In a candid chat with Al Arabiya News, James May opens up about the future of motoring media, his thoughts on Elon Musk, and the changing car culture.
Joking about the latest Not Very Grand Tour reunion, May quipped that Clarkson was probably “just busy,” while also poking fun at their pub rivalry—claiming his own is far superior.
Discussing the future of car TV, May noted that it’s time for younger voices to take over. “We’ve said everything we can. It’s time for a fresh generation,” he stated, envisioning new presenters who reflect the modern world of mobility and sustainability.
May shared his views on Tesla and the backlash Elon Musk has received, emphasizing he bought the car for its engineering, not politics. “It strikes me as vandalism or terrorism light,” he said, commenting on attacks on Tesla vehicles.
He also dismissed the idea of Musk joining a car show, saying it would be too biased and unlikely to work under BBC regulations.
On the future of cars, May believes the auto industry is at a turning point. While he still loves driving, he advocates for using cars more responsibly—particularly in urban areas. “I don’t drive in London unless I need to collect a dining chair or something,” he said with a grin.
As for whether car culture is still alive for Gen Z, May admits interest has waned—but he’s hopeful the right storytellers can reignite the spark. “Car TV isn’t dead. It just needs a reboot.”
Catch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/OUJjfgd5QUM?si=kHowhf_PIwqwn6er&t=1808
