Being editor-at-large is Phil’s dream job: his mission is to get up close and personal to car companies, to find out exactly what’s going on with new cars, new technologies and what’s happening in the exciting world of car design. He loves interviewing car bosses in a bid to explain what’s really behind the stories that matter to readers and the industry. Phil has reported on cars for more than 25 years as editor of Car, Autocar’s news editor and he’s written for Car Design News and T3.

Phil says...

“Too many people take cars for granted: they give us incredible freedom and the cars we love reveal a lot about our personalities and beliefs. I love Italian cars, German engineering and am fascinated by the industry’s rapid – and impressive – switch to electric, zero emissions motoring. Auto Express is at the forefront of all that, striving to keep readers informed and entertained.”

Phil McNamara’s main areas of expertise

• Mainstream cars 
• Premium cars 
• Electric cars
• Car industry issues
• Developing digital audiences

Phil McNamara Q&A

Q. What was your first car? 

"Initially I shared cars with my big brother, such as a red Opel Kadett D (aka Astra Mk1) and – yes! – his Mazda MX-5. Having spun that – narrowly avoiding a lamp post – I was encouraged to get my own: a Vauxhall Corsa B in lurid green."   

Q. What is your dream car?

"I’m very fond of my low-mileage Golf GTi with performance pack, from 2017 just before VW added lots of digital features. I’m saving up for a Porsche 997.1 Carrera S, I’m quite partial to Range Rovers but my dream car is a Ferrari 458 Italia."

Q. If you could change one thing about cars, driving or the car industry today what would it be?

A: "I find many politicians’ ambivalence towards cars and the car industry very short-sighted. Cars empower families to move, create skilled, well-paid work and can be at the forefront of the UK’s commitment to tackle climate change, if we get serious about electric cars."

Social media and e-mail

• e-mail: phil.mcnamara@autoexpress.co.uk
• LinkedIn: Phil McNamara