Future proof
The future is an uncertain place without the annual Autocar Almanac. JAMES ATTWOOD guarantees all this will happen
JANUARY
◆ Eager not to do any real work, sorry, to liven up the annual Autocar Almanac, I fire up ChatGPT and ask it to come up with some satirical events that could possibly maybe happen in 2026. My AI colleague analyses everything Elon Musk did in 2025 for source material, before writing “think you can parody that? Good luck” and exploding.
◆ There is panic in the Jaguar design office when it’s realised the blueprints for the Type 00 concept were erased in last year’s cyber attack. Gerry McGovern’s hologram rallies the troops, insisting: “We can design something even better and make another advert that will be just as universally loved.”
FEBRUARY
◆ Luca de Meo, new boss of the Kering fashion group, unveils plans to turn around the company by diversifying into new areas with key brands. “My strategy draws on my extensive experience,” says the former Renault boss before unveiling the first-ever Gucci car. It’s an instant hit, despite an ambitious premium price tag. The ride and handling are nothing special, but rivals are impressed with its storage capacity.