Richard Aucock
Title: Car industry expert
Richard Aucock has been writing about cars and motoring for more than 25 years. His first published writing was in the Italian Car Club magazine and he wrote for local newspapers while at college.
In 1996, he won the Guild of Motoring Writers’ IMCO Motoring Writer of the Future Award, following it up in 1998 with the Sir William Lyons Award. These awards helped him get a foot on the ladder and he became a full-time motoring journalist straight after leaving university.
Richard studied Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham University. While there, he was heavily involved in the University’s Motor Club, eventually becoming its chairman.
He is a juror for World Car Awards and the UK juror for European awards initiative AUTOBEST. He is also vice chair of the Guild of Motoring Writers, after serving two terms as chair. He is a Life Member of the organisation too.
Richard is a keen watcher of the new car market, following the latest model developments closely. He is also fascinated by the broader industry and keeps a close eye on the latest news and developments.
What advice would you give to car buyers?
Take your time. There’s so much choice in the marketplace these days, it’s impossible to consider everything in a flash. What’s more, individual cars now have far more features to take in and it can all become a bit overwhelming if you’re trying to do it in a hurry. Don’t let anyone rush you, as buyer’s remorse is a frustrating feeling. Being diligent and careful will also lessen the risk of overlooking something that, again, you may come to regret later.
What was your first car?
A 1986 Fiat Panda 1000S. I acquired it in early 1995, way ahead of even getting my provisional licence. It sat on the driveway while I fixed the rusty doors and, er, the hole in the roof: it had a wooden panel where a sunroof once resided. I spent longer than you’d ever believe searching scrapyards for a right-sized replacement glass panel. It was a glorious August when I finally passed my test and got to drive it, well, anywhere and everywhere.
What cars do you currently own?
My own car is a 2003 BMW 330i Touring. I’ve long since decided I don’t want to sell it, even renting a garage so I can keep it tucked safely away. I also have a 1999 Ford Puma, which is a bit of a project, while our family hack is a Honda CR-V. There may be more additions to the fleet soon – I just need to work out parking…
