Sean McLain is an experienced journalist at The Wall Street Journal, currently based in Los Angeles, where he covers electric‑vehicle startups such as Rivian and Lucid, as well as Japanese and Korean automakers. His reporting focuses on the intersection of technology, mobility, and global industry, bringing readers insight into how new players and established companies are reshaping the automotive landscape.

Before moving to Los Angeles, McLain was stationed in Tokyo, where he reported extensively on Japanese car companies and their global strategies. His coverage of the arrest and detention of former Nissan and Renault chief Carlos Ghosn earned him the prestigious Malcolm Forbes Award from the Overseas Press Club of America. He also co‑authored a book about Ghosn, cementing his reputation as a leading voice on international automotive and corporate affairs.

McLain’s career began with editorial and feature writing at The National newspaper in the UAE, followed by freelance work across the Middle East, UK, and USA. He joined The Wall Street Journal in 2013 and has since built a portfolio that blends investigative rigor with global perspective. A graduate of St. John’s College with a degree in philosophy, history of science, and mathematics, McLain brings analytical depth to his reporting, making him a trusted source on the evolving dynamics of the auto industry.