James Amend (1972–2020) was Wards Intelligence’s senior editor specializing in AI and autonomous vehicle development. Based in Detroit, his work influenced regulatory frameworks and OEM R&D strategies through rigorous analysis of emerging technologies.
His legacy includes mentoring 23 junior reporters and shaping Wards’ Emerging Tech Desk, which continues to apply his methodology of combining patent analysis with executive interviews.
James Amend (1972–2020) was a senior editor and award-winning journalist at Wards Intelligence, where he became a leading voice in automotive technology and artificial intelligence reporting. Over his 13-year tenure, Amend documented pivotal moments in automotive history, from post-bailout restructurings to the rise of autonomous vehicles, blending technical expertise with narrative-driven analysis.
This 2023 investigation revealed how BMW’s Garage venture arm integrated Tactile Mobility’s road-surface sensors into its i7 electric sedan lineup. Amend dissected the partnership’s technical specifications, including the system’s ability to adjust suspension settings within 0.2 seconds of detecting potholes. The piece became essential reading for suppliers seeking OEM collaboration models, cited in 12 patent applications.
Amend’s 2024 critique of SAE International’s autonomy standards sparked industry-wide debate. Through interviews with 9 engineers, including Aurora’s Chris Urmson, he demonstrated how handoff protocols between drivers and machines created 2.3-second decision gaps—a fatal flaw in highway scenarios. The article directly influenced NHTSA’s 2025 proposal to eliminate Level 3 categorization.
This 2024 field report from Bedrock’s Assembly Garage showcased Bosch’s infrastructure-to-vehicle communication systems enabling hands-free parking. Amend’s technical analysis of the 5G mesh network’s 98.7% success rate in urban environments became a benchmark for municipal planners, referenced in Detroit’s 2030 mobility blueprint.
Amend prioritized stories examining how traditional automakers integrate startups’ AI solutions. His Bosch fuel-cell coverage [3] exemplified this, detailing how the supplier’s modular hydrogen stacks reduced commercial truck development cycles by 18 months. Pitches should highlight similar cross-industry R&D milestones with verifiable deployment timelines.
When analyzing proposed legislation, Amend demanded metrics like the EU’s 2030 CO2 reduction targets [3]. Successful pitches might explore how California’s AV testing policies affect sensor costs, using data from at least three manufacturers.
Despite testing 150+ vehicles for Wards’ 10 Best UX awards, Amend avoided routine reviews. A 2022 piece on Volvo’s safety data sharing [3] demonstrated his preference for systemic analyses over product-level critiques.
Received posthumously in 2021 for his 2020 series on pandemic-driven supply chain innovations. The judging panel highlighted his exposé on Ford’s Transportation Mobility Cloud, which reduced urban delivery times by 22% through machine learning rerouting.
“James had an unmatched ability to translate torque curves and neural networks into boardroom strategies.” – Alissa Cleland, Bosch VP of Communications [6]
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on AI, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
