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Derek Shiekhi

Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.

After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.

While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.

Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.

In addition to writing for a variety of Internet Brands sites, including JK Forum, H-D Forums, The Mustang Source, Mustang Forums, LS1Tech, HondaTech, Jaguar Forums, YotaTech, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts. Derek also started There Will Be Cars on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-In Hybrid is Coming to the U.S. this Fall

Mark your calendars for this fall. That’s when the 2016 C350 Plug-In Hybrid will go on sale in the United States.

By: Derek Shiekhi | January 12, 2015

Check Out This Timeproof 1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 Convertible

According to CARFAX, the average amount of miles a person puts on a vehicle in a year is 15,000. Whoever owned this 1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 convertible certainly fell behind in driving it enough because it only has 72,220 miles. They obviously didn’t fail to look after its body and interior, though. Time machines exist – and they’re big enough to hold a car in them. See what I mean after the jump.

By: Derek Shiekhi | December 30, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Wants You to Know its 2015 S-Class Plug-In Hybrid is Quick

Hybrid cars, including those of the plug-in variety, have been on the road for quite a while. By now, I thought the perception of them as slow or boring would have gone away, especially since models such as the Porsche 918 and Ferrari LaFerrari exist. I guess I was wrong. Mercedes-Benz is pushing the point that its upcoming 2015 S-Class Plug-In Hybrid is no snoozer-cruiser. Find out more about it after the jump.

By: Derek Shiekhi | December 29, 2014

Autoblog’s Quick Spin in the S63 AMG Coupe

I get the feeling that when Autoblog tested the Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe, the Billy Joel song “Just the Way You Are” was playing through its speakers. In the site’s review of the S63 AMG Coupe, it basically tells the less-powerful two-door, “Don’t go changing to try and please me.” Autoblog seems to love it just the way it is. That’s not to say the publication hates the S63, though. See what I mean after the jump.

By: Derek Shiekhi | December 18, 2014

Recall: 4,871 U.S. Cars and SUVs Might Start Leaking Oil

If you happen to celebrate Christmas, I hope this year’s turns out to be your best one yet. May it be relaxing and full of love, laughter, and delicious food. Kick your feet back and enjoy it. Just know that Mercedes-Benz is probably going to start a recall around the day after, Dec. 26. Should you happen to own a 2014 or 2015 E250 BlueTec, E250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, or 2015 ML250 4Matic BlueTec, you stand a good chance of being affected by it. Find out more after the jump.

By: Derek Shiekhi | December 18, 2014

Found on MBWorld Forum: From Wheelie Bad to Towtally Worse

Some hapless Mercedes owner not only lost his or her rims and tires to thieves, but his or her entire C63 AMG coupe to a wrecker. See the horror on the MBWorld blog after the jump.

By: Derek Shiekhi | December 17, 2014

The Speed Limit in Montana Might Soon Be as High as 85 MPH

Getting behind the wheel of a fast car, such as a V12 Mercedes, is all fun and good until you hit a stretch of highway that has a 60-mph speed limit. If certain legislation passes in Montana, it looks as if that state will be the place to blast off in an AMG road rocket.

By: Derek Shiekhi | December 4, 2014