Visited a cat cafe last week. This is Jack.

The 1990s was a period of transition. Newly available data on total cost of ownership (from CAP Monitor) gave business and leasing companies access to data that showed the penalty per mile of indulgent choices. Tax was important too. But a shift from purchase price to pence per mile was significant.

It’s these kinds of moments that tell the real story of how company car culture evolved in the UK – and how tax policy, procurement and driver expectations slowly reshaped the market.

If anyone remembers similar fleet stories from the ‘80s, ‘90s or early 2000s, I’d love to hear them.

He also reminded me of a story he covered in the mid-1990s when NatWest replaced branch managers’ Jaguars with Ford Mondeos as a cost-saving measure – apparently causing absolute uproar at the time, and gaining coverage in the Daily Mail and Financial Times in an era before online records existed.

It was a reminder of how different the fleet ecosystem was then – when many company car lists were effectively Ford, Vauxhall or Rover, and drivers pushing for more choice helped open the door to cars like the Volkswagen Golf and BMW 3 Series becoming mainstream fleet staples.

Still making progress on my book about the history of the UK company car and the policies that shaped it.

Last week I had a fascinating lunch with Ashley Martin, who edited Fleet News through much of the 1990s – and appointed me as a reporter in 2000.

The story about the phrase “throwing one’s name into the ring” reminded me of my pet hate of people saying “the proof is in the pudding”, when the correct phrase is “the proof of the pudding is in the eating”. I’m not a violent man, but I have worrying moments when I hear the former.

The story about the phrase throwing one’s name into the ring reminded me of my pet hate of people saying “the proof is in the pudding”, when the correct phrase is “the proof of the pudding is in the eating”. I’m not a violent man, but I have worrying moments when I hear the former.

I support the semantic reclamation of the word ‘humbled’, which is now routinely used incorrectly by people accepting awards or accolades. Humbled comes from the Latin ‘humus’, meaning earth or soil. It literally means being pushed into the dirt – a description of defeat, or punishment, not success.

First issue as editor of Fleet World.

Just letting those interested know I am now posting on Substack from time to time.

The brand spin-off: an overview of divergent fortunes Why some brand launches hit the spot, while others seem wide of the mark.

New Substack: how some car brand spin-offs work better than others.

Simon Harris | Substack Cutting through the hype around EVs, car values, and product strategy. Three decades in automotive journalism and valuations – now possibly writing what the industry doesn’t always want you to hear.

I’m now on Substack delivering occasional automotive insights. If you like that kind of thing delivered to your inbox, go there and hit subscribe.

New test car: Kia EV4 GT Line.

Yes, I used to go through around 4kg of Mini Eggs a year, so I’m very familiar with historic pricing strategies and weights.

Probably an illustration of shrinkflation, as well as gouging by Kraft/Cadbury and supermarkets. Three years ago the standard bag of Mini Eggs weighed 90g and cost £1. Now, it’s 74g and costs £2. The ‘family pack’ weighed 296g three years ago and costs £3. Now it’s 256g and £5.50.

Thanks very much, Andy.

Week one at Fleet World complete. Busy, messy, creative – and plenty of fun reminding myself why I’ve loved this industry for more than 25 years.

I hope things picked up.

If anyone in the industry is looking for a bit of consultancy or a fresh pair of eyes on their new model specification, pricing and strategy, do get in touch.

Wishing everyone a splendid Christmas break and a much smoother 2026.

Thanks again for being in my corner.

That said, I’ll still have capacity to advise car manufacturers on residual value strategy. It’s a niche I’ve spent many years in, and I’m still very keen to share insight with new cars where I can.

Many of you will know I’ve got a new role lined up starting at Fleet World on 5 January. It’s going to be a busy start to 2026, but I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.

And there will also be a book launched in 2026, that I’ve been writing for the last few months. More on that nearer the time.

But the people who reached out, checked in on me, or offered a "coffee and a chat" really kept me going. I’m incredibly grateful for those of you who stuck by me when things got a bit quiet, and especially those who commissioned me for writing and editing projects. I won't forget it.

I’m looking at the calendar counting down to the end of 2025, which feels like a good moment to take a breath.

To be honest, the period of sudden unemployment I went through this year was a bit of a shock to the system. It’s a strange, unsettling place to be.

And congratulations to all of the finalists, and the winners.

Here’s to an exciting year ahead for the Guild.

📸 Jakob Ebrey

A big thank you to Melissa Chadderton, Richard Netherwood and Richard Aucock for delivering such a successful evening, and to the committee for its constant support throughout the year. None of this happens without a true team effort, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’re achieving.

📸 Jakob Ebrey

I’m genuinely privileged to be chair at a time of real change and growing momentum within the Guild. The energy and commitment from everyone involved is inspiring, and events like last night dinner just how strong our community is.

📸 Jakob Ebrey

What a fantastic night at The Guild of Motoring Writers Awards. It was a pleasure to see so many friends, colleagues and supporters come together to celebrate the very best in automotive journalism.

📸 Jakob Ebrey

Very pleased to have won Business Writer of the Year at the Guild of Motoring Writers’ awards last night…many thanks to the Guild and the judges. Congrats to all the other winners!

Thanks. The book is half written – about 20,000 words so far – and now I have the deadline of the new job to make me finish it!