Quentin Willson, former automotive journalist and consumer champion, who also worked as a automotive dealer as a part of his profession within the automotive industry, has passed away after a brief illness, aged 68.
He was a former presenter of BBC Top Gear, author and industry campaigner whose influence spanned latest, used, electric and classic cars.
His family’s statement described him as a “national treasure” and “true consumer champion”.
They said: “Quentin brought the enjoyment of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms.
“The void he has left can never be filled. His knowledge was not only learned but lived; a library of experience now beyond our reach.”
Willson presented Top Gear for greater than a decade and went on to write down and present BBC2’s The Automotive’s The Star.
He later helped to launch Channel 5’s Fifth Gear and created Britain’s Worst Driver, a format now broadcast in greater than a dozen countries.
He also co-created The Classic Automotive Show, continuing his long association with the sector.
Beyond broadcasting, Willson was known for his consumer advocacy and policy work.
He co-founded FairFuelUK, a campaigning group credited with saving motorists an estimated £100 billion in fuel duty and VAT rises through sustained lobbying of Government.
His petition attracted greater than two million signatures and made him a daily voice in Westminster on motoring taxation and transport policy.
He also campaigned for reasonably priced, low-emission and electric vehicles, working with the federal government and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.
Willson was a patron of the Hydrogen Trust and a judge for the £10 million Future UK EV Battery prize. He also worked to endorse products for Warrantywise and Castrol Oils.
As a journalist, Willson wrote weekly columns for the Mirror and Sunday Mirror for 15 years and contributed to Classic Cars Magazine for nearly a decade, alongside work for a big selection of publications.
He received the Press Association Motoring Author of the 12 months award for his successful campaign to align UK latest automotive prices with European levels, saving motorists an estimated £3 billion.
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
