This subfield deals with reporting, analysis, and commentary on the automotive industry, including news, reviews, and opinions on new vehicles and trends.
Automotive design: Understanding the basic principles of automotive design, including exterior and interior design elements, is crucial when reporting on car models.
Engine types: Familiarizing oneself with the various engine types, such as four-cylinder, V6 or V8, and hybrid engines, is essential to gaining a basic understanding of the car.
Car brands and models: Knowing the top car brands and models, their history and background, and their strengths and weaknesses, is crucial to becoming a competent automotive journalist.
Car technology: Understanding the latest advancements in car technology, such as self-driving cars and electric vehicles, is important given the increasing trend towards electric mobility and autonomous driving.
Automotive industry news: Keeping up-to-date with automotive industry news, such as new car releases and industry acquisitions, helps keep a writer's content relevant.
Car reviews: Writing car reviews is one of the primary tasks of an automotive journalist, and therefore knowing to write impartial, comprehensive, and informative reviews is crucial.
Car trends: Identifying and reporting on car trends such as the popularity of SUVs or the rising trend of compact cars is important in staying ahead of the curve in a constantly evolving industry.
Motorsport coverage: Covering motorsports, such as Formula 1, NASCAR or drag racing, and how they relate to the automotive industry, can be a fascinating way of engaging with car enthusiasts.
Safety rating: A good understanding of car safety ratings, crash test results, and vehicle recalls is essential in informing readers and keeping them safe.
Car shows and events: Attending and reporting on various international automotive events and expos like the Geneva Motor Show and Frankfurt Auto Show helps provide automotive enthusiasts with first-hand experience of a broad range of automotive models.
Green technology: With the world shifting its focus towards energy efficiency, it is imperative for automotive journalists to have a good knowledge of hybrid technology, electric cars, and fuel-efficient models.
Automotive culture: To become a great automotive journalist, one must sincerely appreciate and embrace the culture surrounding cars, including customization, car clubs, and even car racing.
News: Reporting on new car launches, concept cars, updates, and industry news.
Reviews: Detailed test drives and evaluations of new or existing cars.
Comparisons: Side-by-side assessments of two or more cars in the same segment or price range.
Features: In-depth articles that go beyond the typical "car review" format and covers a specific aspect of the car industry or culture.
Technical: Articles that cover the mechanics, engineering, and other technical aspects of cars.
Opinion: Articles written by a journalist expressing their personal viewpoints on car-related topics.
History: Articles and stories about the history of car brands, models, or specific cars.
Lifestyle: Articles that explore how cars impact our daily lives and culture, including topics like car collecting, enthusiasts, and transportation trends.
Industry analysis: Articles on the business side of the automotive industry, including trends, mergers, and acquisitions.
Photography and videography: Journalistic approaches that rely heavily on visuals to tell a story, ranging from photo essays and video reviews to drone footage and social media stories.