Simon Harris

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!

I’m happy to announce that from January, I will be starting a new editorial role that will keep the lights on at home, but still have capacity for other work.
I’m excited to apply my expertise in this new chapter and look forward to sharing more details soon! 4/4

I dedicated much of the last few months to researching and writing a book on the fascinating history of the company car. This project kept me engaged and reminded me of my core strengths and interests. 3/4

You imagine that almost 30 years of experience and reputation ought to be enough to secure something else, but that nagging self-doubt always manages to creep in. While navigating this transition, I leveraged the new skills and knowledge I built over the past four years in my previous role. 2/4

100 days ago, I discovered my role was being made redundant.
Many of you will be familiar with that feeling of dread and upheaval that comes with career uncertainty.
1/4

Introduce yourself with 5 cars you’ve owned

1973 Jensen SP auto
1988 Bentley Turbo R
2006 Jaguar XJ6
2007 Seat Ibiza FR TDI
1993 Jaguar XJ12

Pitstop.

In the UK, some fleet customers of rental companies complain about damage recharges, which they are required to pay, and then rent the same vehicle weeks later and see the damage hasn’t been repaired. Rental company takes the money and the value hit.

Reskeet with a time you looked cool.

a cartoon of a man talking on a telephone with the word humming below him ALT: a cartoon of a man talking on a telephone with the word humming below him

Me, remembering how to sell stories this week.

82 now 🙋‍♂️

Residual Values & the Battle for Brand Credibility in the UK Car Market | Ennis & Co Al Clarke interviews Simon Harris on how residual values influence brand credibility and success in the competitive UK automotive market.

I was very happy to offer my car market insight in this interview with Ennis & Co, on the importance of keeping residual values in focus for new brands entering the UK.

Four weeks since my previous post here. I think I’ve learned from M*sk that my life doesn’t depend on social media.

Bsky has been brought to you today by the letters X and J, and by the number 12. Last pic by @andrewbrady.bsky.social.