Automotive Journalism
Road & Track, 2017. Artwork by Gabriel Moreno.
My name is Ryan ZumMallen. Writing about cars is my passion.
I was a Senior Reviews Editor at Edmunds.com, where I wrote hundreds of articles and hosted about 70 videos on YouTube. While there, I reported several industry scoops that aggregated across the web.
Secrets of the 911 Dakar: Tata Kept Porsche From Calling It the Safari
Toyota Confirms Production of Only 6,600 GR Corollas in its First Year
Genesis G90 Worth "Way More" Than $100K Price, COO Tells Edmunds
I’ve also been Senior Writer at Trucks.com, and Managing Editor at AutoMedia Solutions — though both companies are defunct now. (Womp womp.) I can provide references upon request.
I am extremely proud of the freelance work found here:
Carrara Media
Early on, I knew I wanted to write books. But I worried about rejection, delays and various other nightmares. So I started my own publishing company. I called it Carrara Media, after the marble used by famous sculptors I had studied in college. I wanted to make three-dimensional works — like they did.
So far, we’ve launched six automotive titles. I’ve written two of them: Cult of GT-R (2023) and Slow Car Fast (2019). I’ve also partnered with extremely talented writers, editors and photographers to bring their work to market.
Launching the company also allowed me to pursue my own stories in a weekly newsletter format. Launched in 2019, the Race Day newsletter on Substack now has 450 subscribers and over 130 posts about the business of car culture.
Here are some of my favorites:
We’ve also been able to host live events.
Book launches: Slow Car Fast; Cult of GT-R; We Deserve This
Book signings in Los Angeles, Monterey, Portland, Tacoma and Seattle
Speaking engagements: Cybertruck reveal party, LeMay Museum speech
Carrara Media is proud to have served as an official sponsor for these events:
R’s Day 2024 at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, CA
Japanese Classic Car Show 2024 in Long Beach, CA
Praise for Cult of GT-R
“Cult of GT-R is more than a book about a supercar, it’s a lens on the Japanese culture that spawned this icon.”
“ZumMallen goes impossibly deep on the legend of the GT-R, rooting out the stories surrounding one of the most sought after vehicles in the world.”
“Cult Of GT-R is an excellent, intricately told story that proves irresistible.”
“To most of the world, the car enthusiast is a silly person who believes a machine has a soul. This book does a good job of explaining why. ”
Podcast Appearances
Several podcasts have invited me on to speak about Cult of GT-R, starting Carrara Media and my approach to automotive journalism. Check them out:
Find the full list of media coverage for Carrara Media here.
Community Work
I try to give back to communities I care about. In addition to my automotive journalism, I’m also proud of my contributions to local nonprofits and my work in the Long Beach and Los Angeles areas.
Volunteer Experience
President of the Board
Motor Press Guild
Jan 2024 to Present
Board of Directors
We Love Long Beach
2012 to 2017
Board of Directors
Grand Prix Foundation
Dec 2021 to Present
Board of Directors
Leadership Long Beach
2015 to 2017
Education
Fellow, Health Journalism
USC Annenberg School
2010
B.A. Print Journalism
California State Long Beach
2008
Contact
Sometimes I YouTube, also.
You can find my personal channel below.
You can also find my 50+ vehicle reviews for AutoBytel here.