12.

Now the weather has cooled, will I ever reach the giddy heights of 396 miles on a charge again this summer? 🤔 The best the Kia EV6 offers on WLTP combined is 361 miles for the Air grade, a step below this GT Line.

W126 420 SE seeking shade today.

Ageless‽ He looks like the Scotch Video Cassettes skeleton wearing a wig!

You, too, can cringe at Mercedes-Benz F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli promoting a 4x4 that uses BMW engines and transmissions.

‘Henman Hill’ at #Wimbledon is named after 1996 #F1 champion Damon Hill.

Neighbors.

My resumé

Cosmetic surgery is imminent for the XJ12. The ‘leaper’ hasn’t been standard in the UK for since the introduction of the XJ6 in 1968. It was never intended for these and later cars, and the problem with aftermarket fitting is it’s rare to find two in exactly the same place. So it’s got to go.

The same car that would only give me 266 miles of range on a full charge just a few short months ago. Summer is good for EVs. 😎