John McElroy brings an extensive background to covering the auto industry. Born into an automotive family, he took his first plant tour when he was only six years old. As he got older, he read any and every book about cars he could get his hands on, which led to an understanding of automotive engineering principles. As his enthusiasm for cars grew, he successfully, though briefly, ventured into amateur road racing. He also gained valuable insight to the industry working as an hourly UAW employee in various automotive manufacturing plants while working his way though college. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English at Wayne State University.

As a journalist, McElroy put his automotive background to good use. His past experience includes five years as Detroit Editor of Road & Track magazine, and as the American correspondent for World Cars, which was published by the Automobile Club of Italy. Most recently he was Editorial Director of Automotive Industries magazine.

He has written the annual automotive entry for the Encyclopedia Britannica Yearbook and has five daily radio reports on WWJ 950 AM in Detroit, the all-news CBS affiliate. He also hosts the television programs “Autoline Detroit” and “American Driver” which air on Detroit Public Television.

McElroy has appeared as an automotive expert on ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, CBS News with Dan Rather and NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw. He is often interviewed by CNN, NPR, and CBC in Canada. He is frequently asked to speak to automakers, suppliers and industry organizations. He serves on the Steering Committee for the North American Car and Truck of the Year. He is on the board of the Clinton Valley Boy Scouts, and works with the Livonia Public Schools with the Partnership Empowerment Program.

McElroy has won numerous awards for editorial excellence, particularly the Jesse H. Neal award in 1984 for his series titled, “Inside Japan,” and in 1995 and 1997 for his Editorial opinion pieces. In 1997 he was named “Communicator of the Year” by the Sales and Marketing Executives of Detroit.

He can be reached at:  Blue Sky Productions - 39201 Schoolcraft  Ste. B12 - Livonia, Michigan. Telephone: 734-542-7000. Fax: 734-542-7014.  E-mail:  jmcelroy@blueskyproductions.tv