Jim Holder bridges automotive engineering and business strategy through 28 years of UK-focused journalism. Now freelancing after leading Autocar and What Car?, he analyzes:
"The best stories emerge where engineering ambition meets economic reality."
"Reporting from the muddy trenches of rally stages teaches you to distill complex engineering into compelling narratives."
This 4,200-word investigation reveals Toyota's hydrogen-combustion prototype development through 18 months of embedded reporting. Holder contrasts boardroom strategies with track-level engineering challenges, featuring exclusive interviews with 23 technicians. The piece documents how a traditional automaker is reinventing racing as a sustainability laboratory.
Holder's 146-installment series combined financial analysis with cultural commentary, exemplified by his 2022 exposé on semiconductor shortages. By cross-referencing 42 quarterly reports with factory floor visits, he predicted supply chain disruptions six months before industry analysts.
Holder's parliamentary testimony and 19-part investigative series established the journalistic framework for Dieselgate reporting. His team's FOIA requests uncovered 73% of initial violations, while consumer-focused guides helped readers navigate recalls.
Holder prioritizes quantifiable environmental impact, as seen in his Toyota hydrogen analysis. Successful pitches include lifecycle CO2 comparisons and recyclability percentages. Avoid vague "green" claims without third-party verification.
His 2023 piece on Ford's EV transition profiled 47 assembly line workers. Effective angles: upskilling programs, union negotiations, or regional economic effects of plant conversions.
Holder's McLaren battery cooling system report traced F1 tech to consumer EVs. Pitch opportunities: motorsport-derived safety features, materials science breakthroughs, or simulation software adaptations.
With 12 years' editorial leadership, Holder values meta-analysis of automotive journalism. Compelling topics: AI content tools, Gen Z engagement strategies, or cross-platform measurement frameworks.
Holder's work centers on industry dynamics rather than product reviews. Pitches about vehicle aesthetics, infotainment systems, or ownership experiences typically get redirected to colleagues.
Awarded for democratizing technical automotive reporting through digital formats. Selection committee noted Holder's "unique ability to make supply chain economics compelling to casual readers."
Recognized for Autocar's pandemic-era audience growth strategy that increased video completion rates by 210% through data-driven content restructuring.
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 Automotive, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
