Best known for Top Gear, The Grand Tour and DriveTribe, TV presenter Richard Hammond has partnered with automotive diagnostics company Carly to help UK drivers better understand the increasingly complex technology inside modern cars – and what to do when things go wrong.
The collaboration is focused on education rather than traditional endorsement, aiming to bridge the gap between drivers and the software-led systems now embedded in most modern vehicles.
It comes at a time when cars are less mechanical and more digital, with faults increasingly linked to sensors, control units, battery voltage fluctuations and in-car communication systems rather than traditional engine wear.
A recent analysis of Carly diagnostic sessions found that the most common issues across major brands include software faults, CAN-BUS communication errors, voltage irregularities and sensor failures – highlighting just how far modern diagnostics have shifted away from purely mechanical problems.
Hammond said the appeal of the collaboration was its practical focus. “What made this partnership interesting to me is that it’s not really about advertising – it’s about helping drivers better understand modern cars in a practical, real-world way,” he says. “Cars today are driven as much by software and data as they are by mechanics, and that’s exactly the kind of conversation we’ll be focusing on.”
Carly UK Growth Manager Emma Brown said the goal is to reduce uncertainty for drivers when warning lights appear. “As vehicles continue to become more connected and technologically advanced, access to clear and understandable diagnostic information is becoming increasingly valuable,” she says. “We’re excited to be partnering with Richard Hammond to help bring that message to UK motorists.”
The company says its platform allows drivers to access manufacturer-level diagnostic data via a mobile app and OBD scanner, helping them make more informed repair decisions and potentially avoid unnecessary garage visits. The partnership builds on Carly’s wider push into driver education and transparency around vehicle health.
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