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Name
Richard Truett
Reporter covering technology, engineering and Jaguar Land Rover for Automotive News
rtruett@crain.com
313-446-1638
Richard Truett’s passion for technology goes back to childhood when he took the electric motors out of his toys. He dismantled his first automobile engine, a Corvair flat 6, when he was 10. At 16, he completed his first automotive project, converting his 1976 Chevrolet Vega from automatic transmission to manual. He has restored more than a dozen classic British sports cars. After earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Central Florida in 1985, Truett worked at three Florida newspapers: The Evening Herald in Sanford, The News-Journal in Daytona Beach and The Orlando Sentinel, where he was transportation reporter. He reviewed new cars and wrote about automotive topics. Truett became the engineering reporter for Automotive News in 2001. In late 2009 he began a three-year stint leading powertrain communications for Ford Motor Co. Truett returned to Automotive News in 2013 to cover engineering and technology. He cowrote the book "Drive" in 2018, published by The Smithsonian, which chronicles the history of driving.

Latest from Richard Truett

Dealer panel: Tariffs will bump up already high monthly payments

The Trump administration’s tariffs have the potential to turn up the heat on a long-simmering auto industry problem: affordability.

Mullen Automotive loses former AM General plant in Indiana

AM General's old plant in Mishawaka, Ind., could be on the market soon. Mullen Automotive turned it over in a financial settlement with a creditor.

2025 100 Leading Women: Lisa Lunsford

Lisa Lunsford doesn't have to rush, and that has been one lesson learned in a 39-year career.

2025 100 Leading Women: Charon Morgan

If you can find the perfect combination of a great company with aligned values and great people you will be very happy in what you do, Charon Morgan said.

2025 100 Leading Women: Isabelle McKenzie

The most surprising change for Isabelle McKenzie over the last 33 years in the auto industry? The electrification transition.

2025 100 Leading Women: Shannon Quinn

Cooper Standard's Shannon Quinn says the biggest change she's seen in her 33 years in the industry is the speed with which things change.

2025 100 Leading Women: Brooke Bellville

Brooke Bellville empowers her team and wants them to act like owners of the company.

Philadelphia Catholic high school opens 3-year technician training academy

The 3-year automotive academy at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia celebrated its grand opening in May as its 24-student inaugural class neared completion of their first year of studies.

U.S. judge puts Bollinger Motors into receivership; assets frozen after founder’s lawsuit

The suit filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit on March 21 against Mullen asked a federal judge to appoint a receiver to secure Bollinger Motors' assets and to ensure founder Robert Bollinger and other creditors get paid.

2026 Chevrolet Corvette gets interior makeover

Fewer buttons, bigger screens, new materials and updated graphics highlight the changes for 2026.

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