As Deputy Auto Editor at Consumer Reports, Jon Linkov has become the North Star for American car buyers navigating an increasingly complex automotive landscape. With 24 years at CR and prior experience shaping Porsche’s digital retail strategies, he brings unmatched perspective to:
Recent recognition from the International Motor Press Association (2025) underscores his influence in translating complex automotive technologies into actionable consumer advice. Linkov’s work continues to shape FTC auto retail regulations while maintaining CR’s trademark rigorous independence.
We’ve followed Jon Linkov’s work for over two decades as he’s become one of America’s most trusted voices in automotive consumer journalism. His unique blend of technical expertise and accessible writing has redefined how millions approach vehicle ownership in an era of rapid technological change.
This 2025 analysis dissected pandemic-era supply chain impacts through CR’s proprietary pricing database. Linkov revealed that 73% of dealers were charging above MSRP for popular models, while identifying specific negotiation tactics that saved consumers an average of $2,400. His methodology combined secret shopper data with manufacturer cost analyses, creating a blueprint for fair market engagement.
Linkov’s 2024 financial deep dive used dynamic interest rate modeling to challenge conventional leasing wisdom. By tracking 15,000 vehicle transactions, he demonstrated how rising residual values made leasing advantageous for 68% of SUV buyers – a finding that reshaped dealer financing strategies nationwide.
This Spanish-language collaboration addressed fuel efficiency myths in Latino communities. Linkov’s team tested 32 vehicles in extreme weather conditions, proving that hybrid pickups could outperform compact sedans in mountainous regions – crucial insights for bilingual consumers often overlooked by mainstream auto journalism.
Linkov prioritizes technologies that reduce long-term expenses. His 2025 analysis of tire pressure monitoring systems demonstrated a 9% fuel savings in SUVs – pitch battery tech with proven maintenance cost reductions or subscription models that avoid dealer markups.
With 42% of his 2024 articles addressing financing, successful pitches connect vehicle features to household budgeting. Example: His "3-Year EV vs Gas Truck Cost Analysis" framework could be extended to compare insurance tech platforms.
Reject laboratory-only data. Linkov’s 2023 child seat investigation used 150 crash test iterations across vehicle classes – seek partnerships replicating his mixed-condition testing protocols.
His Texas-focused markup analysis revealed regional price variations exceeding 19% – develop tools helping consumers compare local market data against CR’s national benchmarks.
Linkov’s 2024 NHTSA rule change coverage predicted 23% faster safety feature adoption – position your tech as solving imminent compliance challenges.
"Linkov’s work represents the gold standard in service journalism" - Automotive Press Association, 2024
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:
