Michael Teo Van Runkle has been writing about the automotive industry, from super cars to off-road rigs and commuters, for 6 years. Prior to that, he managed wholesale precious metal IRA holdings while shopping screenplays around Hollywood. Based in Los Angeles, Michael finally sold his first script, Danger Next Door, almost exactly when his career in automotive journalism took off during the pandemic. When not behind the keyboard or the wheel of a vehicle, you’ll likely find Michael cycling, wrenching on his eclectic cars, or enjoying a single malt scotch.
Location:Los Angeles, Calif.
Expertise
Topics of Expertise:Auto, Moto, Cycling, Camping, Overlanding, Outdoor Gear
Years in Expertise: 10+
Number of Products & Number of Hours Tested: 1,000+ products, 10,000+ hours
Education & Certifications
Education:Bachelor’s Degree, UC Berkeley
Years of Writing: 15+
Certifications:SSCA, NHRA 9-Second, Eagle Scout
Club/Association Memberships:Porsche Club of America
I’ve always loved cars and leapt into the journalism industry to jumpstart my writing career. My career in automotive journalist began when I answered a Craigslist ad titled “Do you want to write about cars?”
My personal interests include Cycling, Wrenching, Travel, Cinema, Single Malt Scotch, and Ancestral Mezcal.
I took Honda’s internal employee off-road training course and walked away with some quality skills and insights into why Honda’s SUVs work off-pavement.
A mild hybrid version of Mercedes-Benz’s bestselling GLC-Class is no surprise. But real-world road-tripping in the entry-level SUV exceeds expectations.
