About » Andrew Charman

The Car Expert

Since 2011 I have been supplying news, new car launch reports and roadtests to this award-winning consumer website. I also contribute to sister sites The Van Expert and The Truck Expert.

Automotive business titles

I have supplied dealer insights, new car reports and interviews with senior OEM personnel to leading retail industry title Motor Trader since 2008 and I am a judge for the annual awards. I also contribute to Business Car Manager.

Motorsport titles

I have supplied in-depth motorsport features to titles including Race Tech and PMW. Touring Cars and NASCAR/IndyCar are specialities. I have a wide-ranging knowledge of motorsport, in which I have been working the longest.

Automotive tech titles

I have produced many in-depth technology features for such titles as Engine & Powertrain Technology International, Crash Test Technology International, Automotive Testing Technology and Vehicle Dynamics International.

Narrow Gauge World

I was appointed editor of Narrow Gauge World magazine in 2009, and have since made it more news-focused and relevant, while also updating the look of the magazine – I also design each issue.

Engineering in Miniature

I was asked to take over Engineering in Miniature in 2018, and have since established a good relationship with the model engineering market. I also design each issue.

My Skills

Reporting, interviewing, feature-writing, photography, road-testing. Sub-editing, proofing, editing.

Proficient in InDesign, Quark Xpress, Photoshop, Wordpress (all self-taught).

My Awards

2023 – Winner, Newspress Awards, Automotive Feature Writer of the Year

2022 - Shortlisted, Newspress Awards, Automotive Technology Writer

2021 – Highly Commended, Heritage Railway Association internal communications award, for W&LLR 'The Earl' newsletter

2020 - Winner, Genesis Award, for Automotive Technology Journalism, Guild of Motoring Writers

2020 - Shortlisted, Newspress Awards, Technical Writer and Motorsport Writer

2019 - Highly Commended, Prova PR Business Coverage Award, Guild of Motoring Writers

2017 - Winner, Peugeot Motorsport Cup, for motorsport coverage, Guild of Motoring Writers
2015 – Highly Commended, Peugeot Motorsport Cup, Guild of Motoring Writers

2000 – Winner, Mitsubishi Regional Award, Guild of Motoring Writers

1997 – Winner, Timo Makinen Trophy, outstanding motorsport coverage, Guild of Motoring Writers

1995 – Winner, Timo Makinen Trophy, outstanding motorsport coverage, Guild of Motoring Writers

1984 – Winner, Mars London Marathon Photographer of the Year

My Career

2018-present Editor/Designer, Engineering in Miniature
2011-present news and road tests for TheCarExpert.co.uk (until July 2016 CarandVanNews.co.uk).

2009-present Editor/Designer Narrow Gauge World. Redesigned and increased frequency.

2008-present Monthly contributor, Motor Trader.

2001-present Freelance journalist, outlets have included Auto Express, Automotive Engineer, Business Car Manager, Car Dealer, Chrysler/Jeep Magazine, Compass magazines, CSMA magazine, Immediate Network, Historic Racing Technology, just-auto, Motor Industry Magazine, Phillips road atlases, SMMT, Steam Railway, Track & Race Car, Virgin Media, Xcar

2017-2022 Contributor, UKI Media titles, Professional Motorsport World, Crash Test Technology International

2019-2020 Media representative, Honda in the British Touring Car Championship

2006-2017 Contributing editor, Race Tech magazine, news, features, Touring Cars, NASCAR, US motorsport.
2015 Book, Haynes Steam Locomotive Drivers' Manual, published

2010-2013 Designer, GardenRail. Monthly title.

1997-2010 Motoring Correspondent, Surrey & Sussex Newspapers. Weekly syndication to 30-plus titles.

2006 Book, Total 4x4, published

2005 Book, Ferrari, published

2001-2004 Consultant Editor (freelance), Highbury House. Acting Editor Classics, Carbuyer.

1998-2000 Editor, Dorking & Leatherhead Advertisers, two-edition broadsheet weekly newspapers.

1997-1997 Launch editor, Touring Car Worldwide magazine.

1996-1996 Member of launch team, Retro magazine (today Classics Monthly).

1995-1996 Launch editor, Super Touring Magazine. Touring Car racing specialist title.

1993-1994 Editor, Top Car magazine, upmarket modified car monthy.

1991-1993 Deputy Editor, Fast Car magazine. Monthly modified car title.

1991-1991 Sub-Editor, Croydon Advertiser weekly newspaper.

1985-1991 Photo-journalist, rising to Deputy Editor, Reigate Independent weekly newspaper.

1982-1985 Initial freelancing primarily as photographer at Brands Hatch circuit.